Orangeburg County Marriage License Court Information
The Orangeburg County Probate Court issues marriage licenses for couples in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. Probate Judge Pandora Jones-Glover leads the court and oversees all license applications. Both people must visit the office in person to file their forms. The Probate Court staff will guide you through the process from start to finish. Orangeburg County is in the central part of the state and covers a large area. Marriage license records here go back many years. The court keeps certified copies on file for those who need them later. If you plan to wed in Orangeburg County, the Probate Court is where you start.
How to Apply in Orangeburg County
Both parties must go to the Orangeburg County Probate Court together. You cannot send one person alone. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card.
At the office, both people fill out the application and sign it. South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after the form is filed. Under Section 20-1-220 of the state code, the court cannot give you the license on the same day. Plan to come back the next day or later.
The Orangeburg County marriage license is valid for use anywhere in South Carolina. You are not limited to holding the ceremony in Orangeburg County.
Orangeburg Marriage License Requirements
South Carolina sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give sworn consent at the court. The court will ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age for any minor. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
There is no blood test. South Carolina has no residency rule. You do not need to live in Orangeburg County or in the state to apply. Couples from other states can file here with no added steps.
If you were married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A final divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse is needed. The Probate Court must see this before it can process your new application.
Orangeburg County Probate Court Role
The Probate Court in Orangeburg County does more than issue marriage licenses. Judge Pandora Jones-Glover has spoken publicly about the court's work. In an Associated Press report, she was quoted about marriage license applications and the review process at the county level. The court also handles estates, guardianships, and other legal matters.
The image below is from the Orangeburg County government website, which provides information about the Probate Court and its services for marriage license applicants.
The court sits at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Call ahead to confirm hours. Staff can answer questions about what to bring and how to prepare.
Who Can Officiate the Ceremony
Once you hold your Orangeburg County marriage license, someone must lead the ceremony. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only the following people may officiate a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers allowed to give oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They return the signed document to the Orangeburg County Probate Court for recording. The court sends a copy to the state vital records office as well.
Orangeburg County Marriage Records
The Orangeburg County Probate Court keeps marriage records on file. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need to show ID and give the names on the record and the date of the marriage.
The screenshot below is from the Associated Press, which references Orangeburg County Probate Judge Pandora Jones-Glover in a report about marriage license practices in South Carolina.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you may also request a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health in Columbia. The state charges a $12 fee by mail or $17 for rush service. Older records may be found at the state archives.
Fees for Orangeburg Marriage Licenses
South Carolina law adds a $20 surcharge to every marriage license fee. This money goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375 of the state code. The total cost may vary, so call the Orangeburg County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before your visit.
Most courts accept cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Ask the office about credit card options. It is best to call ahead so you know what to bring.
Orangeburg Premarital Course Credit
South Carolina gives a one-time $50 state income tax credit to couples who finish a qualifying premarital preparation course. The course must run at least six hours. A licensed counselor or a member of the clergy must teach it. Both people take the course together within 12 months before they apply for the license.
Bring proof of the course when you visit the Orangeburg County Probate Court. The court notes it on the license. This credit is described in Section 20-1-230 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
State Vital Records for Orangeburg
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records the marriage and sends one copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. This is required under Section 20-1-340. It keeps a central record of every marriage in the state.
If you are doing family history research, the Probate Court can help with local file searches. The South Carolina Judicial Department website lists court contact details for each county, including Orangeburg. Statewide marriage registration began in July 1950, but county records may go back further.
Common Questions About Orangeburg Licenses
Can you apply online? No. Both people must appear in person at the Orangeburg County Probate Court. There is no online or mail option for the marriage license application.
Can the wait be waived? No. The 24-hour rule is set by state law. It applies to all counties. Apply at least one business day before your wedding date.
Does the license work in other states? The license is valid only for ceremonies held in South Carolina. However, a marriage performed under a valid South Carolina license is recognized in all 50 states. If you lose your certificate, request a certified copy from the Orangeburg County Probate Court or the state vital records office in Columbia.