Marriage records in Darlington County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. DarlingtonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Darlington County Probate Court for marriages prior to July 1950 and after December 2023, or the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) for marriages between July 1950 and December 2023. Records may be obtained online, in person, or by mail.
Darlington County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, marriage records are split between two custodians depending on when the marriage took place. The Darlington County Probate Court maintains marriage licenses and certificates for marriages that occurred prior to July 1950 and after December 2023. For marriages that took place between July 1950 and December 2023, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Vital Records division, is the custodian of record.
The county's marriage records collection includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and filed marriage certificates. Note that a courthouse fire on March 19, 1806, destroyed most of Darlington County's early records, so documents predating that event are largely unavailable. The South Carolina Archives holds some surviving historical Darlington County records for genealogical research.
Darlington County Probate Court
SC Department of Public Health – Vital Records
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Darlington County
Fees vary depending on whether you request your copy from the Darlington County Probate Court or from the state Vital Records office. The table below summarizes standard fees based on South Carolina fee schedules.
| Service | Probate Court (County) | SC DPH Vital Records (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | Contact office for current fee | $12.00 |
| Additional copy (same order) | Contact office for current fee | $3.00 |
| Search fee (no record found) | Contact office | Included in copy fee |
| Expedited processing (state) | N/A | Additional fees may apply |
The state DPH fees are set by regulation and apply to marriages from July 1950 through December 2023. For records outside that date range, contact the Darlington County Probate Court directly to confirm the current certified copy fee. Payment methods accepted may include money orders, cashier's checks, or personal checks — call ahead to verify.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Darlington County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate, depending on the date of the marriage and your preference.
Online
For marriages that occurred between July 1950 and December 2023, you can order a certified copy through the SC Department of Public Health's marriage certificate page. The state uses an online ordering portal operated by a third-party vendor; follow the instructions on the DPH website. Additional convenience fees may apply for online orders.
The Darlington County Probate Court does not currently offer an online ordering system for marriage records. For records in the county's custody (pre-July 1950 or post-December 2023), use the in-person or mail options below.
In Person
Visit the Darlington County Probate Court at the address listed above during regular business hours. Bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The full names of both spouses
- The approximate date of the marriage
- Payment for the copy fee
Walk-in requests are generally accepted, but calling ahead is recommended to confirm availability and current fees.
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail from the Probate Court, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals listed
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Darlington County Probate Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-held records (July 1950–December 2023), mail requests go to:
Include the same information listed above and make payment payable to SC DHEC. Processing by mail typically takes several weeks. You can also check DarlingtonCourt.us for additional guidance on locating Darlington County marriage records.