# Marriage Notary and Wedding Officiant > Your Wedding, Your Way ## Pages - [Reviews](https://marriagenotary.com/reviews/): Reviews — What Our Couples Say We’ve performed over 1,000 wedding ceremonies and hold 800+ five-star reviews on Google. Here’s... - [FAQ — Marriage Notary & Wedding Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/faq/): Frequently Asked Questions Real questions from couples we’ve worked with about getting married in South Carolina, marriage licenses, notary signings,... - [Methods of Payment](https://marriagenotary.com/pricing/methods-of-payment/): How to Make Payment You can Zelle us your payment to “weddings@marriagenotary. com” CashApp it to “$TheMarriageNotary” Venmo it to... - [Camden Wedding Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/camden-wedding-officiant/): Wedding Officiant Camden SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Camden?... - [Ceremony and Photography Package Sample](https://marriagenotary.com/ceremony-and-photography-package-sample/): Many times I get queried as to what does the ceremony and photography package we offer include. The package includes... - [Wedding Photo Gallery](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photo-gallery/) - [Terms of Provided Services](https://marriagenotary.com/legal/terms-of-provided-services/): By accepting an appointment and scheduling our service you agree and accept to the following, including the Terms Of Use... - [Notary Public Marriage](https://marriagenotary.com/notary-public-marriage/): Need a Notary Public Marriage? We can help! We are officially appointed by the State of South Carolina to perform... - [Wedding Photography Charleston](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photography-charleston/): Wedding Photography and Video Services Your Wedding Day is a Love Story... Tell it to our Camera! Yes we are... - [Pricing](https://marriagenotary.com/pricing/): Wedding Officiant & Notary Marriage Pricing Fees are based on the time required (preparation, ceremony, and paperwork) plus travel distance... - [Wedding Photography](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photography/): Wedding Photography and Video Services Your Wedding Day is a Love Story... Tell it to our Camera! Yes we are... - [Appointment Confirmation](https://marriagenotary.com/appointment/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password: - [Privacy Policy](https://marriagenotary.com/legal/privacy-policy/): PRIVACY POLICY Welcome to http://marriagenotary. com (the “Site”). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site,... - [Terms of Use](https://marriagenotary.com/legal/terms-of-use/): TERMS OF USE PLEASE READ! http://marriagenotary. com REQUIRES CONSIDERATION FOR AND AS A CONDITION OF ALLOWING YOUR USE OF http://marriagenotary.... - [Sumter SC Marriage Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/sumter-sc-marriage-officiant/): Wedding Officiant Sumter SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Sumter?... - [Disclaimer](https://marriagenotary.com/legal/disclaimer/): DISCLAIMER The information contained in http://marriagenotary. com is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by http://marriagenotary. com... - [Florence Wedding Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/florence-wedding-officiant/): Wedding Officiant Florence SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Florence?... - [Free Wedding Venues](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/free-wedding-venues/): Here is a list of mostly free wedding venues in and around the Columbia, SC metro area where you can... - [Fort Jackson SC Graduation Marriages](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/fort-jackson-sc-graduation-marriages/): Soldiers graduating from Basic at Fort Jackson SC who want to get married right away This was a Post but... - [Contact](https://marriagenotary.com/contact/): You can call me direct anytime at 803-446-3405 or fill out the form below and I will get back to... - [About](https://marriagenotary.com/about-wedding-officiants/): Officially, I am a notary appointed by the South Carolina Secretary of State. You can verify my appointment here. Type... - [Same Sex Marriage in SC](https://marriagenotary.com/same-sex/): Is same sex marriage legal in Columbia, SC? Call 803-446-3405 now to get married right away! Absolutely, same sex marriage... - [Sample Same Sex Marriage Vows](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/same-sex-marriage-south-carolina/same-sex-marriage-vows/): Sample Vows for Same Sex Marriages We have come together today to witness the wedding ceremony of (Partner 1) and... - [Same Sex Marriage in South Carolina](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/same-sex-marriage-south-carolina/): Is same sex marriage legal in SC? Absolutely, same sex marriage is legal in SC. It has been legal since... - [Mobile Notary Service](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/mobile-notary-service/): Mobile Notary Service Why use your valuable time searching for a Columbia, SC notary service, when I can come to... - [Aiken](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/aiken-south-carolina-official-wedding-marriage-notary/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Aiken Wedding Officiant I am a marriage notary officiant in South Carolina. It is my responsibility... - [North Myrtle Beach](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/north-myrtle-beach/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant North Myrtle Beach Marriage Officiant As a certified wedding officiant in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,... - [Rock Hill, South Carolina](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/rock-hill/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Rock Hill, SC It’s is pretty amazing how easy it is to get married anywhere in... - [Charleston Wedding Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/charleston-wedding-officiant/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Charleston Are you planning a future wedding date or need a Charleston wedding officiant right away?... - [Greenville Wedding Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/greenville-wedding-officiant/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Greenville Wedding Officiant Thinking of planning a wedding in Greenville? Wherever you plan to wed your... - [Spartanburg](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/spartanburg/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Wedding Officiant Thinking of a wedding celebration in Spartanburg? Anywhere you arrange to wed your partner,... - [Myrtle Beach](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/myrtle-beach-wedding-notary/): Wedding Notary and Marriage Officiant Myrtle Beach Marriage Notary Make your marriage simple and fun! South Carolina is one of... - [South Carolina](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/) - [Columbia](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/columbia/): Wedding and Marriage Officiant Columbia Marriage Notary There are currently five states where a marriage conducted by a notary is... - [Legal](https://marriagenotary.com/legal/) - [News](https://marriagenotary.com/news/) - [Sample Marriage Vows](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/sample-marriage-vows/): Sample Marriage Vows #1 “We are gathered together in the presence of this company to unite (GROOM) and (BRIDE) in... - [Resources](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/) - [Get Your Marriage License](https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/get-your-marriage-license/): State of South Carolina Marriage License Application Process License Fee: Varies by county. Minimum Age: (16). Minor applicants must have... - [Home](https://marriagenotary.com/): Marriage Notary and Wedding Officiant Whether your wedding is just the 2 of you, or for 200, I want to... ## Posts - [How to Get a Marriage License in Richland County SC](https://marriagenotary.com/how-to-get-a-marriage-license-in-richland-county-sc/): Get a Marriage License in Richland County SC If you’re planning a wedding in the Columbia area, figuring out how... - [How to Get Married in Columbia SC: A Simple Guide from a Local Officiant](https://marriagenotary.com/how-to-get-married-in-columbia-sc-a-simple-guide-from-a-local-officiant/): How to Get Married in Columbia SC If you’ve been wondering how to get married in Columbia SC, the good... - [Why You Should Reconsider Having a Big Wedding: A Case for Intimate Celebrations](https://marriagenotary.com/why-you-should-reconsider-having-a-big-wedding-a-case-for-intimate-celebrations/): Why You Should Reconsider Having a Big Wedding: A Case for Intimate Celebrations Bottom line up front: While big weddings... - [What is an Apostille and Why You Might Need One](https://marriagenotary.com/what-is-an-apostille-and-why-you-might-need-one/): What is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One? An apostille is an international certification that makes documents legal... - [Social Security Offices in South Carolina](https://marriagenotary.com/social-security-offices-in-south-carolina/): Many brides wish to change their last name after getting married. We have a blog post about changing your name... - [Wedding at Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-at-hampton-preston-mansion-and-gardens/): Have performed large weddings here but didn’t realize they allowed small weddings for no fee. Gardens are open to the... - [Anniversary Box](https://marriagenotary.com/anniversary-box/): Many couples are now choosing to include an Anniversary Box in their wedding ceremony. The box can be opened on... - [Renewal of Marriage Vows](https://marriagenotary.com/renewal-of-marriage-vows/): What is a vow renewal? Vow renewals are ceremonies where a couple renews the vows they made to each other... - [Unity Lasso Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/unity-lasso-ceremony/): Weddings are ceremonies that have a lot of tradition incorporated into them. Many couples choose