Get your certified South Carolina Marriage Certificate

The fee for a certified copy of a South Carolina marriage certificate varies by county and ordering method. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state or county fee. Contact your local vital records office or county clerk for the exact current fee schedule. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for an additional charge.

Yes, you can order a South Carolina marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

In South Carolina, the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest may request a certified copy. Third-party requestors typically need to provide a notarized authorization letter from one of the parties named on the certificate, along with valid identification and a statement explaining the purpose of the request.

A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in South Carolina. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

You can obtain a certified copy of a South Carolina marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

In South Carolina, state records are primarily public, although accessibility is based on the date of the event. When conducting research, third-party websites offer the advantage of accessibility without restrictions to your physical location; however, cross-referencing the information is advisable to ensure accuracy as they may not always match official government records.

To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting it must provide the location of the marriage certificate, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.

For changes or replacements of your South Carolina marriage certificate, visit the Probate Court in the county where the marriage occurred. In South Carolina, some amendments may necessitate a court order involving an attorney.

Correcting or amending marriage records usually will require the following:

1. A completed amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);
4. Once the documentation has been approved, the office will prepare an affidavit that must be signed and notarized.

If you lose your marriage certificate:

1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy by mail or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the SC DHEC.
2. 1. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the SC DHEC at:
      Vital Records Section
      P.O. Box 2046
      West Columbia, SC 29171
      
   2. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. SC DHEC will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Apostilles can be requested from the South Carolina Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

An apostille is necessary to certify vital records for use in another country. The South Carolina Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with the SC DHEC.

To request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following information:

1. Complete the South Carolina Authentication Cover Letter (PDF).
2. Certified marriage record certificate.
3. Personal or company check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State’s Office, or cash in the amount of $5.00 for each document.
4. Self-addressed stamped return envelope.

You can submit requests for marriage record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following address:

For standard mail or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address: