Marriage records in Colleton County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ColletonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records directly from the Colleton County Probate Court, which issues marriage licenses in the county. In-person visits, mail requests, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records office are additional ways to obtain certified copies of marriage certificates.
Colleton County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, marriage licenses are issued at the county level by the Probate Court. The Colleton County Probate Court is the issuing authority for marriage licenses within the county and maintains local records of licenses issued. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) maintains a statewide index of marriage certificates and can issue certified copies of marriages that occurred anywhere in the state from July 1950 forward.
The Colleton County Probate Court's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Colleton County
- Marriage certificates filed after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records predating the statewide system
For older or historical records, the South Carolina Archives Colleton County records guide may be a useful resource. Some court-related records may also be searchable through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Colleton County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the county Probate Court or from the state DPH Vital Records office. The table below reflects standard fees based on South Carolina state fee schedules.
| Service | Fee (State DPH) |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $3.00 |
| Search fee (no record found) | $12.00 |
Fees at the Colleton County Probate Court for a marriage license or local certified copy may differ. Contact the Probate Court directly at (843) 549-5791 to confirm current local fees. Some payments may be accepted through the Colleton County Online Payments portal.
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the county level are typically handled the same day. Mail requests through the state DPH office may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Colleton County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a Colleton County marriage certificate:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates through its Vital Records division. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage took place
- Valid photo ID
- Payment by credit or debit card
Online orders are subject to additional processing and shipping fees charged by the state's vendor.
In Person
Visit the Colleton County Probate Court during regular business hours:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Same-day service is generally available for records on file at the local office.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the state, send the following to the DPH Vital Records office:
- A completed application form (available on the DPH website)
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to SC DPH
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
If you need a marriage certificate for use outside the United States, the South Carolina Secretary of State's office can provide apostille or authentication services for vital records. You must first obtain a certified copy from DPH before requesting an apostille.
For questions about Colleton County marriage records, contact the Probate Court directly or visit ColletonCourt.us for additional guidance on locating publicly available records.