Marriage records in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ChesterfieldSCCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Chesterfield County Probate Court, which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records office holds statewide marriage certificates as well. Records may be obtained online through the state portal, in person at the county courthouse, or by mail.
Chesterfield County Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the Probate Court in each county is the office responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining local marriage records. The Chesterfield County Probate Court keeps records of marriage licenses issued within the county. The collection includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned marriage certificates filed after ceremonies are performed.
For marriages that took place from 1950 onward, the South Carolina Department of Public Health also maintains certified copies of marriage certificates at the state level. Researchers looking for older or historical Chesterfield County records — particularly those predating 1865 — should be aware that many early county records were destroyed when the courthouse burned in March 1865. The SC Department of Archives and History holds surviving historical county records and can assist with genealogical research.
Contact the Probate Court directly to confirm current hours before visiting, as schedules may change for holidays or other closures.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chesterfield County
Fees for marriage record copies vary depending on whether you request from the county Probate Court or from the state DPH Vital Records office. The table below reflects standard fees based on South Carolina state guidelines. Contact the issuing office to confirm current amounts.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified marriage certificate (state DPH) | $12.00 | SC DPH Vital Records |
| Each additional copy (same order, state DPH) | $3.00 | SC DPH Vital Records |
| Marriage license (county Probate Court) | $95.00 | SC Code § 20-1-230; Probate Court fee schedule |
| Certified copy of marriage license (county) | Varies — contact Probate Court | Chesterfield County Probate Court |
Processing times for state-level requests typically range from several weeks for standard mail orders. In-person requests at the county Probate Court are often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on staff availability and record accessibility.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chesterfield County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate or a copy of a marriage license in Chesterfield County:
Online
The South Carolina DPH Vital Records office accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its approved vendor portal. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage took place
- Valid photo ID
- Credit or debit card for payment
Visit the DPH Vital Records website and follow the link to order marriage certificates online.
In Person
Walk-in requests can be made at the Chesterfield County Probate Court during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to pay the applicable fee by cash, check, or money order — call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the state office, send the following to SC DPH Vital Records:
- A completed application form (available on the DPH website)
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to SC DPH
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For copies of marriage licenses issued locally, mail your request directly to the Chesterfield County Probate Court at the address listed above. Include the names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, your contact information, a copy of your photo ID, and the appropriate fee.
If you are conducting genealogical research involving Chesterfield County marriages, the SC Department of Archives and History may have additional resources, particularly for records predating the twentieth century. For court-related public index searches, the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index allows limited online lookups, though it is not a primary source for marriage records. Always verify that the record you need is available from your chosen source before submitting payment.