McCormick County Marriage License
McCormick County is one of the smallest counties in South Carolina. The McCormick County Probate Court handles all marriage license requests for the area. This court is located at the McCormick County Courthouse. Couples who wish to wed can file an application at the Probate Court during regular hours. Staff will guide you through the forms and what to bring. McCormick County marriage license records go back to 1911. The court also holds certified copies for those who need a copy of their marriage certificate later on. Whether you live in McCormick County or plan to visit for a wedding, this office is your first stop.
Applying for a McCormick County License
Both people must visit the McCormick County Probate Court together. One person cannot go alone. Each of you needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Bring your Social Security card as well.
At the court, you fill out a written application. Both parties sign it in front of staff. After filing, the 24-hour wait begins. This wait is required by Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. The court will not issue the license until at least one full day has passed.
Return to the court after the wait to pick up the license. It is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina. Plan ahead if your wedding date is soon.
McCormick County License Eligibility
Both parties must be at least 16 years old. If either person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide sworn consent. The Probate Court will want to see a birth certificate or other proof of age for a minor.
South Carolina has no blood test rule. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in McCormick County or even in the state to apply. Out-of-state and out-of-country couples are welcome. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. If you were married before, you must bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse.
These rules come from Section 20-1-250 and Section 20-1-100 of the South Carolina Code.
McCormick County Wedding Officiants
The license alone does not make you married. You need someone to perform the ceremony. South Carolina law is strict on this point. Under Section 20-1-20, only certain people may lead a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorized to administer oaths in this state
- A chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony and return it to the McCormick County Probate Court for filing.
McCormick County Marriage Records
Marriage records at the McCormick County Probate Court go back to 1911. You can request a certified copy by contacting the court. Bring ID and provide the names and date of the marriage so staff can find the record.
The image below is from the McCormick County government website, which lists Probate Court contact details and services for marriage license applicants in the county.
For marriages that took place from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also request a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The state charges $12 by mail or $17 for a faster request. Records outside that date range must come from the county Probate Court.
Fees for McCormick Marriage Licenses
Under Section 20-1-375 of the South Carolina Code, a $20 surcharge is added to every marriage license fee. This money goes to the Domestic Violence Fund. The total cost may vary from county to county, so call the McCormick County Probate Court to ask about the current fee.
Cash is accepted at most courts. Some take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Call ahead to be sure. And keep in mind that the 24-hour waiting period cannot be shortened, so allow time for the wait when you plan your visit.
Premarital Course Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who take a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must be at least six hours long and taught by a licensed counselor or active member of the clergy. Both people attend together.
Finish the course within 12 months before you file your application. Bring your proof of completion to the McCormick County Probate Court. The court will note the course on the license. Details are in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Records for McCormick County
After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required by Section 20-1-340 of the state code. It creates a central file for every marriage in South Carolina.
Researchers looking into family history may find older McCormick County records at the state archives. The local Probate Court is also a good place to search. Many people check both the county and state offices when they trace their roots.
McCormick County License Questions
Can you file online? No. Both people must go to the McCormick County Probate Court in person. The office does not take applications by mail or phone.
Is the wait always 24 hours? Yes. State law sets this rule and it applies in every county. You cannot get it waived. Apply at least one business day before you need the license.
Will the license work outside the state? The license is only valid for ceremonies in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed here is recognized across the country. If you lose your certificate, ask the Probate Court or the state vital records office for a new certified copy.
McCormick County is small, so the Probate Court may have shorter hours than offices in bigger counties. Call ahead to make sure the office will be open when you plan to visit.