to use as part of... - [God's Knot, The Cord of Three Strands](https://marriagenotary.com/gods-knot-the-cord-of-three-strands/): God’s Knot-Cord of Three Strands “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is... - [Excerpt from The Art of Marriage](https://marriagenotary.com/excerpt-from-the-art-of-marriage/): Below is an excerpt from the Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson. I was asked to include it in... - [Unity Plant Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/unity-plant-ceremony/): Unity Plant Ceremony Yesterday I performed a really neat ceremony for a couple. It is the Unity Plant Ceremony. This... - [South Carolina Justice of the Peace](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina-justice-of-the-peace/): Justice of the Peace replaced by Notaries I receive many calls from couples looking for a Justice of the Peace... - [The Wedding Kiss](https://marriagenotary.com/the-wedding-kiss/): The First Kiss At the end of almost every wedding ceremony is “The Kiss”. The wedding officiant makes the pronouncement,... - [Importance of a Wedding Day of Coordinator](https://marriagenotary.com/importance-of-a-wedding-day-of-coordinator/): For a small intimate wedding or elopement you really don’t need a wedding planner or coordinator. But... once you start... - [Wedding Day Essential Photo Shot List](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-day-essential-photo-shot-list/): Your wedding day is a special day! You should make sure to get as many photos as possible to remember... - [Richland County SC Probate Court Online Marriage License Applications Now Available](https://marriagenotary.com/richland-county-sc-probate-court-online-marriage-license-applications-now-available/): You can now apply for your marriage license online using the Richland County Probate Court portal. Click on the link... - [Richland County SC Probate Court Now Open for Marriage Licenses at Limited Times](https://marriagenotary.com/richland-county-sc-probate-court-now-open-for-marriage-licenses-at-limited-times/): Richland County Marriage License Applications The Richland County Probate Court will open beginning Tuesday, April 21 2020, for marriage license... - [How Get Your Marriage License in SC While the Probate Courts are Closed](https://marriagenotary.com/how-get-your-marriage-license-in-sc-while-the-probate-courts-are-closed/): Get Your SC Marriage License During Court Shutdown Its a terrible time right now isn’t it? Social distancing, virus scares,... - [Sumter County Offers Free Certified Copies of Marriage License for Military](https://marriagenotary.com/sumter-county-offers-free-certified-copies-of-marriage-license-for-military/): Just wanted to make everyone aware. When you get married, Sumter County Probate Court provides two (2) free certified copies... - [Your Wedding and the Coronavirus](https://marriagenotary.com/your-wedding-and-the-coronavirus/): 7 Steps to Protect Your Wedding from the COVID-19 Virus A hot topic in the news today is the coronavirus... - [Example Budget Wedding for Under $1,000](https://marriagenotary.com/example-budget-wedding-for-under-1000/): Last year I had the pleasure to perform the wedding ceremony for Georgia and Nathan. Today I came across a... - [Inexpensive Wedding Bands](https://marriagenotary.com/inexpensive-wedding-bands/): Many couples are looking to save money on their wedding. One way to do that is to not spend a... - [Sample Handfasting Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/sample-handfasting-ceremony/): Many couples like to use a traditional hand fasting as part of their ceremony. Here is a sample ceremony... Hand... - [After the Marriage Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/after-the-marriage-ceremony/): Completed Marriage License So, you received your marriage license, either in the mail or in person, your wedding ceremony is... - [Wedding Unity Candle Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-unity-candle-ceremony/): The Unity Candle One question I often get asked by people planning their marriage ceremony, is how can they “make... - [South Carolina Supreme Court Abolishes Common Law Marriages](https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina-supreme-court-abolishes-common-law-marriages/): Common law marriage was legal in SC, up until last Wednesday, July 24, 2019 anyway. On that day the SC... - [What to do before you agree to participate in a wedding](https://marriagenotary.com/what-to-do-before-you-agree-to-participate-in-a-wedding/): So, you have been asked to be in a wedding? Being asked to participate in a friends or relatives wedding... - [Christmas is the Season to: Get Engaged](https://marriagenotary.com/christmas-is-the-season-to-get-engaged/): So you are going to get married Christmas Day is usually the number one day of the year for couples... - [Tips on Writing Your Own Marriage Vows](https://marriagenotary.com/tips-on-writing-your-own-marriage-vows/): Should you write your own wedding vows? Your wedding is coming up. You have to decide on your vows. Should... - [Wedding Unity Sand Ceremony](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-unity-sand-ceremony/): Unity Sand Ceremony Traditionally, weddings in the past have been a pretty standardized affair. Because of movies and television most... - [Changing Your Name in SC After Getting Married](https://marriagenotary.com/changing-your-name-in-sc-after-getting-married/): Steps to Change Your Name in SC After Marriage Many people ask me about how to go about changing their... - [Having a Big Wedding? 6 Wedding Bills You Should Always Use a Credit Card to Pay](https://marriagenotary.com/having-a-big-wedding-6-wedding-bills-you-when-should-always-use-a-credit-card-to-pay/): 6 Wedding Bills You Should Always Charge on a Credit Card If you are having a large wedding you are... - [What is a Certified Copy of a Marriage License](https://marriagenotary.com/certified-copy-marriage-license/): What is a certified copy of your marriage license and do you need one? A certified copy of your marriage... - [Simple and Inexpensive Honeymoons](https://marriagenotary.com/simple-inexpensive-honeymoons/): If you’re looking for some affordable honeymoon trips to begin your marriage on the right financial foot, check out the... - [Dressing Your Wedding Guests](https://marriagenotary.com/dressing-your-wedding-guests/): When Jennifer began to plan her wedding, she ran into one novel problem: how to dress her wedding guests. Normally,... - [Wedding Planner](https://marriagenotary.com/hiring-a-wedding-planner/): Hiring a Wedding Event Manager or Planner There are pros and cons to hiring a wedding planner. One thing, it... - [Legal Issues When Getting Married](https://marriagenotary.com/legal-issues-when-getting-married/): Legal Issues When Getting Married There are many legal issues that have to be agreed and decided upon when a... - [Things You Should Know](https://marriagenotary.com/things-you-should-know-before-you-get-married/): Things to Know About Getting Married in SC Getting married in South Carolina is very easy. No witnesses or blood... - [Wedding songs to celebrate the day](https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-songs-to-celebrate-the-day/): Wedding songs play a vital role throughout the entire wedding day. Wedding songs help create the mood and ambience of... - [Low Budget Wedding Guide](https://marriagenotary.com/low-budget-wedding-guide/): Getting Married On a Shoestring Budget Often I perform a wedding ceremony for young couples who have very little money.... # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/reviews/ Reviews — What Our Couples Say We've performed over 1,000 wedding ceremonies and hold 800+ five-star reviews on Google. Here's what some real couples have said about working with us — pulled directly from our Google Business Profile. See all our reviews on Google. "Jack did my mother's wedding three years ago and was super kind and patient even though we were running a little behind. Yesterday he did my wedding. He was super nice and explained everything to me. I highly recommend his services! "— Jazmine Martinez, Local Guide (18 reviews, 3 photos) "Jack helped to make our special day even better with his positive demeanor, support, and assistance in guiding us through the process. I recommend The Marriage Notary for anyone who is looking for an officiant! "— Stephanie Walker (4 reviews) "We needed a marriage notary quickly, and Jack absolutely delivered. From the first call and subsequent messages, he was highly responsive and answered all of our questions with clear, informative details. Even with our short notice, and our request for a shift in timing, he accommodated us without any hesitation. Professional, kind, and efficient. "— Jennifer Johansen (8 reviews) "He was the nicest man and explained everything perfectly to us and didn't hesitate to answer any questions! It was perfect"— Megan Atkins (1 review) "Jack was the best! ! ! ! Made this process super easy for us. We eloped in Paris and just needed to sign the paperwork. Jack was available, arranged the meet up... - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/faq/ Frequently Asked Questions Real questions from couples we've worked with about getting married in South Carolina, marriage licenses, notary signings, and our services. How do I get married in Columbia, SC? Get a marriage license from Richland or Lexington County Probate Court (both spouses appear in person with photo ID), then book a licensed officiant to perform and sign the ceremony. There's no waiting period once the license is issued, so same-day ceremonies are possible. Do we need witnesses to get married in South Carolina? No. South Carolina does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Do we need a blood test to get married in SC? No, South Carolina does not require a blood test. Does a South Carolina marriage license expire? No. South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire. Can we get married the same day we get our marriage license? Yes. Once the license itself is issued (after the county's required 24-hour waiting period from application), there's no additional waiting period to hold the ceremony. Do we have to be South Carolina residents to get married here? No, residency in South Carolina is not required. How do I get a marriage license in Richland County? Apply online through the Richland County Probate Court portal with a photo ID and proof of Social Security number (or a passport/visa for non-citizens). There's a 24-hour waiting period after applying. The license is mailed (about a week) or can be picked up in person if you request that instead. How much... - Published: 2022-05-14 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/pricing/methods-of-payment/ How to Make Payment You can Zelle us your payment to "weddings@marriagenotary. com" CashApp it to "$TheMarriageNotary" Venmo it to "@Jack-Heape-1" Reminder Be sure your wedding ceremony starts at the scheduled time. Your appointment is scheduled for the time the ceremony is supposed to begin, NOT the time when everyone starts arriving and we begin sometime later after that. We usually arrive at least 15 minutes early for even the smallest ceremony, and even earlier for larger weddings (usually one hour). We often may have multiple weddings scheduled on any given day. We understand that things happen and that your ceremony may start a little late. But, if the ceremony starts over 15 minutes late, there will be an additional charge of $25 for every 15 minute period past the scheduled start time. We also reserve the right to refuse to officiate your ceremony if you have not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, or if the ceremony does not begin within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time. Any payments you will have made are non-refundable. You paid us for our time and we were present at the scheduled time. Usually we build in some extra leeway but sometimes ceremonies can run really late and it isn't fair to another scheduled couple for us to be late for their wedding. However, if we arrive late and you have to wait for over 30 minutes to begin your ceremony, then we will perform your ceremony for free... - Published: 2021-09-30 - Modified: 2021-09-30 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/camden-wedding-officiant/ Wedding Officiant Camden SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Camden? I can help! Whether you just want to get the paperwork signed, want a small ceremony at home or in a park, or have a big wedding planned at a church or other venue, I can be your wedding officiant and perform your marriage ceremony for you. As both a notary and an ordained minister I have officiated over 1,400 weddings. My goal is to help you make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life! Photo Courtesy Northern Red Photography Call Now! 803-446-3405 What do you need to get married in Camden? First of all you need to get your marriage license. You can go to any county probate court in the state, and then use that license anywhere in the state to get married. In Camden (and Kershaw County), you can go to the Probate Court to obtain your license. See their website, Kershaw County Probate Court, for all the details. Once you get your license you can use it in Camden or anywhere else in the State of SC to get married. After you get your license, then all you need is someone to officiate the marriage and sign the paperwork. No witnesses are required in SC. You don't even have to have a ceremony if you don't wish. Just get the paperwork completed. if you want a ceremony, then you need to think... - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-07-08 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/ceremony-and-photography-package-sample/ Many times I get queried as to what does the ceremony and photography package we offer include. The package includes our officiant conducting the ceremony, video recording the ceremony, and taking photographs before, sometimes during, and after the ceremony. Below is the video of a ceremony we recently conducted, followed by a picture gallery of some of the pictures taken of the wedding. 1 2 ► - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2021-06-22 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photo-gallery/ 1 2 ... 4 ► - Published: 2021-05-22 - Modified: 2025-06-08 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/legal/terms-of-provided-services/ By accepting an appointment and scheduling our service you agree and accept to the following, including the Terms Of Use as posted on our website. Thank you for booking your wedding ceremony and/or photography with us! We promise to do our best for you! You should have already received a confirmation text confirming your wedding appointment for a certain date and time. This Terms of Provided Services details the methods of payment we accept and also some additional information in order for us to better serve you. It also sets out some parameters of our agreement with you. We have probably already discussed your particular wedding date in detail, but there are a couple of additional items we need to cover. Please read through them carefully and let us know if you have questions. 1. MARRIAGE LICENSE. Be sure that you have your marriage license and that you have it with you on your wedding day. It is illegal for us to perform a marriage ceremony without a license. When we arrive for your wedding ceremony the first thing we are going to ask for (after saying hello of course! ) is your marriage license. 2. PAYMENT. Due to the increasing number of last minute cancellations, late arrivals, and no-shows, we now require a deposit or payment in full at the time of booking. Why? Because you are paying us for our time and expertise and we are reserving a set date and time for your wedding. Most likely we... - Published: 2020-09-16 - Modified: 2023-08-04 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/notary-public-marriage/ Need a Notary Public Marriage? We can help! We are officially appointed by the State of South Carolina to perform notary public marriages. We have performed over a 1000+ wedding ceremonies, from large church weddings to small intimate weddings where it is just the two of you. We can easily travel to your location and perform your ceremony for you. If you just need your marriage license signed without a ceremony we can help with that as well. Whatever your tradition or faith, give us a call if you need a notary public marriage. Prices start at $40 for a signing, $90 for a basic ceremony. Call Now! 803-446-3405 Or fill out the contact form below and we will get right back with you! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name *FirstLastEmail *Cell Contact NumberWedding Date & Time (example 12/25/2020, 3pm)Wedding Location (City, example Columbia)Tell Us More About Your Event (location, # of guests, etc. )Phone Submit - Published: 2020-08-17 - Modified: 2023-02-05 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photography-charleston/ Wedding Photography and Video Services Your Wedding Day is a Love Story... Tell it to our Camera! Yes we are wedding officiants, but we are also wedding photographers. If you need dependable and reasonably priced wedding photography for your elopement or small wedding in Charleston, then give us call. We guarantee that we will be on time and in the frame for your special wedding ceremony. Our experience in celebrating the marriage of over 1000 couples gives us a special insight into telling your love story through pictures. We shoot the standard wedding picture shot list of course; family, ceremony, before and after. But we also try to capture the special, intimate moments that make your wedding day, a special day! So if you are in need of a wedding photographer for your special day, give us a call at 843-508-2223 Venues for Great Wedding Day Pictures The Charleston area is filled with venues that are free and can make your wedding day a special picture day. The Charleston Battery with its beautiful harbor views are open to the public. Their are several beautiful and scenic locations around Charleston with its historical buildings like Rainbow Row. Their are many parks around town; Waterfront Park, Marion Square, and Brittlebank Park to name a few. There are also several beach locations to choose from; Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach. Wedding Days at a Home Many couples want to have their special wedding day at their personal or family home.... - Published: 2020-07-04 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/pricing/ Wedding Officiant & Notary Marriage Pricing Fees are based on the time required (preparation, ceremony, and paperwork) plus travel distance — we come to you. Below are our published rates by area. We'll confirm an exact quote once we know your date, time, and location. Officiant Fees by Area $90 — Columbia and Lexington area (basic fee) $105 — Leesville, Chapin, Gaston, Ridgeway, Lugoff $175 — Florence, Orangeburg, St. Matthews, Sumter $195 — Rock Hill, Aiken $225–$325 — Charleston (varies by location) Prefer to just get the paperwork signed with no ceremony? A notary marriage signing ("sign and go") starts at $40. Surcharges: +$25 for holidays and Valentine's Day; a fuel surcharge may apply for longer-distance travel; ceremonies starting after 6pm carry a late-evening surcharge. The basic fee includes travel, the ceremony itself, and paperwork. Wedding Photography Fees by Area Photography fees cover 1–2 hours of coverage plus travel, including post-production. $295 — Columbia and Lexington area (basic fee) $325 — Leesville, Chapin, Gaston, Ridgeway, Lugoff $350 — Florence, Orangeburg, Sumter $375 — Rock Hill, Aiken $475 — Charleston +$50 holiday surcharge usually applies on holidays and Valentine's Day. Outdoor photography is not available July 1–September 15 in the Columbia area due to heat and humidity, and we reserve the right to cancel outdoor photography for inclement weather — the ceremony itself still goes on as scheduled, just without photos in that case. See our wedding photo gallery for