Union County Marriage License Filing Guide
The Union County Probate Court is the place to go for a marriage license in Union County, South Carolina. This office takes care of all license requests and keeps the local marriage records on file. Whether you live in Union County or plan to travel here for your wedding, the Probate Court is where the process starts. Staff can help you with forms, answer basic questions, and point you in the right direction. The court also issues certified copies of past marriage certificates for those who need them for legal or personal use.
Union County License Application Steps
Both people must visit the Union County Probate Court in person to file. You cannot send just one person. Each of you must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works well. You also need your Social Security card.
At the office, the staff will give you the form. Both of you must sign it right there. After filing, a 24-hour wait kicks in. This is a state rule under Section 20-1-220 of the South Carolina Code. No one can waive it. You come back the next day to pick up the license.
Who Can Get a License
Both people must be at least 16. If either is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide a sworn consent form. The court will also need to see a birth certificate or similar proof of age for any minor.
South Carolina does not ask for a blood test. It does not ask you to be a resident. You can live in any state and still get a license in Union County. If you had a past marriage, bring your final divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. The rules on age and consent come from Section 20-1-250.
Marriage Ceremony Officiants in Union County
Getting the license is just one part. You need someone to lead the ceremony too. South Carolina law limits who can do this. Under Section 20-1-20, these people may officiate a wedding:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers who can administer oaths in South Carolina
- Chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian group recognized by the state
The officiant signs the marriage certificate after the ceremony. They must then return it to the Union County Probate Court for filing.
Union County Marriage Records
The Probate Court maintains marriage records for Union County. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, contact the court. You will need the full names of both people on the record and the date of the wedding. Bring your photo ID.
The image below is from the Union County government website, which lists Probate Court and public service details for the county.
For marriages that took place from July 1950 through December 2023, the South Carolina Department of Public Health in Columbia can also issue copies. The state charges $12 by mail or $17 for a rush request.
Premarital Preparation Credit
Couples who take a premarital prep course may earn a one-time $50 state income tax credit. The course must run at least six hours. A licensed counselor or active member of the clergy must teach it. Both of you attend as a pair, not alone.
Finish the course within 12 months before you file for a license. Bring proof to the Union County Probate Court when you apply. The court will note it on your license. This rule is in Section 20-1-230 of state law.
Vital Records and State Filing
After a ceremony, the officiant must send the signed certificate back to the Probate Court. The court records it and sends a copy to the South Carolina Division of Vital Records. Section 20-1-340 requires this step.
If your record is on file with the state, you can order a certified copy online through VitalChek, by phone at 1-877-284-1008, or by mail. A valid photo ID is needed for every request.
For records that date before 1950, start with the Union County Probate Court. The state archives may also hold older files that are useful for family history work.
Questions About Union County Licenses
Can I apply by mail or online? No. The law requires both people to appear at the Probate Court in person. There is no remote option.
How long is the wait? The 24-hour rule is firm. You must wait one full day after you file. Plan your trip to the court with this in mind.
Does the license work outside South Carolina? No. The Union County marriage license is valid only for ceremonies held in the state. A marriage performed here, though, is recognized across the country.
Can I get a copy years later? Yes. The Probate Court and the state vital records office both keep certified copies on hand. Call ahead to ask what they need from you.