Richland County SC marriage records are official documents that prove a legal marriage took place in this South Carolina county. These records include marriage licenses, certificates, and registration entries stored by the Probate Court. The collection covers every marriage filed from 1911 through today. Each record shows the full names of both spouses, their birth dates, the exact marriage date, the officiant’s name, and the license number. Digitized copies are searchable online through the county’s official portal. Indexed versions from the 1800s to 1999 are also available through LDS Genealogy. Researchers often cross-check these entries with newspaper announcements or Ancestry’s collections to confirm details.
How to Search Richland County SC Marriage Records Online
The Richland County Probate Court maintains a public online system for searching marriage records. This portal allows users to look up licenses by entering the license number or the full names of both parties. The database includes all marriages processed since 1911. Results show key details like dates, names, and license numbers. Users can view digital copies directly on the site. For older records dating back to the 1800s, the LDS Genealogy index provides a searchable list with spouse surnames, marriage dates, and original register page references. This helps genealogists trace family history across generations.
Requesting Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses
To get a certified copy of a marriage license, applicants must use the Richland County online request system. You need to provide the license number, both spouses’ full legal names, and a valid South Carolina driver’s license or state ID. A $10 processing fee is required, paid by credit card. If the license was issued outside the Probate Court—such as through a different county or state agency—you must contact the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records Division instead. That office charges a $12 fee and requires a notarized identity form. All requests are processed within 3–5 business days.
Marriage License Submission After the Ceremony
After getting married, couples must return two signed copies of their license to the Richland County Probate Court. One copy is labeled “Probate Judge” for court filing. The second is marked “Probate Judge/DHEC Copy” and goes to the state health department. Both must be delivered within 30 days of the wedding. You can mail them to PO Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202, or drop them off in person at 2020 Hampton Street. Failing to submit both copies may result in a $25 penalty. The court confirms receipt and updates the record status online.
Accessing Historical Marriage Records Through LDS Genealogy
LDS Genealogy offers a free indexed collection of Richland County marriage records from the 1800s through 1999. Each entry lists the surnames of both spouses, the marriage date, and the original register page number. This resource is ideal for family historians and researchers tracing ancestry. The index links to digitized newspaper notices on Newspapers.com and Ancestry’s marriage collections. These cross-references help verify names, dates, and locations. While the index doesn’t include full certificates, it provides enough detail to locate official documents through the Probate Court or state archives.
Vital Records Office: Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
The Richland County Public Health Department’s Vital Records Office issues certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These cover events from 1915 to the present. Only immediate family members can request them. Each search or copy costs $12, payable by cash, check, or credit card. You can apply in person at the Columbia office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Online requests return PDF copies within 24 hours of payment. For marriages before 1915, contact the South Carolina State Archives.
South Carolina DHEC Marriage Certificates
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) provides certified marriage certificates for events between July 1950 and December 2020. Requests outside this range must go to the issuing Probate Court. You can order online through the DHEC portal, by phone at (803) 734-5555, in person at 2600 Elmwood Avenue in Columbia, or by mail. A $10 fee applies. Include the full names of both spouses, marriage date, and a valid ID. Processing takes 5–7 business days for mailed requests.
Privacy Rules and Who Can Access Marriage Records
South Carolina law restricts access to marriage records to protect privacy. Only the spouses named on the license, their immediate relatives, or legal representatives can obtain certified copies. Requesters must provide a notarized statement explaining their relationship and purpose. Non-residents cannot access records unless they are directly related. The Probate Court reviews each request and may deny access if requirements aren’t met. This ensures sensitive personal information stays protected while allowing legitimate research.
Recent Public Marriage License Releases
On December 11, 2021, Richland County released public records showing marriage licenses issued between November 29 and December 3. Notable entries included Teresa Ann Marhefka, age 22, marrying Ethan Robert Sparks, also 22. Another was Steven Earl Trouten, 27, marrying Patricia Ann. These records are part of routine transparency efforts. They appear in county databases and news outlets like Yahoo News. While personal details are limited, they confirm active recordkeeping and public access.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Richland County Probate Court is located at 2020 Hampton Street, PO Box 192, Columbia, SC 29201. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions about marriage records, licenses, or payments, call (803) 725-4000 during business hours. Staff assist with online portal issues, document requests, and fee explanations. Email communications should go to the protected address listed on official forms. All inquiries receive a response within one business day.
