If you're confident in your selection of wedding officiant, these links should open for you to fill out, and mail in with your signature and non-refundable deposit of half.
The address is on the contract form.
If there are any changes regarding TIME or LOCATION, a new contract will need to be filled out! *
(Click on link, click "save" to fill out, then print to mail in)
*Please note: contracts must be granted on a "first come, first served" basis.
This document is always optional, but will help to design a customized ceremony geared toward your history, and the nature of your marriage.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
- Bride and groom must appear together and file a written application. This application contains the following information: both persons seeking the contract of matrimony are legally entitled to marry together with the full name of the persons, their ages and places of residence. This is a sworn statement that must be signed by both contracting parties and notarized in the office of the Probate Judge in which the license is to be issued.
- There is a twenty-four hour waiting period after the application is made before the license can be picked up and the parties can be married.
- Applicants eighteen years old or older DO NOT NEED PARENTAL CONSENT. Applicants between eighteen and twenty-five years old must present one piece of identification. Identification may be one of the following:
- A valid driver's license.
- Original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate.
- A valid S.C. identification card issued by the S.C. Highway Department.
- Current military identification card.
- A current passport.
- WITH PARENTAL CONSENT males and females must be at least sixteen years old to be eligible for a license. Any applicant under the age of eighteen years old must file an original birth certificate or a certified copy of the long form thereof, which becomes part of the permanent record of application. The parent or legal guardian of the minor applicant must appear at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a form consenting to the marriage.
- NO BLOOD TEST IS REQUIRED.
NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT.
There is a $70.00 cash fee for filing the application.
- Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis and officers authorized to administer oaths in this State are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in South Carolina.
- A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for marriages performed in South Carolina.
Click here to obtain the form for certified copy of marriage license. Copyright ©2002 Charleston County. All Rights Reserved
Questions and Issues to Discuss Before Marriage
This is really for those of you who have any issues or uncertainty in the commitment of marriage.
Before you read any further, write down as many concerns you have of your own.
As crazy as it sounds, it can take just ONE of these imperative issues to destroy a marriage.
Open for discussion…
Obviously, is this the mate you are willing to wake up with every day, "as long as you both shall live"?
Children; How many, if any. Discuss long term birth control methods.
How long will Mom be able to stay at home after birth?
Insurance and child care costs.
Confirm if there are any other children or alimony involved from any previous relationship. (I know, duh, but have it said out loud!)
Discuss expectations on how each likes to spend free time and alone time, financial splurges, goals with jobs, housing, and travel...
Do sexual expectations need to be discussed?
Do rules for arguing need to be established?
Credit; Good or bad credit is a very important issue.
Is there any criminal record? Outstanding debts?
Banking; Separate and/or one checking/savings accounts.
Is there a monthly budget???
Who writes the bills and are how are they shared financially?
Beneficiaries; Will you claim one another on any assets?
Cooking & Cleaning; Who will be responsible for what.
LOCATION; How do you feel about where you live, and how long you will live there.
Family events/holidays; Will you be taking turns on visiting families if you need to travel?
Expectations if one loses their job.
Future career hopes and dreams.
Agree on your children's future/expectations.
Retirement; Will you be planning on how you will be financially when you retire.
Fight fair, be honest, and live happily ever after!!!