examples of our work. Combination Officiant + Photography Package One person... - Published: 2020-07-01 - Modified: 2025-08-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-photography/ Wedding Photography and Video Services Your Wedding Day is a Love Story... Tell it to our Camera! Yes we are wedding officiants, but we are also wedding photographers. If you need dependable and reasonably priced wedding photography for your elopement or small wedding, then give us call. We guarantee that we will be on time and in the frame for your special wedding ceremony. Our experience in celebrating the marriage of over 1000 couples gives us a special insight into telling your love story through pictures. We shoot the standard wedding picture shot list of course; family, ceremony, before and after. But we also try to capture the special, intimate moments that make your wedding day, a special day! So if you are in need of a wedding photographer for your special day, give us a call. Take a look at our Wedding Photo Gallery to view some of our work. Venues for Great Wedding Day Pictures The Columbia and Lexington area is filled with venues that are free and can make your wedding day a special picture day. The South Carolina Governors Mansion with its beautiful gardens are open to the public during the week. The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park has several beautiful and scenic locations along the Broad River and around its historical buildings. The USC campus in downtown Columbia has many striking photographic opportunities around the Horseshoe. Virgina Hylton Park in Lexington has a wonderful creek side venue for a wedding. There are many other locations... - Published: 2020-06-27 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/appointment/ This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password: - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2019-05-06 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/legal/privacy-policy/ PRIVACY POLICY Welcome to http://marriagenotary. com (the "Site"). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business. This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site ("Visitors") who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site and make use of the various services offered by The Marriage Notary (collectively, "Services") ("Authorized Customers"). "Personally Identifiable Information" refers to any information that identifies or can be used to identify, contact, or locate the person to whom such information pertains, including, but not limited to, name, address, phone number, fax number, email address, financial profiles, social security number, and credit card information. Personally Identifiable Information does not include information that is collected anonymously (that is, without identification of the individual user) or demographic information not connected to an identified individual. What Personally Identifiable Information is collected? We may collect basic user profile information from all of our Visitors. We collect the following additional information from our Authorized Customers: the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of Authorized Customers, the nature and size of the business, and the nature and size of the advertising inventory that the Authorized Customer intends to purchase or sell. What organizations are collecting the information? In addition to our direct collection of information, our third party service vendors (such as credit card companies, clearinghouses and banks) who may provide such services as credit, insurance, and escrow services may collect this... - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2019-05-06 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/legal/terms-of-use/ TERMS OF USE PLEASE READ! http://marriagenotary. com REQUIRES CONSIDERATION FOR AND AS A CONDITION OF ALLOWING YOUR USE OF http://marriagenotary. com. 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UNDER THE TERMS OF THE PRIVACY POLICY, WHICH YOU ACCEPT AS A CONDITION FOR VIEWING, http://marriagenotary. com IS ALLOWED TO COLLECT AND STORE DATA AND INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXCLUSION AND FOR MANY OTHER USES. THIS TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME. VISITORS HAVE AN AFFIRMATIVE DUTY, AS PART OF THE CONSIDERATION FOR PERMISSION TO ACCESS http://marriagenotary. com, TO KEEP THEMSELVES INFORMED OF SUCH CHANGES BY REVIEWING THIS TERMS OF USE PAGE EACH TIME THEY VISIT http://marriagenotary. com. PARTIES TO... - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2023-02-17 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/sumter-sc-marriage-officiant/ Wedding Officiant Sumter SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Sumter? I can help! Whether you just want to get the paperwork signed, want a small ceremony at home or in a park, or have a big wedding planned at a church or other venue, I can be your wedding officiant and perform your marriage ceremony for you. As both a notary and an ordained minister I have officiated over 1,400 weddings. My goal is to help you make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life! Photo Courtesy Northern Red Photography Call Now! 803-446-3405 What do you need to get married in Sumter? First of all you need to get your marriage license. You can go to any county probate court in the state, and then use that license anywhere in the state to get married. In Sumter (and Sumter County), you can go to the Probate Court to obtain your license. See their website, Sumter County Probate Court, for all the details. Once you get your license you can use it in Sumter or anywhere else in the State of SC to get married. After you get your license, then all you need is someone to officiate the marriage and sign the paperwork. No witnesses are required in SC. You don't even have to have a ceremony if you don't wish. Just get the paperwork completed. if you want a ceremony, then you need to think... - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2019-05-06 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/legal/disclaimer/ DISCLAIMER The information contained in http://marriagenotary. com is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by http://marriagenotary. com and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to http://marriagenotary. com or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on http://marriagenotary. com for any purpose. 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However,http://marriagenotary. com takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, http://marriagenotary. com being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control. - Published: 2019-02-09 - Modified: 2023-02-27 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/florence-wedding-officiant/ Wedding Officiant Florence SC Are you planning a future wedding date or need to get married right away in Florence? I can help! Whether you just want to get the paperwork signed, want a small ceremony at home or in a park, or have a big wedding planned at a church or other venue, I can be your wedding officiant and perform your marriage ceremony for you. As both a notary and an ordained minister I have officiated over eight hundred weddings. My goal is to help you make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life! Call Now! 843-508-2223 What do you need to get married in Florence? First of all you need to get your marriage license. You can go to any county probate court in the state, and then use that license anywhere in the state to get married. In Florence (and Florence County), you can go to the Probate Court to obtain your license. See their website, Florence County Probate Court, for all the details. Once you get your license you can use it in Florence or anywhere else in the State of SC to get married. After you get your license, then all you need is someone to officiate the marriage and sign the paperwork. No witnesses are required in SC. You don't even have to have a ceremony if you don't wish. Just get the paperwork completed. if you want a ceremony, then you need to think about your vows. Your... - Published: 2018-07-11 - Modified: 2025-11-30 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/free-wedding-venues/ Here is a list of mostly free wedding venues in and around the Columbia, SC metro area where you can have your marriage ceremony. Be aware that the term "Free"means a small group, not a big event. If you want to set up chairs, decorate, etc. then usually you will have to get an event permit or rent the facility. All of the links take you the location's Google Maps page for easy navigation. Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens in downtown Columbia, SC, is a great place to have a small ceremony. The gardens are free, with the following limitations. No decorations, chairs, or items brought onsite, no music, no glitter or rice, sparklers, etc. , and no more than 15 people. Elopements are free Monday through Thursday 10:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m. for outside use only. You have to sign an agreement that you understand the rules. Elopements that want indoor access AND/OR are outside of those hours are required to book a 3 hour minimum at the regular rental rate. You must sign a contract prior to your booking being approved. Call +18032527742 for particulars and to confirm pricing. Beautiful garden areas plus they have two gazebos that can be used in case of inclement weather. A perfect substitute for the Governors Mansion while it is closed. Also, the gardens are sometimes closed for special events so you need to call and make sure they will be open for the day and time you want. Visit here... - Published: 2018-07-10 - Modified: 2024-05-11 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/fort-jackson-sc-graduation-marriages/ Soldiers graduating from Basic at Fort Jackson SC who want to get married right away This was a Post but I have decided to make it a page after numerous inquiries about the Fort Jackson graduation time table and the possibility of getting married after graduating or the next day before the soldiers go to AIT. You can also view a video for an overview of the process of getting married on graduation day At Fort Jackson, SC. Here is the time table for soldiers finishing basic training; Family Day- this happens usually on a Wednesday and the soldiers are restricted to the base that day. They will NOT under normal circumstances be able to leave the base that day. However, sometimes the soldiers DI will grant them permission to leave the base to apply for the marriage license. But that is not a given. Your soldier would need to talk to his DI about this. See for more info; Fort Jackson Graduation Information Graduation Day- The next day, Thursday, is graduation day. The soldiers generally get an off base pass for that day after graduation, generally starting at around noon. However, that pass will expire at 8:30pm (2030 military time) that evening if they are traveling by government transportation to AIT. Government transport is REQUIRED if the soldier is attending AIT west of the Mississippi. East of the Mississippi the soldier MAY travel to AIT with their immediate family and they do not have to be back on post... - Published: 2018-06-05 - Modified: 2019-12-13 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/contact/ You can call me direct anytime at 803-446-3405 or fill out the form below and I will get back to you right away! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name *Email *Cell Phone NumberWedding Date & Time (example 12/25/2020, 3pm)Wedding Location (Example: Columbia)Comment or Message *Phone Submit - Published: 2018-06-05 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/about-wedding-officiants/ Jack Officially, I am a notary appointed by the South Carolina Secretary of State. You can verify my appointment here. Type in my name (Jack Heape) and Richland County in the search boxes. I am also an ordained minister in the nondenominational Universal Life Church. Personally, I am a native of Columbia, SC. In my spare time I like to write, dive, fly, and international travel. A cancer survivor, I try to get the most out of life I can. Anna Anna is a notary appointed by the South Carolina Secretary of State. You can verify her appointment here. Type in her name (Anna Baker) and Charleston County in the search boxes. She is also a professional actor and singer with many credits. Besides being an officiant, Anna can also provide photography services and perform vocals for your wedding. Susan Susan is a notary appointed by the South Carolina Secretary of State. You can verify her appointment here. Type in her name (Ruth Scaccia) and Richland County in the search boxes. Susan is a retired teacher and theatre director. She works part time as a costumer for the University of South Carolina Theatre and Opera programs. - Published: 2017-11-26 - Modified: 2017-11-26 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/same-sex/ Is same sex marriage legal in Columbia, SC? Call 803-446-3405 now to get married right away! Absolutely, same sex marriage is legal in SC. It has been legal since 2014. However, sometimes it is hard for couples to find a wedding officiant that will perform a marriage for them. Well, look no further! We are more than happy to perform a ceremony for anyone. Our philosophy is, "We are all children of the same universe" Furthermore, your marriage service does not have to be a drab one. We can provide you a beautiful, moving ceremony. You can use our vows (see below) or you can write your own. Plus, choose your own location as well. So give us a call. We can absolutely be your marriage officiant, 803-446-3405 Sample Vows - Published: 2017-11-26 - Modified: 2017-11-26 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/same-sex-marriage-south-carolina/same-sex-marriage-vows/ Sample Vows for Same Sex Marriages We have come together today to witness the wedding ceremony of (Partner 1) and (Partner 2). (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) thank you for being here today and ask for your encouragement and support as they begin their marriage. “(Partner 1) and (Partner 2), please turn and face each other as you begin your vows. ” “(Partner 1), do you take (Partner 2) to be your beloved spouse? Do you vow that you will always support (Partner 2) in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in poverty and in wealth, for as long as you both shall live? ” “(Partner 2), do you take (Partner 1) to be your beloved spouse? Do you vow that you will always support (Partner 1) in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in poverty and in wealth, for as long as you both shall live? ” “Will all of you witnessing these vows do all in your power to uphold this couple in their marriage? ” If Rings exchanged... PARTNER 1 PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER 2's FINGER AND REPEATS THESE WORDS, “In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 1) choose you (Partner 2) to be my spouse. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, faith, and loyalty. ” PARTNER 2 PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER 1's FINGER AND REPEATS THESE WORDS, “In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 2) choose you... - Published: 2017-11-25 - Modified: 2017-11-25 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/same-sex-marriage-south-carolina/ Is same sex marriage legal in SC? Absolutely, same sex marriage is legal in SC. It has been legal since 2014. However, sometimes it is hard for couples to find a wedding officiant that will perform a marriage for them. Well, look no further! We are more than happy to perform a ceremony for anyone. Our philosophy is, "We are all children of the same universe" And your service does not have to be a drab one. We can provide you a beautiful, moving ceremony. You can write your own vows, and choose your own location as well. So give us a call. We can absolutely be your marriage officiant, 803-446-3405 - Published: 2017-09-01 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/mobile-notary-service/ Mobile Notary Service Why use your valuable time searching for a Columbia, SC notary service, when I can come to your home, office, hospital, retirement center, or other location? I am a professional South Carolina Notary Public commissioned by the S. C. Secretary of State. I can travel to you within the Columbia, SC metropolitan area. Some of my mobile notary services include; Notarization of affidavits, power-of-attorney documents, wills, and releases Notarization of corporate documents Perform loan closings, including Refinances, Purchase, and Reverse Mortgages Perform marriages I serve the counties of Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Fairfield including the cities of Columbia, West Columbia, West Columbia, Blythewood, Irmo, and Lexington. My fee will vary depending on the number of documents to be notarized, your location, and the time of day. Please call for more information or to schedule an appointment today at 803-446-3405. - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/aiken-south-carolina-official-wedding-marriage-notary/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Aiken Wedding Officiant I am a marriage notary officiant in South Carolina. It is my responsibility to acknowledge and legalize the marriage of a couple in order to validate their union for the purpose of legality. Law varies from state to state, but as long as you have your proof of identification card, the steps to get a marriage license are very simple. Call me at 803-446-3405 if you need an Aiken South Carolina Official Wedding Marriage Notary. Marrying your soulmate? Choose the best wedding officiant for your once in a lifetime event. You can start planning your wedding process since this wedding will be joined by your family and friends. Making in worthwhile is something they will remember about your marriage. It does not have to be a lavish occasion as long as you are satisfied. I usually work with couples closely to make sure the plans and specifics are according to their wishes. Aiken South Carolina Official Wedding Marriage Notary It is your responsibility to provide your marriage license prior to the wedding and I will be the one to handle the signing and filing the document to the office. Naturally, you get a hard copy of this license for safe keeping and if you need it in the future. When you call me, I normally ask you questions to get to know you and most importantly, understand your relationship. I feel this is necessary since I will be the one to conduct the... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/north-myrtle-beach/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant North Myrtle Beach Marriage Officiant As a certified wedding officiant in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I will be able to perform a wedding ceremony. I am legally recognized, wherever you want you wedding to take place, even if you want to have a religious ceremony. I will be glad to be a part of your special moment and I am willing to travel to perform the wedding ceremony. I have officiated many weddings (over 3000), and it is amazing to bind people together to be in a sacred ceremony of marriage. Make your marriage simple and fun! South Carolina is one of five states that allow marriage ceremonies to be performed by notaries. I am an official notary public for South Carolina and have performed many weddings. Whether you are getting married in your home, a banquet hall, or outside in a park I can easily travel to your location and perform the ceremony for you. Wedding Officiant My basic free for most cities in South Carolina is usually $90, (increases based on travel time and venue). You do not need a witness, it’s not a requirement. But of course, who does not want relatives, loved ones and even friends on your most special day? Celebrate your vows with important people beside you. It will totally be priceless to prepare a wedding vow, but if you haven’t prepared anything at all, I have a sample marriage vow you can use as a guideline. Do not... