Orangeburg County Marriage Records and Licenses
Orangeburg County marriage records date back to 1911. The Orangeburg County Probate Court maintains all marriage licenses issued within the county. Couples can apply for marriage licenses at the courthouse in Orangeburg. The county serves residents throughout the central South Carolina region. Marriage records from 1911 through 1950 are maintained locally at the Probate Court office.
Orangeburg County Quick Facts
Orangeburg County Probate Court Marriage Records
The Orangeburg County Probate Court holds all marriage records for the county. This office began recording marriages in 1911 when South Carolina required statewide registration. The Probate Court is located at the Orangeburg County Courthouse.
Staff at the Probate Court issue new marriage licenses. They also maintain records of all marriages performed in Orangeburg County. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available upon request.
The court office is open during regular business hours. Both parties must appear together to apply for a license. Valid photo identification is required for all applicants.
Orangeburg County follows South Carolina state law for all marriage procedures. The 24-hour waiting period applies to all applications. No licenses are issued until this period has passed.
Historical marriage records from 1911 to 1950 are available only at the county level. These records were not forwarded to the state during this period. Researchers seeking older records should contact the Probate Court directly.
| Court |
Orangeburg County Probate Court Orangeburg County Courthouse 190 Gibson Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 Phone: (803) 533-6245 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records | Marriage licenses from 1911 to present |
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Orangeburg County
Applying for a marriage license in Orangeburg County requires both parties to appear in person. The process is straightforward and follows state guidelines. The Probate Court staff will assist you through each step.
Visit the Orangeburg County Probate Court during business hours. Both applicants must bring valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include driver's licenses, passports, or state-issued ID cards.
Complete the marriage license application with accurate information. You will need to provide your full legal name and date of birth. Social Security numbers are also required for the application.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-220, a twenty-four hour waiting period is mandatory. Orangeburg County cannot issue the license until one full day has passed. Plan your wedding date with this requirement in mind.
If either party was previously married, bring proof that the marriage ended. Divorce decrees or death certificates serve as proof. The court needs to verify that prior marriages were legally dissolved.
No blood test is required in South Carolina. This makes the application process simpler. You do not need medical clearance to marry in Orangeburg County.
Historical Orangeburg County Marriage Records
Orangeburg County has preserved marriage records since 1911. These historical documents provide valuable genealogical information. Family historians often search these records to trace ancestry.
Before 1911, South Carolina did not require marriage licenses. Couples may have recorded marriages in church records or family Bibles. Some early marriages appear in estate papers or court documents.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds some early Orangeburg County records. Their collection includes various documents from the colonial period. Visit their website for more information on available resources.
Orangeburg County marriage records from 1911 to 1950 are maintained locally. These records are not available at the state level. Contact the Probate Court for access to these older records.
Online genealogy databases may contain Orangeburg County marriage information. FamilySearch and Ancestry.com have some South Carolina marriage collections. These resources can supplement official court records.
Note: The Probate Court provides certified copies for legal use. Uncertified copies for genealogy may have different fees.
How to Get Certified Copies of Orangeburg County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Orangeburg County marriage records are available from the Probate Court. These documents are often required for legal purposes. Many people need them for name changes or insurance updates.
To request a certified copy, contact the Orangeburg County Probate Court. Provide the full names of both parties and the marriage date. This information helps staff locate the correct record quickly.
Processing times vary depending on request volume. Most copy requests are completed within a few business days. Rush service may be available for an additional fee.
Certified copies bear the official seal of Orangeburg County. They are accepted by government agencies and courts. Keep multiple copies for your records.
Orangeburg County Marriage License Requirements
Orangeburg County follows South Carolina law for marriage licenses. Both parties must meet basic requirements. The Probate Court verifies eligibility before issuing any license.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. The court requires a notarized consent form from a parent or guardian.
No residency requirement exists for marriage in Orangeburg County. Out-of-state couples can apply here. Your license will be valid anywhere in South Carolina.
The marriage license expires if not used within a certain timeframe. Check with the Probate Court for current expiration periods. Plan your ceremony accordingly.
Cousin marriages are prohibited in South Carolina. The court will verify that parties are not closely related. This is a standard part of the application review.
Orangeburg County Marriage Records at the State Level
The South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains copies of Orangeburg County marriage records from 1950 onward. Records from July 1950 to December 2023 are available at the state level.
To obtain records from the state, contact the DPH Vital Records Office. Their office is located at 2600 Bull Street in Columbia. You can also request records online through VitalChek.
State-level requests require proper identification. You must prove your relationship to the parties on the record. Immediate family members can request certified copies.
Fees at the state level differ from county fees. The search fee is $12 for standard processing. Expedited service costs $17 plus additional VitalChek fees.
Nearby Counties
Orangeburg County borders several other South Carolina counties. Marriage licenses must be obtained in the county where you plan to marry. Verify your ceremony location before applying.