Georgetown County Marriage License Records
Georgetown County marriage records are maintained by the Probate Court in Georgetown. The Marriage License Division oversees applications, issues licenses, and records certified marriage documents. This coastal South Carolina county has kept marriage records since 1911. The county seat is Georgetown. Couples visit the Probate Court to begin their marriage license application process.
Georgetown County Quick Facts
Georgetown County Probate Court Marriage Division
The Probate Court in Georgetown County manages all marriage license matters. The Marriage License Division handles three main functions. They process applications from couples. They issue licenses after the waiting period. They record certified marriage records after ceremonies. This division works within the broader Probate Court system.
The court is divided into four main sections. The Estate Division handles wills and deceased persons. The Protective Court manages guardianships. The Therapeutic Court deals with commitments. The Marriage License Division serves couples getting married. Staff can answer questions about the process.
Visit the Georgetown County website for current information on marriage license procedures. The Probate Court operates as part of South Carolina's judicial system. Staff cannot give legal advice. They can explain the application steps and required documents.
The source for this information is gtcounty.org/224/Probate-Court.
| Court |
Georgetown County Probate Court Marriage License Division Georgetown, SC Phone: (843) 545-3274 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | gtcounty.org/224/Probate-Court |
How to Apply for a Georgetown County Marriage License
Couples must follow state law when applying in Georgetown County. Both parties need to appear together. They must bring proper identification. The process takes about thirty minutes. A waiting period follows before the license is ready.
Required documents include government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms are a driver's license or state ID card. A passport or military ID also works. Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers. Non-citizens need a passport and visa with alien registration number.
Applicants under eighteen need extra documentation. They must bring a certified birth certificate. A parent must accompany them. The parent must give notarized consent. Minors under sixteen cannot marry in South Carolina.
The application process involves several steps. First, both parties visit the Probate Court. Second, they complete the written application. Third, they show required documents. Fourth, they pay the license fee. The license is issued after the mandatory waiting period ends.
Georgetown County Marriage License Fees
Fees vary based on residency status. South Carolina residents pay less than out-of-state couples. Cash is the standard payment method. Call ahead to confirm current rates before visiting.
The main fees include the application fee. Residents of South Carolina pay one rate. Non-residents pay a higher amount. Certified copies cost extra. Each copy requires a separate fee payment.
Note: Fees are set by state law and county policy. They are subject to change. The Probate Court accepts cash for most transactions. Some locations may accept money orders.
Marriage License Waiting Period in Georgetown County
South Carolina law requires a twenty-four hour waiting period. This applies to all counties including Georgetown. The clock starts when the application is filed. Couples cannot get married until this time passes.
The waiting period gives couples time to reflect. It is a legal requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-200. The Probate Court cannot waive this period. Plan your wedding date accordingly.
Once issued, the license does not expire. South Carolina licenses are valid statewide. You can marry in any county. The ceremony must occur in South Carolina.
Georgetown County Marriage Records Search
The Probate Court maintains records from 1911 to present. These documents are public in most cases. Anyone can request a search. Certified copies are available for legal use.
To search for a marriage record, you need names and dates. Provide the full names of both parties. Include the approximate marriage date. The court staff will search the index. Results take a few business days.
Certified copies serve many purposes. You may need one for name changes. Insurance companies often require them. Social Security offices accept certified copies. The fee is typically five dollars per copy.
The Probate Court keeps records secure. Original documents stay at the courthouse. They are preserved according to state standards. Microfilm backups exist for older records. Fireproof storage protects these vital documents.
Getting Married in Georgetown County
South Carolina offers flexible ceremony options. Many officiants can perform weddings. Clergy members of any denomination may officiate. Notaries Public in South Carolina have this power too. Judges and magistrates perform ceremonies.
No witnesses are required by state law. This differs from many other states. The couple and officiant are sufficient. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license. They return it to the Probate Court for recording.
Georgetown County offers beautiful wedding locations. The historic district provides scenic backdrops. Beaches are nearby for coastal ceremonies. Many venues host weddings year-round. The county's charm attracts couples from across the region.
Cities in Georgetown County
Georgetown County includes several communities. All marriage licenses are issued at the Georgetown County Probate Court regardless of your city of residence.
Georgetown is the county seat. The Probate Court serves all residents of Georgetown County seeking marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
Georgetown County borders several other South Carolina counties. If you are not sure where to apply, check your county of residence. You must apply in the county where you reside.