Marriage records in Richland County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. RichlandSCCourt.us allows quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the original documents are maintained by the Richland County Probate Court office — they can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online portal of the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Below is a practical guide on how to search, order, and obtain marriage certificates.
Richland Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the issuance of marriage licenses and the maintenance of marriage records are handled by the Probate Court of the respective county. In Richland County, this function is performed by the Richland County Probate Court. The signed license is returned there after the ceremony, and it is registered as an official record.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in the county
- Registered marriage certificates
- Historical records maintained since the county's establishment
Additionally, copies of marriage reports from 1950 and later can be obtained through the SC Department of Public Health — Vital Records. This office maintains a centralized registry at the state level.
Richland County Probate Court
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Richland
The cost depends on where you order the copy — at the county Probate Court or through the state's Vital Records. Below are the approximate fees according to current rates.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (Probate Court) | Inquire at the office | Richland County Probate Court |
| Certified copy (SC DPH Vital Records) | $12.00 | SC Department of Public Health |
| Additional copy in the same order (SC DPH) | $3.00 | SC Department of Public Health |
| Expedited processing (SC DPH) | Additional delivery fee | SC Department of Public Health |
The county's Probate Court does not publish a fixed price list online — call (803) 576-1960 for the current amount. The state's Vital Records accepts payment by money order or cashier's check made payable to SC DPH; personal checks are usually not accepted.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Richland
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state Department of Public Health offers online ordering through its portal. Go to the Vital Records page, select the appropriate record category, and complete the electronic application. Payment is made by credit or debit card; a service fee is charged by a third-party payment processor. The standard processing time is 4 to 6 weeks.
In Person
Visit the Richland County Probate Court at:
Bring a valid photo ID. An appointment is usually not required, but there may be waiting times during peak hours. If the marriage was registered in this county, a copy is often issued the same day.
Alternatively, you can visit the regional Vital Records office in Richland County — it processes requests for certified copies of state registry records, including marriage records.
By Mail
To order through SC DPH, send:
- A completed application (the form can be downloaded from the Vital Records Forms page)
- A money order or cashier's check for the appropriate amount
- A copy of a photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mailing address for requests:
Be sure to mark the envelope with "Vital Records." Processing of mail requests can take several weeks to a month or more, depending on the office's workload.
To obtain an apostille on a marriage certificate — for example, for use abroad — contact the South Carolina Secretary of State's office after receiving the certified copy.
If you need a different type of record — such as a divorce report — it can be ordered through the Divorce Reports page of the Department of Public Health. To check county court cases, use the South Carolina Judicial System Public Index.