Marriage records in Kershaw County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. KershawCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, original documents are stored by the Kershaw County Probate Court office — you can visit in person, send a request by mail, or use the state's Department of Public Health online portal. Below are step-by-step instructions, fee amounts, and contact information.
Kershaw Marriage Records Search
In South Carolina, the issuance of marriage licenses and the registration of marriages at the county level are handled by the Probate Court. For Kershaw County, this is the Kershaw County Probate Court, located in Camden. The court maintains marriage licenses issued in the county, as well as returned and registered marriage certificates. Historical records date back to the 19th century — some of the oldest are available only on microfilm.
Separate from the local court, a centralized database of vital records is maintained by the SC Department of Public Health (Vital Records). It stores copies of marriage certificates registered throughout the state starting from July 1950. If the marriage was contracted before this date, contact the county's Probate Court directly.
Public court records of the county can also be viewed through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, although this portal is primarily focused on court cases rather than vital records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kershaw
The fee amount depends on where you order the copy — at the local Probate Court or through the state Vital Records office. Below are approximate rates according to current pricing.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (SC DHPH) | $12.00 | SC Vital Records |
| Additional copy (same order, SC DHPH) | $3.00 | SC Vital Records |
| Certified copy of marriage license (Probate Court) | Check with the court | Kershaw County Probate Court |
| Search fee (SC DHPH, if record not found) | Included in $12.00 | SC Vital Records |
Payment at the Vital Records office is accepted by money order or check payable to SC DHEC. Probate Court typically accepts cash, money orders, and — in some cases — credit cards. The processing time for a mail request through the state office is approximately 4–6 weeks; expedited processing is available for an additional fee when ordering online through a certified partner.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kershaw
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate registered in Kershaw County.
Online
The state Department of Public Health allows you to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate online. You will need to provide the full names of the spouses, the date and place of the marriage, and upload a copy of the applicant's ID. Online orders are processed faster than mail orders.
In Person
Visit the Kershaw County Probate Court at the address provided above. Bring with you:
- a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport);
- marriage information — names, approximate date;
- payment for the fee (confirm acceptable forms of payment in advance by phone).
An appointment is usually not required, but there may be a wait during peak hours.
By Mail
Send a request to the state Vital Records office or directly to the Probate Court. Include in the envelope:
- A completed application for a copy (form can be downloaded from the SC DHPH website).
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A money order or check for the appropriate amount.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (for Probate Court).
For other public information searches — such as court cases — use the SC Judicial System Public Index. And if you need general guidance on county marriage records, start with KershawCourt.us.