Greenville Marriage Records are maintained by the county’s vital records office and probate court, providing official documentation for marriages and divorces. Residents and researchers can obtain marriage certificates, divorce certificates, and related records for legal purposes, name changes, remarriage, or genealogical research. These records also serve as important proof for insurance, property, and identification updates. Accessing them helps ensure that all personal and legal matters are properly documented and recognised.

This section covers both current procedures and historical records dating back to the early 1900s. It explains the marriage license process, how to request certified copies, and where to access historical documents, ensuring anyone can locate the information they need efficiently and accurately. Whether someone is handling legal matters, updating records, or tracing family history, these resources provide reliable and official information. The combination of current and historical data makes Greenville County Court records a valuable resource for multiple purposes.

What are the Marriage and Divorce Records in Greenville County

Greenville County maintains several types of marriage and divorce records, each serving a specific purpose. These include marriage licenses, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and other vital documents often requested for legal or genealogical reasons.

Marriage Licenses

A marriage license is issued before a couple can legally marry and includes the application and permit. It records names, ages, and addresses, and is required for both civil and religious weddings.

Marriage Certificates

A marriage certificate is the official proof that a marriage occurred. After the ceremony, the signed license is submitted to the county and becomes part of the permanent records. Certificates are used for legal purposes, like name changes or spousal benefits.

Divorce Records

A divorce decree documents the legal dissolution of a marriage. Greenville County maintains these records in the probate or family court. Access is usually restricted to parties involved or authorised representatives.

Other Vital Records

Other vital records, such as birth and death certificates, provide context for family or legal matters. These are maintained by the county’s vital records office or public records department.

Quick Reference Table:

Search Greenville County Marriage & Divorce Records Online

Searching Greenville County marriage and divorce records online is simple when users follow the correct steps and use official resources. Records can be found through county portals, and certified copies can be requested for a fee.

How to Search Court Records

To begin, users should know the proper method for searching:

1. Identify the Record Type: Decide whether you need a marriage record or a divorce record.
2. Use Full Names: Include maiden names, alternate spellings, or initials if necessary.
3. Enter Date Information: If the exact date is unknown, provide approximate years to widen the search.
4. Submit Search in Official Portals: Use Greenville County’s Probate Court portal for marriages or the Family Court Online Search for divorces.

These steps ensure the highest chance of finding the correct record efficiently.

Where to View Records

Users can access Greenville County marriage and divorce records through official online portals or by visiting the appropriate courthouse.

Marriage Records

• Greenville County Probate Court Online Portal: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/ProbateCourt/MarriageRecords
  • Users can enter names and date ranges to locate marriage records.
  • Access basic record details, including names, marriage date, and certificate number.
  • Certified copies are available for purchase through the portal.

Divorce Records

• Family Court Online Search: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/FamilyCourt/DivorceRecords
  • Search by party name or case number.
  • Access case details, filing date, and parties involved.
  • Certified copies can be requested online or in person.

Tips for Effective Searches

• Include full names, maiden names, and name variants.
• Use approximate dates if the exact date is unknown.
• If no record appears, try alternate portals, contact offices directly, or consult historical archives in the vital records office.

Requesting Certified Copies

Certified copies are often required for legal, genealogical, or personal purposes. Users can request copies online or in person. Payment is accepted by credit card, check, or money order. Processing times vary depending on the method.

Where Are Greenville County Marriage & Divorce Records Held?

Marriage and divorce records in Greenville County are maintained by several official offices, depending on the type of record and the date it was issued. For current and historical records, individuals can refer to the Probate Court, Family Court, or state vital records offices.

Greenville County Probate Court

The Greenville County Probate Court handles marriage licenses and records marriage certificates. This office is the primary source for anyone needing an official copy of a marriage certificate issued within the county. The court also has legal forms and fees associated with obtaining these records.

Address: 301 University Ridge, Greenville County Square, Suite N‑T100, Greenville, SC
Phone: (864) 467‑7571 (Marriage License Division)

Key points:

• Issues new marriage licenses.
• Maintains an official archive of recorded marriage certificates.
• Supports public records search requests for genealogy or legal purposes.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Vital Records

The SC DHEC Vital Records office maintains statewide marriage and divorce records. Certified copies can be requested for both legal and personal purposes, provided the requester meets certain conditions, such as being a party to the record or an immediate family member.

Greenville County Records Page: greenvillecounty.org/vitalrecords

Highlights:

• Provides certified marriage and divorce records.
• Supports official document requests by mail or online.
• Useful for verification, genealogical research, and official documentation.

Greenville County Family Court / Clerk of Court

For divorce records, Greenville County separates responsibilities based on the date of the divorce:

Both offices manage divorce decrees, court filings, and related family court records. Family Court also handles custody, support, and other family law matters, making it the main point of contact for post‑1996 divorce records.

