Marriage records in Chester County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. ChesterSCCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. The official issuing authority for marriage licenses and certificates in Chester County is the Chester County Probate Court. You can also request records in person at the Probate Court office, by mail, or through the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records office for state-level copies.
Chester County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and filing marriage certificates. The Chester County Probate Court maintains local marriage records, including marriage licenses issued in the county and marriage certificates returned after the ceremony. Historical marriage records for Chester County — some dating back to the 1800s — may also be available through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
The Probate Court's marriage records collection generally includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Issued marriage licenses
- Filed marriage certificates (returned by the officiant after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records on file with the county
For marriages that occurred in Chester County, the Probate Court is the primary local source. The South Carolina DPH also maintains statewide marriage certificate records beginning from July 1950.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chester County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the Chester County Probate Court or from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The table below summarizes standard fees based on current state and county fee schedules.
| Service | Source | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified marriage certificate copy | SC DPH Vital Records | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | SC DPH Vital Records | $3.00 |
| Marriage license / certificate copy | Chester County Probate Court | Contact office for current fee |
| Expedited processing (state level) | SC DPH Vital Records | Additional fee may apply |
The SC DPH fees are set by state regulation. For the most current Probate Court copy fees, contact the Chester County Probate Court directly at (803) 385-2604. Processing times for state-level requests vary; check the DPH Vital Records website for current average processing times.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chester County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Chester County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates for marriages recorded at the state level (July 1950–present). Visit the SC DPH Vital Records portal to place an order. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid photo ID
- Payment by credit or debit card
In Person
You can request a copy of a marriage license or certificate directly at the Chester County Probate Court during regular business hours. Walk-ins are generally accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to pay the applicable copy fee.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the state, send your request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A completed application form (available on the DPH website)
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to SC DHEC
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For local copies, you may also mail a written request to the Chester County Probate Court at the address above. Call ahead to confirm the current fee and any specific requirements for mailed requests. Allow additional time for mail delivery and processing.