Marriage records in Beaufort County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. BeaufortCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Beaufort County. You can also request records through the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Vital Records office, visit the Beaufort County Probate Court in person, or submit a request by mail. The county and state each maintain marriage records, and the method you use will depend on whether you need a certified copy, an informational search, or a historical record.
Beaufort County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, marriage licenses are issued at the county level by the Probate Court. The Beaufort County government maintains local marriage license records through its Probate Court office. The state also keeps centralized marriage records through the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DHEC) Vital Records office, which has statewide marriage records dating from July 1950 forward.
Beaufort County's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Beaufort County
- Marriage certificates filed after ceremonies were performed
- Historical marriage records predating the state's centralized system (some older records may be held by the SC Department of Archives and History)
For local records, contact the Beaufort County Probate Court:
The Probate Court generally operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Contact the office directly to confirm current hours before visiting.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Beaufort County
Certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages that occurred anywhere in South Carolina can be obtained from DHEC Vital Records. The Beaufort County Probate Court can provide copies of marriage licenses it issued. Fees are set by state statute and office policy.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified marriage certificate copy (from DHEC) | $12.00 | SC DHEC Vital Records |
| Each additional copy (same order, DHEC) | $3.00 | SC DHEC Vital Records |
| Marriage license copy (Probate Court) | Contact office for current fee | Beaufort County Probate Court |
DHEC's fee covers a search of statewide records and one certified copy. Processing times for mail-in requests typically run several weeks. Online orders through DHEC's approved vendor may include additional service and shipping fees but can arrive faster.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Beaufort County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate or license copy:
Online
The SC Department of Public Health Vital Records office accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its website. Online orders are processed by an approved third-party vendor and carry additional convenience and shipping fees beyond the base state fee.
In Person
Visit the Beaufort County Probate Court at 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 for copies of marriage licenses issued in the county. Bring a valid photo ID. For certified marriage certificates from the state, you can also visit a DHEC Vital Records office in person.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from DHEC:
- Download and complete the marriage certificate application from the DHEC Vital Records website.
- Include the $12.00 fee (check or money order payable to SC DHEC).
- Enclose a photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
- Mail to the address specified on the application form.
Your request should include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the county where the marriage took place. Allow several weeks for processing by mail.
For copies of marriage licenses filed locally, contact the Beaufort County Probate Court directly at (843) 255-5700 to ask about their mail request process and accepted payment methods.
The Beaufort County Records Management office can also help direct you to the correct department if you are unsure where a particular record is held. For genealogical research involving older Beaufort County marriage records, the SC Department of Archives and History maintains historical county and municipal records that may predate the state's centralized vital records system.