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/rock-hill/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Rock Hill, SC It’s is pretty amazing how easy it is to get married anywhere in South Carolina. I am a reliable officiant that is authorized to conduct weddings anywhere in the State of South Carolina. I am able to travel wherever you want the wedding to take place. Marriage Officiant As a certified wedding officiant serving Rock Hill, South Carolina, I am able to conduct and lead a wedding ceremony. I am legally recognized wherever you want your wedding to take place, even if you want a religious ceremony. I will be glad to be a part of your special moment and I am willing to travel to Rock Hill to perform the wedding ceremony. I have officiated many weddings in the York County area, and it is amazing to bind people together in a sacred ceremony of marriage. Wedding Officiant My basic free for Rock Hill is $150 (increases based on travel time and venue). You do not need a witness, it’s not a requirement. But of course, who does not want relatives, loved ones and even friends on your most special day? Celebrate your vows with important people beside you. It will totally be priceless to prepare a wedding vow, but if you haven’t prepared anything at all, I have a sample marriage vow you can use as a guideline. Do not worry about the signed marriage license. I personally take care of it to be recorded as soon as the ceremony is... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/charleston-wedding-officiant/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Charleston Are you planning a future wedding date or need a Charleston wedding officiant right away? We can help! Whether you just want to get the paperwork signed, want a small ceremony at home or in a park, or have a big wedding planned at a church or other venue, I can be your wedding officiant and perform your marriage ceremony for you. As both a notary and an ordained minister I have officiated over a thousand weddings. My goal is to help you make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life!   Wedding photography by Anna Baker, Charleston Wedding Officiant   Call Now! 843-508-2223 What do you need to get married in the Charleston SC area? The first step to getting married is you have to get a marriage license. You can get a license from any probate court and use it anywhere in the State of SC. Charleston County Probate court has virtual applications available now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our website to find about Charleston County Probate Court marriage applications.   Charleston County Court Perhaps the easiest way to get your license right now is via the online application available through the Richland County Probate Court. No appointment is needed. And it's cheaper!   After you get your license, then all you need is a Charleston wedding officiant to leagalize the marriage and sign the paperwork. No witnesses are required in SC. You don't even have to... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/greenville-wedding-officiant/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Greenville Wedding Officiant Thinking of planning a wedding in Greenville? Wherever you plan to wed your partner, it has to happen according to your wishes. It is your wedding day, and you want to make the celebration big, memorable and fun. Weddings are one of the most valued celebrations of all time. This is exactly why people are very detail oriented - be it from flowers, theme colors, wedding invitations or picking the right song related to your relationship. Additionally, tradition has touched and influenced marriage for the longest time. So make sure you spend this moment with the right people, the right wedding design and the right wedding officiant. I am glad to officiate the wedding for you. I currently service South Carolina as an official notary public. I will be glad to be a part of your special moment and I am willing to travel to perform the wedding ceremony. I have officiated many weddings in the past, and it is amazing to bind people together to be in a sacred ceremony of marriage. Marriage Notary Did you know that marriage ceremonies can be done by notaries? I can officiate your wedding for you in South Carolina. These are the services included: Mobile Notary Signings I am willing to travel anywhere in South Carolina for you wedding I can take care of your legal documentations Your Wedding Details Apart from officiating your marriage, I also have other services to offer to help make your... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/spartanburg/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Wedding Officiant Thinking of a wedding celebration in Spartanburg? Anywhere you arrange to wed your partner, it has to happen according to your dreams. It is your wedding day, and you want to make the event big, memorable and fun. Wedding events are among the most valued celebrations of all time. This is exactly why a lot of people are very detail oriented - be it from flowers, theme colors, wedding invitations or choosing the right song related to your relationship. Moreover, tradition has touched and influenced marriage for the longest time. So make sure you spend this time with the right people, the right wedding design and the right wedding officiant. I am glad to conduct the wedding for you. I currently service South Carolina as an official notary public. I will be glad to be a part of your special moment and I am willing to travel to perform the wedding ceremony. I have conducted many weddings in the past, and it is incredible to bind people as one to be in a sacred ceremony of marriage. Marriage Notary Did you know that marriage ceremonies can be done by notaries? I can officiate your wedding for you in South Carolina. These are the services included: Mobile Notary Signings I agree to travel anywhere in South Carolina for your wedding I can handle your legal documentations Aside from officiating your marriage, I also have other services to offer to help make your event prosperous and... - Published: 2016-10-21 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/myrtle-beach-wedding-notary/ Wedding Notary and Marriage Officiant Myrtle Beach Marriage Notary Make your marriage simple and fun! South Carolina is one of four states that allow marriage ceremonies to be performed by notaries. I am an authorized wedding notary in South Carolina and have performed many notary public marriage ceremonies. Whether you are getting married in your home, a banquet hall, or outside in a park or on the beach, I can easily travel to your location and perform the ceremony for you. Call 843-508-2223 For a basic service all you will need is your marriage license and a form of official identification for both parties. No witnesses required, but of course you can invite as many people as you like to help you celebrate your vows. I have sample marriage vows here on the website listed under the Resources tab or you can write your own. After the ceremony I take care of sending in the signed license to be recorded.     I will be happy to officiate your dream wedding for you. I am authorized to hold weddings in South Carolina and I am very excited to be a part of something big. Your once in a lifetime occasion wherein two people share their vows. I have officiated many weddings in the past as a wedding notary, and it is amazing to bind people together to be in a sacred ceremony of marriage.   Make your wedding an affordable and exciting one by hiring a wedding and marriage officiant... - Published: 2016-10-20 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina/columbia/ Wedding and Marriage Officiant Columbia Marriage Notary There are currently five states where a marriage conducted by a notary is approved. South Carolina is one of the states that allows marriage to be held by notaries. Dreaming of a simple, fun and meaningful marriage? We can make this possible! South Carolina is one of the states that allows marriage to be held by notaries. Wherever you think your marriage will be blissful, I am glad to officiate the wedding for you. I currently service South Carolina as an official notary public. I will be glad to be a part of your special moment and I am willing to travel to perform the wedding ceremony. I have officiated over 3000 weddings, and it is amazing to bind people together to be in a sacred ceremony of marriage. Make your wedding an affordable and exciting one by hiring a wedding and marriage officiant that is devoted to make your occasion memorable in every possible way. Wedding Officiant My basic free for Columbia, South Carolina is usually $90, depending on the location and how far I might have to drive to your location. Please call for an exact quote. You do not need a witness, it’s not a requirement. But of course, who does not want relatives, loved ones and even friends on your most special day? Celebrate your vows with important people beside you. It will totally be priceless to prepare a wedding vow, but if you haven’t prepared anything at all,... - Published: 2016-04-29 - Modified: 2021-02-19 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/sample-marriage-vows/ Sample Marriage Vows #1 “We are gathered together in the presence of this company to unite (GROOM) and (BRIDE) in the spiritual union of marriage. This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, with a deep realization of it's obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. ” “Do you (GROOM) take (BRIDE) to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and be faithful to her through sickness and adversity, as well as health and prosperity, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live? ” Do you (BRIDE) take (GROOM) to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and be faithful to him through sickness and adversity, as well as health and prosperity, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live? ” (GROOM) and (BRIDE) will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. GROOM PLACES THE RING