Horry County Marriage License and Records
Horry County marriage records are available through the Probate Court in Conway. This coastal county includes popular destinations like Myrtle Beach. Thousands of couples obtain licenses here each year. The county serves both residents and destination wedding couples. The Probate Court maintains records dating back to 1911.
Horry County Quick Facts
Horry County Probate Court in Conway
The Probate Court sits at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway. This location serves all of Horry County. Many visitors come from Myrtle Beach. The drive takes about twenty minutes. The office is close to the historic downtown area.
Hours are Monday through Friday. The office opens at eight. It closes at five. Marriage license applications are accepted until four thirty. Arrive early to complete the process.
Phone support is available. Call 843-915-5370 for questions. Staff can explain requirements. They answer questions about documentation. They also provide fee information.
The source for this information is horrycountysc.gov/departments/probate-court.
| Court |
Horry County Probate Court 1301 Second Avenue Conway, SC 29526 Phone: 843-915-5370 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | horrycountysc.gov/departments/probate-court |
Marriage Licenses for Myrtle Beach Weddings
Myrtle Beach is a top wedding destination. Couples from across the nation marry here. The Horry County Probate Court issues all licenses. This includes beach ceremonies. The license is valid anywhere in South Carolina.
The Conway office is fifteen miles from Myrtle Beach Airport. Most couples rent a car. Taxis and rideshares also serve the route. Plan for traffic during peak season. Summer months are busiest.
Destination wedding planners often assist couples. They know the license process. They schedule Probate Court visits. Many plan around the twenty-four hour waiting period. This ensures everything is legal for the ceremony.
The source for this information is cityofmyrtlebeach.com.
Horry County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear in person. This rule is strict. No proxy applications are allowed. Both parties sign the application. Identification is verified for each person.
Required documents include Social Security cards. Bring the physical card if possible. Valid photo ID is mandatory. A driver's license works best. Passports and military IDs are also accepted.
Applicants under eighteen need extra paperwork. Certified birth certificates are required. Both parents must provide notarized consent. Sometimes court approval is needed too. Call ahead if this applies to you.
- Both parties present in person
- Social Security cards for both
- Valid photo identification
- Cash for payment
- Proof of age for minors
Note: All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted for most requirements.
Horry County Marriage License Fees
The fee structure has three tiers. Horry County residents pay fifty dollars. This is cash only. Other South Carolina residents pay seventy-five dollars. This is also cash only. Out-of-state residents pay one hundred fifteen dollars. They may use cash or money order.
Cash payments must be in exact change. The office cannot make change. This is important to remember. Bring the correct amount. Nearby ATMs are available if needed.
Additional copies cost five dollars each. Order these at the time of application. You can also request them later. Certified copies are often needed. Banks and government agencies require them.
Marriage License Waiting Period in Horry County
South Carolina requires a twenty-four hour wait. This starts when you apply. You cannot marry during this time. Plan your trip accordingly. Many couples apply on Thursday for a Saturday wedding.
The waiting period is set by state law. It applies to all counties. No waivers are granted. The purpose is to allow reflection. Couples should use this time to prepare.
Once issued, the license has no expiration. This differs from many states. You can marry immediately after the wait. Or you can wait months. The choice is yours.
Horry County Marriage Records Search
The Probate Court maintains all marriage records. These date to 1911. Records are public documents. Anyone can request a search. Certified copies are available for a fee.
To request a record search, provide names and dates. Include both parties' full names. The approximate marriage date helps. Staff search the index. Results are mailed or held for pickup.
Historical records interest many researchers. Genealogists visit Horry County for family history. The coastal location attracted settlers for centuries. Marriage records document these connections. They are valuable for understanding local heritage.
Cities in Horry County
Horry County includes many popular cities and towns. All marriage licenses are issued at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway.
Myrtle Beach is the largest city in Horry County and a popular wedding destination. The Probate Court in Conway serves all residents.
Nearby Counties
Horry County borders several other South Carolina counties. Marriage licenses must be obtained in your county of residence.