Both parties (prospective bride and bridegroom) are required to be physically present to apply for a marriage license. An application cannot be taken by mail or by telephone, or fax, by one party only or by proxy.Offices hours for Probate Court (with respect to marriage licenses): At the main office, in Beaufort, Monday through Friday (holidays excepted), 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. At the satellite office, on Hilton Head Island, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only.

Except as noted below, the minimum age for males and females without parental consent is 18, and the minimum age for males and females with parental consent is 16. Certain exceptions to the minimum age and parental consent requirements exist in cases where the female applicant is pregnant or has borne a child and other specific conditions are met under S.C. Code Section 20-1-300.

An ORIGINAL CERTIFIED copy of a BIRTH CERTIFICATE or a hospital or baptismal certificate (issued and dated within one year after birth) is required for proof of age for applicants under the age of 18. The Court will retain,permanently, ALL CERTIFIED COPIES IF EITHER PARTY IS UNDER 18. Applicants age 18 or older may furnish other documentary evidence of age, such as a valid driver’s license, state ID Card, military ID, passport or visa. Applicants are required to provide their Social Security Numbers, or their alien identification numbers if they are resident aliens who do not have Social Security Numbers.

Blood tests and physical examinations are not required. There is a twenty-four (24)-hour waiting period from the time of the application until the issuance of the license.

The ceremony may be performed by certain members of the clergy, by a chief or spiritual leader of a recognized Native American Indian entity, and by Officers authorized to administer oaths in this State, e.g., Judges and South Carolina Notaries Public. Witnesses are not required. The ceremony must take place in South Carolina, but not necessarily within County where the license was issued.