Order official South Carolina Marriage Records and Vital Records online

Marriage records are essential documents used for various legal, historical, and personal purposes. In South Carolina, these records can serve as proof of marital status for legal proceedings, genealogical research, and verifying one's identity. Understanding the process of how to get a marriage certificate can significantly streamline obtaining these crucial records.

Who Can Request Marriage Records?

In South Carolina, marriage records can typically be requested by:

• • The married individuals themselves;
• • Immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or children;
• • Legal representatives of the individuals.

Other parties can only access these records with appropriate legal authorization or court order.

What Documents Are Required?

To request South Carolina marriage records, you will need to provide the following documents:

• • A completed marriage certificate application form. You can download the form from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) website;
• • Valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport;
• • Proof of relationship, if applicable;
• • Payment for the required fees.

Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing your application.

How to Obtain South Carolina Marriage Records

The application process for obtaining marriage records in South Carolina can be done through various methods:

By Mail

Send a completed marriage certificate application form, along with a copy of your ID, and payment to the following address:

Bureau of Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201

In Person

Visit the Bureau of Vital Records at the address above. Bring your completed application, valid ID, and required fee. This method often allows for faster processing.

Online

You can also order marriage records online through VitalChek. This is a convenient way to request records with secure payment processing.

Follow these steps closely to ensure your application is smooth and effective.

How Much Do Marriage Records Cost?

The cost of obtaining a marriage record in South Carolina is as follows:

• • $12 for the first copy of the marriage certificate;
• • $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time;

Expedited services may be available for an additional fee. Fees are payable by check or money order for mail-in applications, or by credit card for online orders.

Processing Time

The processing time for marriage records can vary based on the method of application:

• • By Mail: Typically 2-4 weeks;
• • In Person: Same-day service in many cases;
• • Online: Usually processed within 5-7 business days, with options for expedited service.

For specific processing times, it’s best to contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control directly.

By following these guidelines carefully, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process for obtaining your South Carolina marriage records. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out directly to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.