Lancaster County Marriage Records Search

Lancaster County marriage records date back to 1911 and are kept by the Probate Court. Lancaster County is in the north-central part of South Carolina near the North Carolina border. The county seat is the city of Lancaster. Residents apply for marriage licenses at the Probate Court office. The county serves couples throughout Lancaster, Indian Land, Kershaw, and Heath Springs.

Lancaster County Probate Court Marriage License Division

The Lancaster County Probate Court manages all marriage licenses for the county. The office is in the courthouse complex in Lancaster. Staff issue licenses and maintain records for all county marriages.

Lancaster County has kept marriage records since 1911. This was when state law required counties to record marriages. Records from 1911 to 1950 are available through some online genealogy sources.

The Probate Court office operates during regular hours. Both applicants must appear together. Staff guide couples through the license process.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Lancaster County

Applying for a marriage license in Lancaster County requires both parties to appear. The process follows South Carolina law. The Probate Court staff will guide you through each step.

Visit the Probate Court at the courthouse in Lancaster. Both people must bring valid photo identification. Driver's licenses, passports, and state IDs are accepted.

Complete the marriage license application with accurate information. Staff will verify your identities and process the paperwork. The application asks for basic personal details and family information.

Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-220, a twenty-four hour waiting period applies. Lancaster County cannot issue the license until one day after application. Plan your wedding timeline with this requirement in mind.

The license fee in Lancaster County follows state guidelines. Contact the office to confirm current fees. Bring exact change when possible.

How to Get Certified Copies of Lancaster County Marriage Records

Lancaster County provides certified copies of marriage licenses. These documents are often needed for legal purposes. The Probate Court processes copy requests in person and by mail.

Certified copies cost a fee set by state law. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order. Contact the office for current pricing.

To request copies, provide both full names and the marriage date. This information helps staff locate the correct record. Processing typically takes one business day.

Copies can be mailed to your address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with mail requests. Rush processing may be available for an additional fee.

Certified copies bear the official seal of Lancaster County. They are accepted for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal needs.

Historical Lancaster County Marriage Records

Lancaster County has preserved marriage records since 1911. These historical documents provide valuable genealogical information. The collection includes records from 1911 to the present day.

Records from 1911 to 1950 are of special interest to genealogists. Lancaster County maintained these records locally. They are now part of the official archives.

The Lancaster County Library provides access to research databases. Visit their website for online research tools. The library has resources for tracing family history.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also holds historical records. Their collection supplements what Lancaster County maintains locally. Researchers can access both sources for complete information.

Lancaster County Library Marriage Records Resources

The Lancaster County Library supports marriage record research. Their databases include historical and genealogical resources. Residents can access these tools with a library card.

The library provides online databases for remote research. You can search from home at any time. Visit the library website to explore available resources.

Library staff can assist with genealogy questions. They offer guidance on using research databases. Workshops and classes are available for beginners.

Physical collections at the library include local history materials. These may contain marriage announcements and family records. Check with library staff for specific holdings.

Note: Library resources complement official court records. For certified copies, contact the Probate Court directly.

Lancaster County Marriage License Requirements

Lancaster County follows South Carolina law for marriage licenses. Both parties must meet basic requirements. The Probate Court verifies eligibility before issuing licenses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Minors require parental consent and court approval. Contact the court for information on underage marriage procedures.

No blood tests are required in South Carolina. This simplifies the application process. You do not need medical documentation.

Previous marriages must be legally dissolved. Bring divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable. The court needs proof that prior marriages ended.

There is no residency requirement for marriage in Lancaster County. Out-of-state couples can apply here. Your license will be valid throughout South Carolina.

Lancaster County Special Marriage License Provisions

Under South Carolina law, Lancaster County has special provisions for marriage license fees. The probate judge in Lancaster retains a portion of the fee as compensation.

This provision is similar to Bamberg, Greenville, and Lee counties. The special fee structure has been in place for many years.

Couples should check with the Probate Court for current fee amounts. Fees may differ slightly from other counties due to this provision.

All other requirements remain the same as state law. The 24-hour waiting period still applies. Age and identification requirements do not change.

Cities in Lancaster County

Lancaster County includes several cities and towns. All marriage licenses for county residents are issued by the Lancaster County Probate Court.

Lancaster is the largest city in Lancaster County. The Probate Court serves all communities within the county boundaries.

Nearby Counties

Lancaster County borders several other South Carolina counties. Marriage licenses must be obtained in the county where the ceremony occurs. Verify your wedding location before applying.

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