Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024How to Get Married in SC—Experts Share Where You Should Start
Charm your guests with a wedding in this southern state.
If you and your partner have solidified that you'd like to tie the knot in South Carolina, or are considering exchanging vows in this southern state, it's only right that you know how to get married in SC. Encompassing more than 30,000 square miles filled with beaches, luscious greenery and golf courses, there is no shortage of local venues and unique vendors to incorporate into your special day. That said, knowing how to properly leverage all that the state has to offer to help turn your wedding vision into a reality may feel overwhelming. That's why we tapped South Carolina wedding planning experts for some insights.
To learn more about the best time to get married in South Carolina, how to obtain a South Carolina marriage license and South Carolina marriage requirements, we chatted with Sarah Christopher, owner and lead Myrtle Beach wedding planner at Cheers & Champagne; Dana Cubbage, Charleston destination wedding planner at Dana Cubbage Weddings; Mike Winship, owner and lead wedding planner at Charleston Wedding Planner; and Parris Claytor Balazs, owner and certified wedding planner at Eventfully Chic by Parris. Continue reading for our step-by-step guide on how to get married in South Carolina.
In this article:
- How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina
- Notable Wedding Locations in South Carolina
- How to Plan a Wedding in South Carolina Step-by-Step
How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina
When thinking about how to obtain a marriage license in South Carolina, we can assure you that the process is not too demanding but should be done earlier rather than later (at the county level) to ensure all goes according to plan. "Both individuals must go to the probate office and present physical copies of your driver's license and social security cards," Christopher explains. "The marriage license will be ready about 24 hours after applying (waiting period), but always call and check beforehand what is required at your specific probate court near you."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Some South Carolina wedding licenses can be applied for online (such as in Dorchester County and Charleston County). Furthermore, a fee between $50 and $115 (depending on the county and whether or not you're a South Carolina resident) must be paid. Once your wedding license is ready, you can rest assured that it will not expire—that way, you can take your time with the wedding planning process. When it comes to South Carolina marriage laws, make sure to note that you need to be 18 years or older to apply for a South Carolina marriage license and/or receive parental or guardian consent to do so if you're 16 or 17 years of age.
Notable Wedding Locations in South Carolina
Although South Carolina features many cities suitable for exchanging vows, there are a couple of noteworthy ones our experts recommend which are home to some of their go-to South Carolina wedding venues.
Charleston
If tying the knot in a vibrant city is non-negotiable for your marriage in South Carolina, consider Charleston. "Our city is renowned for its historic architecture, beautiful gardens and vibrant culinary scene, making us a top choice for destination weddings," Winship says. He adds that some local favorite vendors in the Charleston area include Cru Catering, Loluma and Curated Events Charleston. Some noteworthy Charleston wedding venues include Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, The American Theater and the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Bluffton
Although Bluffton may be a fan-favorite coastal town in South Carolina for its seaside charm and proximity to Hilton Head Island, Balazs notes that it's also a "haven for couples seeking a relaxed yet elegant wedding vibe." Furthermore, the region houses many wedding venues including The Sea Pines Resort, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island and Hewitt Oaks.
Greenville
Even though Greenville may exude a more metropolitan energy than other cities across South Carolina, that makes it appealing to some couples. "A perfect mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, Greenville features scenic venues," Balazs says. "Its vibrant downtown and cultural appeal add a modern touch to any celebration." The city also contains several reputable wedding planning companies that Cubbage recommends including Beckon Events and Maready & Co. Events.
Myrtle Beach
If a beachfront wedding is what you seek, Myrtle Beach is a great spot. Some popular Myrtle Beach wedding venues include DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront and Grande Dunes.
How to Plan a Wedding in South Carolina Step-by-Step
Read on for our step-by-step guide to planning a wedding in South Carolina which can help you navigate the state's unique qualities to make the most of your special day.
1. Create a Budget
Allocating a budget is the first step to executing a successful SC marriage. Knowing how much money you have to spend on different wedding factors, including the venue, caterers and transportation, is pivotal. Fortunately, The Knot Budget Advisor is a helpful tool to get a general idea of how much you'll spend on various elements based on data provided by previous couples who have tied the knot in different parts of the state. In general, it will cost you more to celebrate your love in those larger and more popular cities such as Charleston and will typically require you to lower your guest count. If you're looking to save money or need to stick to a tighter budget, exploring areas outside the major cities may help you to spend less as many venues and vendors in those locations are typically less expensive, Christopher says.
2. Take Weather into Account
When considering when and where you'll tie the knot in South Carolina, being mindful of the weather is important. Although the weather in South Carolina is generally comfortable year-round, the summers can become quite hot and potential hurricanes should be kept in mind. "Take note of our hot summers and hurricane season (August-mid October)," Christopher says. "If you're having a summer wedding, make sure there's air conditioning and an indoor option at your venue and If you're getting married in SC during hurricane season, make sure your wedding insurance covers the cancellation in the event of a hurricane."
3. Secure a Wedding Venue
Whether you want to secure a South Carolina wedding venue as seen in your favorite movie or one at your favorite beachside resorts, there are plenty to choose from (many of which can be found on The Knot Marketplace). Winship recommends opting for hybrid venues which are typically better adaptable in case any unexpected rain occurs and/or to keep guests comfortable in varying temperatures. Furthermore, he adds that conducting thorough research about the wedding venues you're interested in is key to ensuring you and your guests will be accommodated as needed. That said, you'll want to do all of this and reserve your special place as early as you can to ensure it's yours.
4. Incorporate South Carolina Landscaping Into Your Special Day
One of the many reasons couples opt to tie the knot in South Carolina is for the beautiful greenery and coastal areas. Depending on your venue preferences and the season during which you plan on tying the knot, opting for venues containing patios and/or large windows can help make certain that you'll be able to enjoy some beautiful views while optimizing comfort.
5. Arrange Transportation
South Carolina may not be the largest state, but the traffic can be a lot, especially at peak times. This can potentially impact any out-of-state guests you have coming to celebrate with you. However, leaving a couple of hours of travel time and being proactive with booking travel arrangements may help you (and your guests) avoid any unwanted travel delays. "Include travel tips or recommendations in invitations and on your wedding website for out-of-town guests," Balazs suggests. Although rental cars can be useful, South Carolina has local transportation providers if you wish to transport your guests as a group via bus, limousine or trolley.
6. Embrace unique vendors
The Knot Marketplace is a great tool to find local vendors for your special day or any other wedding-related activities. From DJs to florists to caterers, you can search for vendors in your wedding location and do so using filters that generate results that best match your allocated budget and desired services. You can also see what awards your preferred vendors have won (if any) and read reviews.
