Marriage records in Charleston County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. CharlestonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Charleston County Probate Court — the office that issues marriage licenses in South Carolina — as well as the South Carolina Department of Public Health for statewide vital records. Records are available through online ordering tools, in-person visits, and mail requests.
Charleston Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court in each county. The Charleston County Probate Court issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage license records for ceremonies performed in the county. The collection includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned certificates filed after solemnization. Historical marriage records for Charleston County date back to the colonial era, though very early records may be held by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
For statewide marriage records from July 1950 forward, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SC DHEC Vital Records) maintains certified copies. If you need a record of a marriage that took place in Charleston County, you can contact either the local Probate Court or the state vital records office depending on the date and type of document you need.
Charleston County Probate Court
SC DHEC Vital Records
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Charleston County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you order from the Charleston County Probate Court or from SC DHEC Vital Records at the state level. The table below reflects standard fees established by South Carolina law and agency fee schedules.
| Service | Source | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | SC DHEC Vital Records | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | SC DHEC Vital Records | $3.00 |
| Marriage license search/certified copy | Charleston County Probate Court | Contact office for current fee |
| Online order via VitalChek (state records) | VitalChek / SC DHEC | $12.00 + processing/shipping fees |
SC DHEC fees are set under South Carolina Code and apply to marriages recorded from July 1950 onward. The Probate Court may charge a separate search or copy fee for locally held license records — call (843) 958-5070 to confirm the current amount. Processing times for state-level mail orders typically run 8–12 weeks; expedited processing through VitalChek is faster but costs more.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Charleston County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate or license copy in Charleston County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health partners with VitalChek for online orders of certified marriage certificates (marriages from July 1950 forward). Visit the SC DHEC Vital Records website and follow the link to VitalChek. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage took place
- A valid credit or debit card
- A valid government-issued photo ID
VitalChek charges additional processing and shipping fees on top of the state certificate fee.
In Person
You can visit the Charleston County Probate Court to request a copy of a locally held marriage license record:
Bring a valid photo ID. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but calling ahead at (843) 958-5070 is recommended to confirm availability and fees. For state-issued certified marriage certificates, you may also visit the SC DHEC Vital Records office in Columbia in person.
By Mail
To order a certified marriage certificate by mail from SC DHEC, send the following to the Columbia office:
- A completed Application for Certified Copy of a Marriage Record (available on the SC DHEC website)
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $12.00 payable to SC DHEC
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional but recommended)
Mail orders to SC DHEC may take 8–12 weeks to process. For locally held license records, contact the Charleston County Probate Court directly to ask about their mail request procedures. The Charleston County Government website and the Clerk of Court's online services page may also point you to additional county record resources. Public records in South Carolina are generally accessible under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Title 30), though certain vital record restrictions apply based on eligibility and relationship to the individuals named on the record.