Saluda County Marriage License Records
The Saluda County Probate Court is where couples go to apply for a marriage license in Saluda County, South Carolina. This is a small, rural county in the western part of the state. The Probate Court sits at the county seat in the town of Saluda. Staff at the court handle all license forms and can walk you through each step. Saluda County marriage records date back to 1911, the year South Carolina began to require licenses for all marriages. The court also keeps copies of past certificates on file. If you need to look up an old record or get a new copy, the Probate Court is the right place to start.
How to Get a Saluda County License
Both people must go to the Saluda County Probate Court in person. You cannot send just one person. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card. The court will give you a form. Both of you sign it at the office.
South Carolina law requires a 24-hour wait after you file. You cannot pick up the license the same day. Under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code, the written form must be on file for at least one full day. Plan ahead if your wedding date is near.
After the wait, go back to the court. The staff will hand you the license. It is then ready for your ceremony.
Saluda County License Requirements
State law sets the rules for who can marry. Both people must be at least 16 years old. If one or both are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a sworn form of consent. The court will need proof of age for any minor. These rules come from Section 20-1-250 of the state code.
There is no blood test. There is no rule that says you must live in Saluda County or in South Carolina. Couples from out of state can apply here as long as they meet the basic rules. If you were married before, bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for a prior spouse. This shows you are free to marry again.
Bring your photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport will work. You also need your Social Security card.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Once you have the license, you need someone to lead the wedding. South Carolina law is clear on who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, only ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers who may give oaths in the state, and the chief or spiritual leader of a state-recognized Native American Indian group can officiate.
The officiant must sign the marriage certificate. They then return it to the Saluda County Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the state.
Saluda County Marriage Records
The Saluda County Probate Court holds marriage records from 1911 to the present. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, call or visit the court. You will need to give the names on the record and the date of the marriage. Bring a valid photo ID.
The screenshot below is from the South Carolina Code of Laws, which lists the legal rules for marriage licenses across the state, including Saluda County.
For marriages from July 1950 through December 2023, you can also get a copy from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The state office charges a $12 search fee by mail or $17 for faster service.
Fees and Payment for Saluda Licenses
South Carolina law adds a $20 fee on top of the base marriage license fee. This extra amount goes to the Domestic Violence Fund under Section 20-1-375. The total cost can vary, so call the Saluda County Probate Court to confirm the current fee before you visit.
Most courts take cash. Some also take money orders or checks. Credit card options depend on the office. Call ahead or check the Saluda County website for the latest payment info.
Premarital Preparation Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a one-time $50 state income tax credit for couples who finish a qualifying premarital course. The course must be at least six hours. It must be taught by a licensed counselor or an active member of the clergy. Both people must take it together. You must finish the course within 12 months before you apply for the license.
When you apply at the Saluda County Probate Court, bring proof of course work. The court will note it on your license. This credit is in Section 20-1-230 of the state code.
State Vital Records for Saluda Marriages
The image below is from the South Carolina Department of Public Health vital records page, which covers how to request marriage certificates at the state level.
After a wedding, the officiant must return the signed certificate to the Probate Court. The court records it 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 in Saluda County, the Probate Court can help. Older records may also be at the state archives in Columbia.
Common Questions About Saluda Licenses
Can I apply online? At this time, both people must go to the Saluda County Probate Court in person. There is no online option here.
Is there a waiting period? Yes. The 24-hour wait is set by state law. It cannot be waived. Apply at least one business day before your planned wedding.
Does the license work in other states? The license is only valid for a ceremony held in South Carolina. A marriage done here is generally recognized in all 50 states.
What if I lost my certificate? Contact the Saluda County Probate Court or the state vital records office in Columbia for a certified copy.