Just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a Justice of the Peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement:
Drivers License and Social Security number.

Residency Requirement:
Do not have to be a resident of South Carolina.

If previously married:
No proof of divorce is required unless you legally changed your last name back to its original name.

Application Requirement:
Both parties to a marriage should appear in person at the office of a South Carolina County Probate Judge and file a written application. This application asks for the full name, social security number, age, and place of residence of both the bride and the groom. It is a sworn statement that must be signed by both the bride and the groom and notarized in the office of the Probate Judge.

Fees: $50-$95 Fee / Cash Only.

Waiting Period:
There is a 24-hour waiting period after the application is filed before the license can be picked up and the marriage can take place. If you want to get married on a weekend, make sure you apply for a marriage license by Thursday so you can pick up your license by Friday.

Blood Tests:
No blood test or physical exam is required.

Under 18:
If you are under the age of 18, parental consent can be granted for boys who are at least 16 years old and for girls who are at least 14 years old. All minor applicants must file an original birth certificate or a certified copy of their birth certificate, which becomes a part of their permanent application record. The parent or legal guardian of a minor applicant must appear at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a form consenting to the marriage.

If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent. But you must provide proof of your age (or simply identification if you're over age 25) by presenting one of the following:

Valid driver's license
Original birth certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate
Valid South Carolina identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety
Current military identification card
Current passport.

Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.

Common Law Marriage: No.

Cousin Marriage: Yes. First cousin.

Same Sex Marriage: No.

Officiates:
Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage.

Valid:
There is no expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license. The license can only be used within the State of South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island Office
By Appointment Only
9:00am-2:30pm Wednesday and Friday only.
Hwy 278 Hilton Head, SC

Bride and Groom must be physically present with a valid ID
For a 24 hour recording of detailed information (843) 525-7474

Regulations & Laws

Weddings On The Beach

Wedding ceremonies that will be preformed on the beach require a permit from the Town of Hilton Head Island. To apply for a permit, please submit a the Wedding Ceremony on the Beach Request Form which includes the Time, Date, Location, duration, number of expected guests and any other information that may be relevant. Please include a current mailing address and a daytime telephone number. Requests should be addressed to:

Anne Pierce, Facilities Business Assistant
Town of Hilton Head Island
One Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

The following are PROHIBITED on all beaches:

Alcoholic liquor, beer, wine
Glass (bottles, containers, etc.)
Littering
Indecent exposure (nudity)
Disorderly conduct
Disturbing the peace
Unauthorized vehicles
Fires and Fireworks
Shark Fishing
Removal, harming, or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora
Operation, launching, or landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft
Unauthorized commercial activity
Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m.
Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc.
Solicitation or distribution of handouts
Kites not under manual control
Stunt kites 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30
Sand-sailing

Noise Ordinances

Please note that Hilton Head Island does enforce a noise ordinance. “Quiet Time” is from 10 pm – 7 am.