Marriage records in Georgetown County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. GeorgetownCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Georgetown County Probate Court, which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records office keeps statewide marriage records as well. Records may be obtained online through the state vital records portal, in person at the county Probate Court, or by mail.
Georgetown Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records. The Georgetown County Probate Court holds records of marriage licenses issued within the county, returned marriage certificates, and related historical documents. These records generally date back several decades, though very early records may be limited or housed in state archives.
The statewide collection of marriage certificates is maintained by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Vital Records division, which has records of marriages that occurred in South Carolina from July 1950 to the present. For marriages before that date, the Georgetown County Probate Court is typically the only local source.
Under South Carolina public records law, marriage records are generally considered public records. However, certain personal details may be restricted depending on the record type and the requester's relationship to the individuals named.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Georgetown
Fees for marriage record copies vary depending on whether you request them from the Georgetown County Probate Court or from the state DPH Vital Records office. The table below reflects standard fees based on South Carolina state schedules and typical county Probate Court charges.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (from SC DPH Vital Records) | $12.00 | SC DPH fee schedule |
| Each additional copy (same order, SC DPH) | $3.00 | SC DPH fee schedule |
| Marriage license (issued by Georgetown County Probate Court) | $95.00 | Georgetown County Probate Court |
| Search fee (SC DPH, included in certified copy fee) | Included | SC DPH fee schedule |
Processing times for state-level requests through DPH Vital Records are typically 4–6 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the county Probate Court are often processed the same day or within a few business days. Contact the Probate Court directly to confirm current local fees, as county charges may be updated periodically.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Georgetown
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Georgetown County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates through its Vital Records portal. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and valid identification. An additional convenience fee may apply for online orders.
In Person
Visit the Georgetown County Probate Court at the address listed above during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can assist with searching for records and issuing certified copies on the spot when the record is available locally. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but calling ahead to confirm availability is recommended.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the state, send the following to SC DPH Vital Records:
- A completed application form (available on the DPH Vital Records website)
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to SC DPH
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
For local Georgetown County marriage records not available at the state level, you may also mail your request directly to the Georgetown County Probate Court at the address above. Include the same supporting documents and contact the court by phone to confirm the current fee and any county-specific form requirements.
If you need a marriage certificate certified for international use, the South Carolina Secretary of State's office can provide an apostille once you have a certified copy from either the county or the state Vital Records office.