To answer your question directly, no, you cannot get married without a marriage license in South Carolina. A marriage license is a legal requirement for a marriage to be recognized and valid in the state. Without obtaining a marriage license, your marriage would not be legally binding.
Obtaining a marriage license is a fairly straightforward process in South Carolina. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Find the Probate Court: Locate the Probate Court in the county where you plan to get married. Each county has its own Probate Court, and this is where you will need to apply for your marriage license.
2. Gather your documents: Before applying for a marriage license, you will need to gather some necessary documents. These typically include:
– Proof of age and identity: You will need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
– Social Security numbers: Both parties will need to provide their Social Security numbers.
– Proof of divorce or death of previous spouse (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, you may need to provide documentation to prove the divorce or death of the previous spouse.
3. Complete the application: Visit the Probate Court and complete the marriage license application form. This form will require basic information about both parties, such as names, addresses, and dates of birth.
4. Pay the fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license in South Carolina. The fee amount may vary depending on the county, so it’s best to check with the specific Probate Court for the exact cost.
5. Wait for the waiting period: In South Carolina, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after the application is submitted before the marriage license can be issued. This waiting period starts from the time the application is filed.
6. Pick up the marriage license: After the waiting period has passed, you can return to the Probate Court to pick up your marriage license. Both parties will need to be present to sign the license. It’s important to note that the marriage license is only valid for a certain period of time (usually 30 or 60 days), so make sure to plan your wedding within that timeframe.
Once you have your marriage license, you are free to have your wedding ceremony anywhere in South Carolina. The license does not restrict the location of your wedding, as long as it takes place within the state.
To summarize, a marriage license is a necessary legal requirement for getting married in South Carolina. It involves completing an application, providing necessary documents, paying a fee, and waiting for the waiting period to pass. Once the license is issued, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony in any location within the state.