How to Obtain a Marriage License in Greenville County

Couples who want to marry in Greenville County must apply for a marriage license through the county’s Probate Court. The process can be done online or in person — after meeting eligibility requirements, submitting the application, waiting 24 hours, and then picking up and signing the license.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a license in the Greenville County Probate Court, both persons need to meet certain legal requirements under South Carolina law:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• If under 18 but at least 16, a valid birth certificate and parental consent affidavit are required.
• Must present a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) plus a Social Security card (or official document showing SSN).
• Must have legal “capacity to marry” (i.e., not under guardianship or court-declared incapacitated).
• If previously divorced, the final divorce decree must be fully signed and filed.

Online Application Process

Greenville County offers an online application option:

1. Fill out the Marriage License Worksheet with information about both applicants.
2. Upload copies of your photo IDs and Social Security cards (or alternate SSN proof).
3. Submit payment via Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Fees:
   • Greenville County resident: $45
   • SC resident (outside Greenville): $75
   • Non-resident: $95
4. After submission, you receive an official application and verification forms. Sign these in front of a licensed notary public.
5. Return the signed originals — either by mail, drop-box, or in person — to the Probate Court.

You can choose to pick up the license in person or have it mailed after processing.

In-Person Application Option

For couples who prefer in-person applications:

Address: 301 University Ridge, Suite 5600, Greenville, SC 29601
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: (864) 467-7571 or (864) 467-7468

Both partners typically must appear together — unless minors (aged 16–17) with parental consent.

Waiting Period and Planning Advice

State law requires a 24-hour waiting period between application submission and license issuance.

Because the waiting period and office hours may delay matters, couples should plan. For weekend weddings, applying at least by Tuesday of the week before is recommended.

Signing and Recording the License

Once the marriage ceremony happens:

• The couple and their officiant (minister, rabbi, or authorised notary public) must sign the license.
• The license comes in three identical copies: one for each spouse, one for Probate Court, and one for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
• The Probate Court and DHEC copies must be returned or mailed within 15 days of the ceremony to ensure the marriage is officially recorded.

Returning the license promptly matters because future needs — such as obtaining a certified copy of the marriage certificate for passports, insurance, name changes, or legal purposes — depend on the record being filed.

Typical Fees & Certified Copies

How to Search / Request Existing Marriage Records

Marriage records in Greenville County can be searched online or requested from county offices, covering both recent and historical marriages. Certified copies are available for legal, personal, or genealogical purposes, and users can choose mail or in-person delivery.

Using the Greenville County Online Marriage License Portal

The Greenville County Marriage License Search portal allows users to find records by entering basic details such as applicant names and the year of marriage. Results typically include the license number, names of both parties, and the date of marriage, with the option to request a certified copy. Fees vary depending on the record’s age: $10 for historical licenses (1911–1970) and $15 for modern licenses (1971–present), and in-person requests are often available immediately.

Searching Through South Carolina DHEC

When a record is not available through the county portal, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) can provide certified copies of marriages conducted anywhere in the state. Requests are submitted using a record request form, usually by mail, and are useful for locating older or statewide records not found in the county’s digital archives.

Strategies When Records Are Missing

If a marriage record cannot be found, it may be due to spelling variations, approximate dates, or pre-digitisation storage. Searching alternative spellings, using an approximate year range, checking historical newspapers at libraries, or contacting the Probate Court for microfilm or archived copies can help. These methods are especially valuable for genealogical research and verifying older marriages.

How to Obtain Divorce Records in Greenville County

Obtaining divorce records in Greenville County is straightforward when you know which office to contact and what information to provide. Records before April 1996 are available at the Circuit Court, while more recent records are maintained by the Family Court.

Where to Request Divorce Records

For divorces filed between 1925 and April 1996, the Greenville County Circuit Court holds the official records. The office is located at:

Circuit Court
305 E. North St., Greenville, SC

Divorces filed after April 1996 are managed by the Greenville County Family Court, located at:

Family Court
350 Halton Rd., Greenville, SC

Both offices allow requests in person, by mail, or sometimes online. Visiting the correct office ensures access to the original divorce decree or certificate.

Public Index and Online Search

Greenville County offers a public index and online case search for checking case information. Through platforms like greenvillerecords.org, users can search by:

• Names of both parties
• Approximate filing date
• Case status

Limitations: Full divorce documents may not be downloadable online; online access is mostly for reference and verification purposes.

Requesting Certified Divorce Decrees or Certificates

To obtain a certified divorce decree or divorce certificate, requests can be made through:

1. Clerk of Court – in person, by mail, or online (if available)
2. SC DHEC Vital Records – for official divorce reports or certificates

Information typically required:

• Full names of both spouses
• Approximate date of divorce
• Valid photo ID
• Case number (if known)
• For mail requests: a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment

Typical fees vary depending on the type of copy requested:

Payment methods usually include checks, money orders, or sometimes credit/debit cards.

Costs, Timeframes & What to Expect

Obtaining marriage or divorce records in Greenville County, SC, involves modest fees and clear timeframes depending on how you request them. Certified copies are often required for legal purposes, while uncertified copies serve personal or research needs.

Fees for Certified Copies

Greenville County charges different fees based on the type of record and its date:

These fees cover certified copies with an official seal from the Greenville County Probate Court. Uncertified copies are usually less expensive, sometimes only a few dollars, and are primarily used for personal reference or genealogical research.

