Columbia Marriage Records Search
Columbia marriage records are managed by the Richland County Probate Court. As the state capital, Columbia serves as the seat of Richland County. Most Columbia residents obtain marriage licenses through this county office. The court offers online applications and maintains records for all marriages within the county jurisdiction.
Columbia Quick Facts
Richland County Probate Court for Columbia Residents
The Richland County Probate Court issues all marriage licenses for Columbia residents. The court is in Columbia at the county courthouse. Staff process applications and keep marriage records for the county.
Columbia sits in Richland County. Some parts of the city extend into Lexington County. Most residents use the Richland office. Check your address to confirm which county serves you.
The Probate Court offers online applications. You can fill out the form from home. After you submit it, email the form to the court. Staff will process it and mail your license after the waiting period.
The South Carolina State House stands in downtown Columbia. It is the seat of state government. Marriage laws are made here. You can visit scstatehouse.gov to read the state codes that govern marriage in South Carolina.
| Court |
Richland County Probate Court Marriage License Division Columbia, SC Email: license.marriage@richlandcountysc.gov |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online | richlandcountysc.gov |
The online system is open 24 hours a day. You can apply any time. Staff process forms during business hours. The license comes by mail after the 24-hour wait.
Columbia Marriage License Online Application
Richland County has an online system for marriage licenses. Columbia residents can use it from home. You do not need to visit the courthouse to apply.
To start, go to the Richland County website. Fill out the form with both parties' info. Upload copies of your ID. Pay the fee with a debit or credit card. The fee is $45.24.
After you submit, email the form to license.marriage@richlandcountysc.gov. Staff will review it. They will mail the license to you. This happens after the 24-hour wait.
The whole process takes about one week. Apply early to have your license in time. You cannot use it until one day after you apply.
Note: Both parties must complete the form. You both need valid ID. The online system guides you through each step.
Columbia Marriage License Requirements
Getting married in Columbia requires a license from Richland County. Both parties must meet state rules. The process is simple but has key steps.
Both applicants must be 18 or older. Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works. The court checks your identity before issuing the license.
South Carolina has a 24-hour waiting period. You cannot marry the same day you apply. Plan ahead. The license is good anywhere in the state.
No blood test is needed. You do not have to live in South Carolina. Out-of-state couples can marry in Columbia too. The license costs $45.24 for residents and non-residents alike.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A divorce decree or death certificate works. The court needs to see that you are free to marry.
Columbia City Clerk Office
The City of Columbia has a Clerk's office. They do not issue marriage licenses. But they keep city records and can point you to the right office.
The City Clerk is at 1737 Main Street. Erika D. Moore Hammond serves as the Clerk. The office handles city agendas and public requests. Visit cityclerk.columbiasc.gov for city services.
For marriage licenses, go to Richland County Probate Court. The City Clerk will tell you the same. They work with the county but do not handle marriage records.
How to Get Certified Copies of Columbia Marriage Records
After your wedding in Columbia, get certified copies. You need these for name changes and legal tasks. Richland County Probate Court sells them.
Contact the court to order copies. Give them both names and the wedding date. Pay the copy fee. The court will mail them to you.
Certified copies have the official seal. They work for Social Security, DMV, and banks. Order two or three copies. You will need them for different tasks.
Richland Library Marriage Records Resources
The Richland Library helps with marriage record research. They have tools for family history work. You can learn about old marriage records there.
South Carolina did not require marriage records until 1911. Before that, counties kept their own files. Richland County has records from that era. The library can help you find them.
Visit richlandlibrary.com for more info. They have online databases too. You can search from home with a library card.
Richland County Marriage Records
Columbia is the seat of Richland County. All marriage licenses for city residents come from the county Probate Court. For more about fees, forms, and other resources, visit the Richland County page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Other cities near Columbia also file for marriage licenses at their county courts. Pick a city below to learn more.