Marriage records in Florence County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. FlorenceCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Florence County. You can also request records directly from the Florence County Probate Court, which issues marriage licenses in the county. Records are available in person at the courthouse, by mail, and through state online ordering systems. The South Carolina Department of Public Health also maintains statewide marriage records and accepts requests online and by mail.
Florence County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining local marriage records. The Florence County Probate Court holds marriage license records for marriages that took place within the county. These records include marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned certificates of marriage.
The state also keeps copies. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) maintains a central index of marriage records filed statewide. For marriages from July 1950 forward, the DPH holds records. Older marriage records — and original licenses — are typically held at the county Probate Court where the license was issued. The SC Department of Archives and History may hold historical county records as well.
As noted by the SC Secretary of State, certified copies of marriage licenses may be obtained from the county Probate Court or from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Florence County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request from the Florence County Probate Court or from the state DPH. Below are the standard fees based on published schedules:
| Service | Source | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage license | Florence County Probate Court | $5.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | SC Department of Public Health | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | SC Department of Public Health | $3.00 |
| Online order processing (state portal) | SC DPH / VitalChek | Additional service and shipping fees apply |
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Probate Court directly to confirm the current local fee. State fees are set per South Carolina Code and published by the DPH. Processing times for mail requests through the state office are typically 8–12 weeks; in-person requests at the Probate Court are usually handled the same day if the record is on file.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Florence County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage record from Florence County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records office accepts online orders for certified copies of marriage certificates that occurred in South Carolina from July 1950 forward. Online orders are processed through VitalChek and require:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage took place
- Valid photo ID
- Credit or debit card for payment
In Person
Visit the Florence County Probate Court during business hours to request a certified copy of a marriage license on file in the county. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Same-day service is generally available for records the office has on file.
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail from the state, send your request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- 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
For a copy of the original marriage license rather than the state certificate, mail your request directly to the Florence County Probate Court at the address above, along with the local fee and a copy of your ID. Contact the court by phone at (843) 665-3042 to confirm current requirements before mailing your request.
If you need an apostille or authentication for international use, the SC Secretary of State's office handles certification of vital records after you obtain a certified copy from the issuing agency.