Marriage records in Laurens County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. LaurensCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, official documents are maintained by the Laurens County Probate Court, where requests can be made in person or by mail. The South Carolina Department of Public Health also issues marriage certificates at the state level.
Laurens Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the issuance of marriage licenses and the maintenance of marriage records at the county level are handled by the Probate Court. The Laurens County Probate Court keeps marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates, and related documents. Historical records, including materials from the former Court of Ordinary of Laurens District, are partially preserved in the South Carolina State Archives. Copies of records that are not legislatively restricted are public and available for viewing in person, as confirmed by the state's public records laws.
At the state level, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SC DHEC) maintains a centralized marriage registry starting from July 1950.
Laurens County Probate Court
To confirm visiting hours, it is recommended to call in advance or check the information on the county directory page.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Laurens
The cost of obtaining copies of marriage records depends on whether you contact the county's Probate Court or the SC DHEC at the state level. Below are the approximate fees established according to South Carolina law.
| Service | Source | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | SC DHEC (state) | $12.00 |
| Additional copy (in one order) | SC DHEC | $3.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | County Probate Court | Check with the office |
| Record search | SC DHEC | Included in the cost of the copy |
County-level fees may vary. Contact the Laurens County Probate Court for the current price list. Processing requests through SC DHEC usually takes several weeks; current timelines are indicated on the Vital Records page.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Laurens
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, depending on whether you need a county-issued license or a certificate from the state registry.
Online Order (State Level)
SC DHEC allows ordering a certified copy of a marriage certificate through its online portal. Go to the SC DHEC Vital Records page, select the "Marriage Certificates" section, and follow the instructions. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- Payment by credit or debit card
In-Person Visit
If you need the marriage license or a record from the local archive, contact the Laurens County Probate Court directly at the address provided above. Bring a valid photo ID. Copies of records not subject to restrictions can be viewed and ordered on-site.
Order by Mail
To obtain a copy through SC DHEC, send a request by mail:
- Complete the marriage certificate request form (available on the SC DHEC website)
- Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to SC DHEC
- Enclose a copy of a photo ID
- Provide a return address
Mailing address for SC DHEC Vital Records:
For county-level requests, contact the Laurens County Probate Court — confirm the procedure and required documents by phone before sending a letter. Also, LaurensCourt.us can be helpful as an initial step for finding available information before contacting official agencies.