Marriage records in Lexington County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. LexingtonCourt.us can help find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies of marriage certificates can be ordered through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), in person at the Probate Court office, or by mail. Public records are governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Lexington Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court of the county where the couple applies. In Lexington County, this function is performed by the Lexington County Probate Court. This office keeps the originals of marriage licenses issued in the county, as well as returned signed certificates after the ceremony.
The marriage records collection includes:
- Issued marriage licenses
- Registered marriage certificates returned after the ceremony
- Historical records maintained at the county level
At the same time, the SC DHEC Vital Records department maintains a centralized registry of all marriages registered in the state since 1950, and certified copies are usually ordered through this department.
To search for court cases related to marriage (such as divorce), you can use the public index of the South Carolina Judicial Department.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lexington
Certified copies of marriage certificates in South Carolina are issued by SC DHEC — Vital Records Division. Below are the approximate fees according to the department's rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $12.00 |
| Additional copy (in the same order) | $3.00 |
| Search fee, if the record is not found | $12.00 |
These fees are set at the state level according to SC DHEC rates. The Lexington County Probate Court may charge a separate fee for issuing copies of documents stored directly in the office — check the amount by phone. The processing time for mail requests through SC DHEC usually takes several weeks, depending on the workload.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lexington
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate registered in Lexington County.
Online
SC DHEC offers the option to order a certified copy through its online Vital Records portal. You need to provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, and pay the fee by card. Online orders are usually processed faster than mail orders.
In Person
Contact the Lexington County Probate Court directly at:
Bring a photo ID with you. An appointment is usually not required, but during peak times, it is advisable to call in advance. The office can provide a copy of the license it issued directly on site.
To obtain a certified copy of the certificate through SC DHEC in person — visit one of the DHEC offices in the state (not in the county).
By Mail
Send a request to SC DHEC, including:
- A completed application for a copy of the marriage certificate (the form can be downloaded from the SC DHEC Vital Records website).
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to SC DHEC.
- A copy of the applicant's photo ID.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional for expedited delivery).
Mailing address for requests:
If the marriage was registered before 1950, the record may only be stored at the county level. In this case, contact the Lexington County Probate Court or the Lexington County Clerk of Court to find out where the required document is stored. The official Lexington County website contains contact information for all departments.