To marry in the state of South Carolina, you need a marriage license. The following requirements apply to both residents and non-residents:

Both applicants, bride and groom, must appear together at the office of a South Carolina county probate judge and file a written application. This application asks for the full name, social security number, age, and place of residence of the bride and the groom. It is a sworn statement that must be signed by the bride and the groom and then notarized in the office of the probate judge. Applicants should also be prepared to present their social security card.

Click Here for more information on weddings in
Beaufort County (Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, SC):

Beaufort Office
The Beaufort County Courthouse is located at 102 Ribaut Road, at the Government Center at the corner of Ribaut Road and US Hwy. 21 in Beaufort, SC (843-525-7440.) Office hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hilton Head Island Office
The Probate Court Satellite Office is located at 539 Wm. Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC (843-341-8413.) Judge is available by appointment only on Wednesdays or Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There is a waiting period after the application is filed before the license can be picked up and the marriage can take place. This waiting period varies from county to county. Contact the appropriate county probate judge at least a week before you plan to marry. The waiting period in Beaufort County is 24 hours.

If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent, but you must provide proof of your age (or simply identification if you're over age 25) by presenting one of the following:
- Valid driver's license
- Original birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate
- Current military identification card
- Current passport

Applicants under the age of 18, must have parental consent for boys and girls who are at least 16 years old. All minor applicants must file an original birth certificate or a certified copy of their birth certificate, which becomes a part of their permanent application record. In addition, the parent or legal guardian of a minor applicant must appear at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a form consenting to the marriage.

Wedding ceremonies preformed on the beach on Hilton Head Island require a permit from the Town of Hilton Head.
Click Here for more information/requirements regarding beach weddings from The Town of Hilton Head Island.

The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county. Cash and correct change is required.

No blood test or physical exam is required.

South Carolina residency is not required.

No proof of divorce is required.

South Carolina does not have Justices of the Peace.

For additional information on weddings in Beaufort County, call (843) 470-5319 or (843) 470-5322.