Marriage records in Dorchester County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. DorchesterCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Dorchester County Probate Court, which issues marriage licenses locally, or through the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records office. Records may be obtained online, in person, or by mail.
Dorchester County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is responsible for issuing marriage licenses. The Dorchester County Probate Court issues marriage licenses and maintains local records of licenses issued within the county. The state-level repository for marriage certificates is the South Carolina Department of Public Health, which has maintained statewide marriage records since July 1950.
The Dorchester County Probate Court's collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in Dorchester County
- Marriage license applications
- Historical marriage records predating the state vital records system (some dating back to the county's formation)
For marriages that occurred anywhere in South Carolina from July 1950 onward, certified copies of marriage certificates are available from DPH Vital Records. For older Dorchester County marriages or marriage license records, contact the Probate Court directly.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch website provides general information about probate courts across the state.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dorchester County
Fees for obtaining marriage records depend on whether you request them from the county Probate Court or from DPH Vital Records at the state level. The table below summarizes typical fees:
| Service | Source | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | SC DPH Vital Records | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | SC DPH Vital Records | $3.00 |
| Marriage license | Dorchester County Probate Court | Contact office for current fee |
| Search fee (no record found) | SC DPH Vital Records | Included in certified copy fee |
State fees are set by South Carolina law. The $12.00 fee for a certified marriage certificate from DPH includes the search. Processing times for mail requests through DPH typically range from several weeks; contact the office or check the DPH Vital Records page for current turnaround estimates. The Probate Court may have different processing times for local records—call ahead to confirm.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dorchester County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate or marriage license record in Dorchester County:
Online
The South Carolina Department of Public Health accepts online requests for certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages recorded from July 1950 to the present. Visit the DPH Vital Records online portal to submit your request. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage occurred
- Valid payment method
Online orders may include additional vendor processing fees beyond the base state fee.
In Person
You can visit the Dorchester County Probate Court to request a copy of a marriage license issued in the county. Bring a valid photo ID. Walk-in service is generally available during regular business hours.
For certified marriage certificates from the state, DPH Vital Records does not offer in-person service for marriage records at its Columbia office—use the online or mail options instead.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the state, send the following to DPH Vital Records:
- A completed Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record (available on the DPH website)
- A check or money order for $12.00 payable to SC DPH
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended)
Mail requests to:
For Dorchester County Probate Court records specifically, contact the court at (843) 563-0160 to confirm what documentation and payment they require for mail-in requests. DorchesterCourt.us may also provide additional guidance on locating Dorchester County marriage records and related public record information.