North Charleston Marriage Records Search
North Charleston marriage records are filed at the Charleston County Probate Court. With a population of about 120,000, North Charleston is the third largest city in South Carolina. The city sits entirely within Charleston County. All marriage licenses for North Charleston residents come from the county Probate Court on Broad Street.
North Charleston Quick Facts
Charleston County Probate Court for North Charleston
North Charleston residents use the same Probate Court as Charleston residents. The court is at the Judicial Center in downtown Charleston. It is about a 15-minute drive from most parts of North Charleston.
The Marriage License Division handles all applications. Both parties must appear in person. Bring valid photo ID for each person. The court accepts driver's licenses, passports, or state ID cards.
The license fee is $70. Pay by cash, money order, or credit card. Bring exact change for cash payments. The court does not make change.
The City of North Charleston provides local services for residents. While marriage licenses come from the county, the city offers other resources. Visit northcharleston.org for city information and services.
| Court |
Charleston County Marriage License Division Judicial Center, Suite 469 100 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5183 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | charlestoncounty.org |
Call ahead to check wait times. The office gets busy in summer and on Fridays. You can also use the online LOVE system to start your application before you visit.
North Charleston Marriage Records Online Search
Search North Charleston marriage records through the Charleston County database. The system covers all of Charleston County. This includes North Charleston, Charleston, and Mount Pleasant.
The online search goes back to 1879. You can search by name. Use the percent sign for wildcard searches. This helps if you are not sure of the spelling.
Results show basic facts. You will see names, dates, and case numbers. Click the plus icon for more details. The database is free to use.
Note: Online results are not certified copies. You must contact the Probate Court for official documents with the county seal.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in North Charleston
North Charleston residents follow the same steps as other Charleston County residents. The process follows South Carolina state law.
Both parties must apply together. You can start online with the LOVE system. Or visit the Probate Court in person. Either way, both must show ID and sign the form.
South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period. You cannot get the license the same day you apply. Plan your wedding date with this in mind.
No blood test is required. You do not need to live in South Carolina. The license works anywhere in the state. Out-of-state couples can apply in North Charleston too.
If either party was married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A divorce decree or death certificate works. The court needs to verify you are free to marry.
How to Get Certified Copies of North Charleston Marriage Records
After your wedding, order certified copies. You need these for name changes and other legal needs. The Charleston County Probate Court sells them for $5 each.
Order in person or by mail. For mail orders, include both names and the wedding date. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by money order.
Certified copies have the official seal. They work for banks, DMV, and Social Security. Order several copies. You will need them for different tasks.
Historical North Charleston Marriage Records
North Charleston became a city in 1972. Before that, the area was part of unincorporated Charleston County. Old marriage records are filed under Charleston County.
The Charleston County Public Library helps with genealogy research. They have tools to search old records. Visit any branch for help. The South Carolina Room has special collections.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also holds old records. Their files go back many decades. You may need to check both places for complete family history.
North Charleston Marriage License Requirements
Getting married in North Charleston follows South Carolina law. Both parties must meet basic standards. The Charleston County Probate Court checks all requirements.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Valid government photo ID is required. Driver's licenses and passports are accepted forms.
No blood test is required. This simplifies the application process. Medical documentation is not needed.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. Divorce papers or death certificates work. The court must verify you are free to marry.
There is no residency requirement. Out-of-state couples can apply in North Charleston. The license works anywhere in South Carolina.
Charleston County Marriage Records
North Charleston is in Charleston County. All marriage licenses for city residents come from the county Probate Court. For more about the court system, fees, and other county resources, visit the Charleston County page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Other cities in Charleston County also use the same Probate Court. Pick a city below to learn more.