Marriage Licenses

All persons who wish to marry in the State of South Carolina must first obtain a marriage license from the Probate Court which has exclusive original jurisdiction of all subject matter related to the issuance of marriage licenses.  

 

Marriage ceremonies are not performed at the Bamberg County Probate Court.

 

Requirements for issuing a marriage license are as follows:

  • You and your fiancé must come together (2959 Main Highway, Room 103, Bamberg, SC 29003) to apply for a marriage license between the hours of 9A.M. and 4P.M. Monday through Friday except major holidays.  Proper identification must be presented and $45.00 cash fee paid at the time of application.  The license will be issued after 24 hours has passed and one party may return to pick up the license.
  • Two forms of identification required: (1) Social Security card; (2) Valid driver’s license or state issued I.D. or a valid passport; or
  • In the absence of a social security card a Fiancé (K-1) Visa along with one other form of identification proving age and identity (birth certificate)
  • Resident Alien Identification Number (Green Card) or a letter from Social Security stating that you cannot be issued a social security card as well as proof of age and identity (birth certificate)
  • Marriage licenses will not be issued to minors under the age of 16 years
  • Applicants age 16 and 17 must bring an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, parental consent and a state-issued I.D.  If the parents are divorced, the consenting parent must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree granting them custody.
  • You and your finance must bring a birth certificate if you are ages 18 to 21 years of age inclusive

 

Other information:

  • If you are divorcing, your divorce must be final before you can apply for a marriage license.
  • Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish Rabbis and officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this state.
  • All three pages of the marriage license must be signed and completed by the couple who has been married and the person who performed the marriage. The two copies marked, "Probate Judge" and "Probate Judge/DHEC" must be returned to Probate Court for proper recording of the marriage.