Marriage records in Anderson County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. AndersonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Anderson County Probate Court — the office that issues marriage licenses in South Carolina — either in person or by mail. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains statewide vital records, including marriage certificates, and offers an online ordering option for certified copies.
Anderson County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses. The Anderson County Probate Court issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records for marriages that took place within the county. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SC DPH, formerly DHEC) serves as the statewide repository for vital records and holds marriage certificates for events recorded from July 1950 forward.
The local collection at the Probate Court includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned certificates. For historical records predating 1950, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds archival Anderson County records, including some early legal documents. The Anderson County Family Court handles matters related to annulment, divorce, and legal separation — not the issuance of marriage licenses.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Anderson County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the county Probate Court or from SC DPH at the state level. The table below summarizes typical fees based on current state fee schedules and county office policies.
| Service | County Probate Court | SC DPH (State Office) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $5.00 | $12.00 |
| Additional copy (same order) | Contact office | $3.00 |
| Search fee (no record found) | Included in copy fee | Included in copy fee |
| Expedited processing | Not typically available | Additional fee applies for rush service |
Fees are established under South Carolina vital records statutes and may be updated periodically. Contact the Probate Court directly at (864) 260-4049 to confirm current local fees before submitting a request. SC DPH fees are set under S.C. Code § 44-63-110 and related regulations.
Processing times at the county level are generally same-day or within a few business days for in-person requests. State-level mail requests through SC DPH may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Anderson County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Anderson County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates through its vital records portal. This covers marriages recorded in South Carolina from July 1950 to the present. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- Valid photo ID
- Payment by credit or debit card
Third-party vendors authorized by SC DPH, such as VitalChek, may also process online orders for an additional convenience fee.
In Person
Visit the Anderson County Probate Court at the Anderson County Courthouse:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Payment methods accepted may include cash, check, or money order — call ahead at (864) 260-4049 to confirm. Walk-ins are generally accepted; no appointment is required for routine copy requests.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the county Probate Court, send the following to the address above:
- A written request that includes the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the purpose of the request
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order payable to "Anderson County Probate Court" for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level requests, mail your application to SC DPH Vital Records at the address listed on their website. The state office requires a completed Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage Record, which can be downloaded from the SC DPH site.
If you are researching marriage records for genealogy or general public-records purposes, the Anderson County public records portal and the Anderson County government website may provide additional guidance on available indexes and document access. For older or archival marriage records, contact the SC Department of Archives and History directly.