Request Timeframes

How long it takes depends on the method of request:

• Online search: Index lookup is usually near-instant for preliminary information.
• Mail requests: Expect 1–3 weeks, depending on postal service delays and holidays.
• In-person requests or same-day pick-up: Often the fastest option, especially for licenses or divorce decrees.

The Probate Court recommends allowing extra time during peak periods or public holidays.

Who Can Request Records

South Carolina law restricts record requests to:

• Individuals named on the certificate (bride, groom, or ex-spouse)
• Children of the parties
• Authorised persons for genealogical or research purposes

Requests must comply with SC DHEC rules, which protect personal information while allowing legitimate access.

What You Receive

There are two main types of copies:

• Uncertified copy: Suitable for personal use or family research
• Certified copy: An official, sealed document accepted for legal purposes, such as:
  • Name changes
  • Remarriage
  • Court proceedings
  • Property or insurance claims

Obtaining a certified copy ensures your records are recognised by courts, government agencies, and other legal entities. The Greenville County Vital Records Office handles these requests efficiently, providing a secure and official record.

Location & Office Addresses

Residents of Greenville County can visit several local offices to request marriage and divorce records. Each office handles specific types of records, so knowing the correct location helps save time and ensures accurate document retrieval.

Greenville County Probate Court

The Greenville Coun ty Probate Court manages marriage-related records, including licenses and certified certificates.

Address: 301 University Ridge, Greenville County Square, Suite N‑T100, Greenville, SC
Services:

• Marriage licenses
• Certified marriage certificates
  Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  Phone: (864) 467‑7200
  Email: probate@greenvillecounty.org

Residents can visit in person to request certified copies or submit applications for marriage licenses, making it the primary office for local marriage records.

Greenville County Family Court / Clerk of Court

Divorce records are maintained at different locations depending on the date of the divorce:

• Post‑1996 divorces: 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC (Family Court / Clerk of Court)
• 1925–April 1996 divorces: 305 E. North Street, Greenville, SC (Circuit Court)

Services:

• Certified divorce decrees
• Copies of divorce records
• Public records search in Greenville County
  Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  Phone: (864) 467‑6100

These offices allow in-person requests for certified copies of divorce records and provide access to historical documents for legal or personal purposes.

SC DHEC Vital Records Office

For statewide marriage or divorce records, the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records Office serves Greenville residents. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a state office.

Services:

• Certified copies of marriage and divorce records across South Carolina

This office is useful when county offices cannot provide a record or when a statewide search is needed.

Greenville County Library System – SC Room

The SC Room at the Greenville County Library System offers historical and genealogical resources, including microfilm collections and newspaper marriage announcements.

Address: 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, SC
Services:

• Historical marriage announcements
• Genealogical research
• Microfilm access

This resource is ideal for users conducting historical research or tracing family history.

Quick Reference Table – Greenville County Record Offices

FAQs About Marriage and Divorce

Finding Greenville County marriage or divorce records can sometimes be tricky, but most issues have clear solutions. Even if you lack exact details or are requesting records from afar, there are methods to locate or request official documentation.

What if I Don’t Know the Exact Date of Marriage or Divorce?

Users who do not know the exact date of a marriage or divorce can still find records by using approximate years or ranges. Searching the public index with an estimated timeframe often helps locate the correct record. Variant spellings of names can make a difference, especially for older records, and checking local newspapers or library archives can uncover announcements or notices that provide the missing details. County offices often allow flexible searches that accept partial information, which can help narrow down results.

What Should I Do if Older Records Are Not Online or Missing from the Index?

For marriages or divorces that occurred many years ago, online indexes may not have records available. In these cases, contacting the Greenville County Probate Court or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) can provide access to historical records. Local libraries and historical societies may hold microfilm archives or other copies of old marriage and divorce notices. Genealogy centres also often maintain collections of vital records that are not digitised, offering an alternative way to locate official documentation.

Can I Request a Certified Copy If I’m Not a Party to the Record?

Individuals seeking a certified copy who are not a party to the record, such as genealogical researchers, may encounter restrictions. Certified copies are typically available only to those named on the record or their immediate family. However, libraries or genealogy offices sometimes provide non-certified copies for research purposes. Contacting the state vital records office can clarify the requirements and any restrictions, allowing users to obtain the necessary information legally and appropriately.

How Much Do Fees Cost and What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Obtaining marriage or divorce records usually requires a fee, which covers processing and certification. Certified copies typically cost between $10 and $15 per record, and processing fees for request forms may vary. Online requests usually accept credit cards, while mail requests often require a check or money order. Users should also anticipate additional costs if requesting historical or archival records, as these may involve extra handling or research time.

Can I Request Records from Out-of-State or Internationally?

Individuals living outside South Carolina can still request records through mail or online services. Requests generally require a completed record request form, a copy of valid identification, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail submissions. Processing times may be longer for remote requests, especially when ordering certified copies or historical records. Despite these delays, remote options make it possible for anyone to obtain official documentation without visiting the county in person.