How to Legally Elope in South Carolina

South Carolina requires 24 hours between the issuance of the marriage license and the ceremony. Because Charleston County's application is 100% online, most couples apply from home a day or two before they travel, so the license is already in hand when they arrive. The Probate Judge may waive the 24-hour waiting period for couples with documented travel constraints, but waivers are issued case by case and shouldn't be assumed.

Charleston County Probate Court's online marriage license portal. The process is fully online — both partners submit information and upload a valid photo ID; no in-person visit is required. The license is valid statewide regardless of which South Carolina county issued it. Elopements Inc. coordinators walk couples through the application timing to align with the 24-hour waiting period.

A South Carolina marriage license costs $95, paid online to the Charleston County Probate Court at the time of application. South Carolina does not offer a premarital counseling discount. The license fee is paid directly to the county — not to Elopements Inc. Charleston County's application is 100% online; neither partner appears in person, and Elopements Inc. cannot submit the application on your behalf.

Yes. South Carolina requires two adult (18+) witnesses to sign the marriage license at the ceremony. Witnesses do not need to be South Carolina residents. Elopements Inc. provides two witnesses for couples eloping just the two of them.

Yes. Cypress Gardens, a 170-acre cypress swamp preserve in Moncks Corner about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, hosts elopements year-round. The signature flat-bottom boat ceremony on the black-water swamp is one of the most photographed elopement setups in the Southeast. Elopements Inc.'s Charleston packages include Cypress Gardens access.

Yes. Hampton Park, a 60-acre public park in downtown Charleston's Wagener Terrace neighborhood, allows small ceremonies under a $50 city special-event permit. The park's Spanish-moss-draped live oaks and gazebo are the iconic backdrop. Elopements Inc.'s Charleston packages handle the permit on your behalf.

Sometimes. The Charleston County Probate Judge has discretion to waive the 24-hour waiting period for couples with verifiable travel constraints — such as a same-day flight home. Waivers are not guaranteed and require a brief in-person conversation with the judge. Most couples plan around the waiting period rather than relying on a waiver.

South Carolina allows ordained ministers (any denomination), judges, and certain notaries (notaries-public ordained as 'officiants' in some counties) to officiate. Online ordination is recognized statewide. Elopements Inc. uses traditionally ordained officiants whose authority is unambiguous.

Both partners need: a valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and the $95 fee. If either partner has been previously married, the divorce decree or death certificate is required. The application asks for parents' full names and birth states — bring that information.

Yes. A marriage performed legally in South Carolina is recognized in all 50 U.S. states and most countries. The signed marriage license is returned by the officiant to the Probate Court, which then issues the certified marriage certificate (usually within 1-2 weeks). Elopements Inc. handles all return paperwork.