Here are a few things you should know before planning a Bluffton wedding:
Wedding Applications & Important Information
- Both applicants must apply in person at the Office of the Judge of Probate at the county courthouse or the Probate Court Satellite office on Hilton Head Island. No applications taken by mail, telephone, or fax, by one party only, or by proxy.
- Beaufort Office: The Beaufort County Courthouse is located at 102 Ribaut Road, at the Government Center at the corner of Ribaut Rd. and US Hwy. 21 in Beaufort, SC, and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 843-255-5850
- Hilton Head Island Office: The Probate Court Satellite Office is located at 539 Wm. Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, SC. Judge is available only Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only. 843-255-5866.
Other Important Wedding Information
- Valid identification required. Social Security number and another form of ID, such as a state driver’s license with picture, birth certificate (only if bride or groom is under 18), passport, military ID, military department’s ID or state ID.
- Parental consent required for an applicant between the ages of 16 and 18. Applicants must be 16 years of age. Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by consenting parent and must furnish (in addition to government-issued ID described above) a certified copy of a birth certificate or a hospital or baptismal certificate (issued and dated within one year after birth).
- A marriage license may be used statewide. The cost of the license ranges from $50-$95. State requires cash and correct change.
- No blood test required.
- A 24-hour waiting period needed before ceremony.
- The ceremony may be performed by a minister or Notary Public, members of the clergy, by a chief or spiritual leader of a recognized Native American Indian entity, and by Officers authorized to administer oaths in this State, e.g., South Carolina and Federal Court Judges and South Carolina Notaries Public. South Carolina does not have Justices of the Peace.
- No witnesses necessary.
- The ceremony must take place in South Carolina, but not necessarily within County where the license was issued.
- Request certified copies of recorded marriage licenses by mail, addressed to Beaufort County Probate Court, P. O. Box 1083, Beaufort, SC 29901, or in person at the Beaufort or Hilton Head Island offices of the Probate Court.
Information: www.sccourts.org and www.hiltonheadisland.org/bluffton/weddings.