ON HER FINGER AND REPEATS THESE WORDS**) “With this ring, I thee wed, as a token of my love, faith, and loyalty. ” (BRIDE PLACES THE RING ON HIS FINGER AND REPEATS THESE WORDS**) “I give you this ring as a token of my love, faith and loyalty to you. ” “Since you two have consented together in the presence of this company, I by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of South Carolina,... - Published: 2016-04-29 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/resources-2/get-your-marriage-license/ State of South Carolina Marriage License Application Process License Fee: Varies by county. Minimum Age: (16). Minor applicants must have parental consent and present a certified or original birth certificate. The parents of minor(s) must provide Identification. Waiting Period: There is a (24) twenty-four hour waiting period after the application is made before the license can be picked up and the parties can be married. This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county Probate Judge’s office at least a week before you plan to get married. License Validity: There is no expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license, (except Richland County Probate Court will tell you the license is only good for 6 months). There might be other counties other than Richland County that have an expiration date so check with the county before you apply if that might be an issue) Blood Test: Not Required. Residency: Not Required. Witnesses: South Carolina does not require a witness to the marriage. Where to go: Richland County Lexington County Kershaw County Sumter County Calhoun County Fairfield County Charleston County Dorchester County Berkeley County Richland County requires you to apply online. You cannot apply in person. Fee is $45. 24 (click on the link for the procedure to apply online). Charleston County also allows you to apply online. Fee is $70 (click on the link for the procedure to apply online). Kershaw County is in person by appointment only. Dorchester County allows you to apply online.... - Published: 2016-04-12 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/ Marriage Notary and Wedding Officiant Photo Courtesy Northern Red Photography Whether your wedding is just the 2 of you, or for 200, I want to help you have the wedding you desire. I am an official Marriage Notary and Wedding Officiant for the state of South Carolina and an ordained minister. I have performed hundreds of wedding ceremonies, both big and small. Whether you are getting married in your home, a banquet hall, outside in a park, or in a church I can easily travel to your location and perform the ceremony for you. Whatever your tradition might be, please call me and lets have a chat. Call 803-446-3405 and I will do my best to meet your expectations! Pricing and Ceremony Requirements For the Columbia and Lexington metro area our base fee starts at $90. See our Pricing page for further information. For a basic marriage service all you will need is your marriage license and a form of official identification for both parties. No witnesses are required in South Carolina for a wedding, but you can of course invite as many people as you like to help you celebrate your marriage ceremony. I have some sample marriage vows here or you can write your own. After the ceremony I personally take care of sending in the signed copies of the license to be recorded. Are you marrying your soulmate? Choose the best wedding officiant for your once in a lifetime event. You can start planning your wedding process... ## Posts - Published: 2026-07-01 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/how-to-get-a-marriage-license-in-richland-county-sc/ Get a Marriage License in Richland County SC If you're planning a wedding in the Columbia area, figuring out how to get a marriage license in Richland County SC is probably sitting near the top of your to-do list. Good news: it's one of the easiest parts of the whole process. The county has moved almost everything online, so you can knock this out from your couch before you ever set foot in a courthouse. Here's what actually happens, step by step. How to Get a Marriage License in Richland County SC: Start Online Richland County no longer has you filling out paperwork in person from scratch. Instead, both of you apply through the Probate Court's online marriage license portal. You'll each need a valid picture ID (a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport all work) and a document showing your full Social Security number, like your Social Security card or a W-2. If either of you isn't a U. S. citizen, you'll need a valid passport and current visa instead. Once you've uploaded everything and submitted the application, you're most of the way there. Know what happens next After the online application is in, you'll still need to finish things up. South Carolina builds in a short buffer: state law requires a 24-hour waiting period between when your application is filed and when the license is actually issued. It's not a big deal logistically, just something to plan around if you're hoping to get married the same... - Published: 2026-06-29 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/how-to-get-married-in-columbia-sc-a-simple-guide-from-a-local-officiant/ How to Get Married in Columbia SC If you've been wondering how to get married in Columbia SC, the good news is that it's easier than most couples expect. Whether you're planning a full ceremony or just want to make it official quickly and quietly, there's a clear path from "we want to do this" to "it's done. " Start with your marriage license Before any ceremony can happen, you'll need a marriage license from the county where you plan to get married. In the Columbia area, that means visiting either the Richland County Probate Court or the Lexington County Probate Court, depending on which side of the Congaree River you're on. Both spouses must appear in person with a valid photo ID. You don't need to be a South Carolina resident. Couples from out of state get married here all the time. The license has no expiration date and works anywhere in the state. There's a 24 hour mandatory waiting period, so same-day ceremonies are not allowed. Pick your officiant South Carolina law requires your ceremony be performed by an ordained minister, a judge, or a notary public who is also a licensed wedding officiant. That last option has become the go-to for couples who want something personal without the courthouse atmosphere. A wedding officiant in Columbia SC can come to you. A park, your backyard, a hotel suite, a parking lot if that's where the moment is. Location is mostly up to you. If you're after a quick... - Published: 2025-07-06 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/why-you-should-reconsider-having-a-big-wedding-a-case-for-intimate-celebrations/ Why You Should Reconsider Having a Big Wedding: A Case for Intimate Celebrations Bottom line up front: While big weddings may seem glamorous, they often come with significant financial, emotional, and relationship costs that can overshadow the joy of your special day. Small, intimate weddings offer better value, less stress, and more meaningful experiences for couples starting their marriage journey. Planning your dream wedding? Before you get swept up in the allure of a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, consider the compelling reasons why a smaller, more intimate affair might be the better choice for your relationship, your wallet, and your well being. The Financial Reality: Wedding Debt is a Marriage Killer The numbers are sobering. Over half of newlyweds (56%) borrowed money to help pay for their wedding via credit cards, loans or a combination of both, and 67% of newlyweds say they went into debt to pay for their wedding. Even more concerning, big weddings come with higher price tags – and larger debt burdens. Newlyweds who had large weddings (more than 150 guests) were twice as likely to go into debt to pay for it than those who had small weddings (fewer than 50 guests), at 65% and 32%, respectively. This debt doesn't just disappear after the honeymoon. Research shows that financial stress is one of the leading causes of marital problems. According to a SunTrust Bank survey conducted online by Harris Poll, 35% of people blame finances for the stress they experience in their relationships,... - Published: 2024-12-26 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/what-is-an-apostille-and-why-you-might-need-one/ What is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One? An apostille is an international certification that makes documents legal and valid for use in foreign countries. Think of it as a "super notarization" recognized by all countries that signed the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. The apostille is a square-shaped stamp or certificate that validates the authenticity of the document's origin. It confirms that the person who signed the document held the proper authority to do so. Common documents requiring apostilles include: - Birth, death, and marriage certificates - Academic diplomas and transcripts - Corporate documents - Power of attorney forms - Court documents To obtain an apostille in most countries, you'll need: 1. The original document or certified copy 2. Proper notarization (if required) 3. Submission to your country's designated apostille authority The process typically takes 2-7 business days and costs vary by country and document type. Not all countries accept apostilles - only those party to the Hague Convention. For non-member countries, different authentication procedures apply. Remember: documents must be issued in the same country where you're requesting the apostille. A US birth certificate must get a US Apostille, not a French one, even if it's being used in France. To obtain an Apostille in South Carolina for a South Carolina document, contact the Secretary of State. - Published: 2023-07-14 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/social-security-offices-in-south-carolina/ Many brides wish to change their last name after getting married. We have a blog post about changing your name after getting married here. The first step is to change the name on your social security number, but many people do not know where the Social Security offices are located. Here is a list of the cities where there is a SS office in SC. One suggestion. If you are close to Columbia, but have the time, visit a different office. The SS office in Columbia is the worst! Here is a recent opinion letter about how bad the Columbia office can be. Social Security Offices in SC Columbia Sumter Orangeburg Rock Hill Florence Aiken Clinton Greenwood Greenville Spartanburg Bennettsville Charleston Beaufort Myrtle Beach Anderson Walterboro Georgetown - Published: 2023-04-19 - Modified: 2023-05-29 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-at-hampton-preston-mansion-and-gardens/ Have performed large weddings here but didn't realize they allowed small weddings for no fee. Gardens are open to the public 10 a. m.  – 4 p. m.  Tuesday – Saturday | 1 – 4 p. m. Sunday. Sometimes the gardens are closed for special events so you need to call and confirm for your wedding day. Call +18032527742 I performed a small elopement here today and it was very nice. Beautiful arches and two gazebos for bad weather. - Published: 2021-03-13 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/anniversary-box/ Many couples are now choosing to include an Anniversary Box in their wedding ceremony. The box can be opened on a chosen anniversary date, or upon some other event. Some couples choose to open it on the occasion of their first fight! Each couple writes a letter about the other to include in the box, including such thoughts as to why they chose to marry this person, remembrances of their first date, how they met, etc. In addition to the letters, you can also include wine, or champagne, or some other significant item. Here is a sample script to include in the wedding ceremony; Anniversary Box Ceremony _____ and _____ have chosen as a couple to perform an Anniversary Box ceremony. This box contains a love letter from each to the other. The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry. The letters are sealed in individual envelopes and they have not seen what the other has written. You have created your very own "romantic" time capsule to be opened on your ____ wedding anniversary. I recommend that you keep the box in a place of honor prominently displayed in your home as a constant reminder of your commitment to each other. _____ and _____ should you ever find your marriage enduring insurmountable hardships, you are to as a couple, open this box, then separate and read the letters you wrote to one another when... - Published: 2021-02-19 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/renewal-of-marriage-vows/ What is a vow renewal? Vow renewals are ceremonies where a couple renews the vows they made to each other when they were first married. Many couples like to hold vow renewal ceremonies on a particular anniversary, like a 10th, 20th, or 50th wedding anniversary, but there is no requirement that take place on a particular date. It is entirely up to the couple. You can hold a vow renewal ceremony for many different reasons. Because of the Covid 19 pandemic many couples today are having to postpone their planned for big wedding. A vow renewal ceremony at a later date when the pandemic is over would be a perfect way to celebrate ones marriage. Remember that a vow renewal ceremony is not a legal ceremony. It is symbolic. You are already legally married. Because of that, there are no requirements that you have a legally appointed wedding officiant present. However, if you are not already legally married (with a valid, recorded marriage license) then a vow renewal ceremony does not make you legally married. Look here for some sample vow renewal ceremonies, numbers 11 and 12. - Published: 2021-02-16 - Modified: 2021-02-16 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/unity-lasso-ceremony/ Weddings are ceremonies that have a lot of tradition incorporated into them. Many couples choose to use as part of their wedding ceremony something that is peculiar to their culture. One such example of a cultural ceremony is the "Wedding Lasso Rosary", popular in the Spanish and Hispanic communities. If you’re looking for a unique ritual to incorporate into your upcoming wedding ceremony, the Unity lasso ceremony may just be what you’ve been searching for. Sample Lasso Ceremony _________ and _________ have chosen to incorporate the Lasso ritual into their wedding ceremony today. The Lasso is a wedding ritual in which the couple are bound together with a ceremonial rosary. Lassoing is a declaration of intent, where the bride and groom clearly state that they are marrying of their own free will. _________ and _________ since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed eternal and sacred bonds. As you enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real the ideals that to you, give meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this Lasso you are not only declaring your intent to be bound together before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to God. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. _________ and _________, I ask you to hold hands and look into each... - Published: 2020-10-23 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/gods-knot-the-cord-of-three-strands/ God's Knot-Cord of Three Strands "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. " Ecclesiastes 4:12 The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage. Usually there is a reading while the strands are woven together. A sample reading ... Today, and have chosen to braid three strands together into a single cord. Each strand has a significant meaning. The gold strand represents God and His majesty. The purple strand represents the groom and his life. The white strand represents the bride and her life. In braiding these three strands together, and have demonstrated that their marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God as well. They have chosen to allow God to be at the center of their marriage, woven into every aspect of it. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reads,“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can... - Published: 2020-10-18 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/excerpt-from-the-art-of-marriage/ Below is an excerpt from the Art of Marriage by Wilferd Arlan Peterson. I was asked to include it in a marriage ceremony recently and it read really well. Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner; it... - Published: 2020-08-23 - Modified: 2020-08-23 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/unity-plant-ceremony/ Unity Plant Ceremony Yesterday I performed a really neat ceremony for a couple. It is the Unity Plant Ceremony. This would be a great alternative to the Unity Candle Ceremony particularly if your ceremony is being held out of doors. Candles blow out. And like the sand ceremony, you have a physical token that represents your union through the years. What makes it even more special is that your token is alive! Sample Unity Plant Ceremony The Bride and Groom and their families are now going to participate in the Unity Plant Ceremony. The ceremony symbolizes the roots of their relationship and the continued growth of their love. Long before ______ and _______had the pleasure of knowing each other, their families provided them with a foundation of love and support which has made them into the people we see before us today. To honor their families, _____ and __________ will each start by adding dirt from their parent’s home. Just as their families have been the foundation of who they have become, this dirt will be the foundation of their new family. (Add Dirt) The love of their families has allowed ______ and _______to grow into the wonderful and unique people they are. This plant is a symbol of their new life, and how they will grow for years to come. _____ and _____ let your relationship and your love for each other be like this plant. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it endure the harsh winds and... - Published: 2020-08-21 - Modified: 2020-08-21 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina-justice-of-the-peace/ Justice of the Peace replaced by Notaries I receive many calls from couples looking for a Justice of the Peace (JOP). That position does not exist anymore in South Carolina. If you need your marriage license signed call us at 803-446-3405 After couples receive their marriage license many of them search for a JOP to marry them. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a JOP in South Carolina anymore. The position has been phased out and the last justice of the peace retired in 2008. Notaries and municipal judges have taken over the roles once provided by justices. If you need to have your marriage license signed, a notary can perform that task. We offer this service and have married many couples with just a simple signing ceremony. Please give us a call at 803-446-3405 if you need your marriage license completed. - Published: 2020-08-16 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/the-wedding-kiss/ The First Kiss At the end of almost every wedding ceremony is "The Kiss". The wedding officiant makes the pronouncement, the couple is married, and the officiant says "Congratulations, you may kiss your bride" or "Congratulations, you may seal your marriage with a kiss. " This is a very private and profound moment for the couple. Their first kiss as a married couple. As a wedding officiant, I make every effort to NOT be in that picture. Unlike this gentleman here, See the little peek a boo by the officiant there in the center of the picture? Awful! I always step to the side before prompting the kiss. A couple does not need to see my smiling face for the rest of their marriage! Rather, a first kiss photo should look like this, Just the couple and no wedding officiant in the picture, anywhere! So be sure to ask your officiant to step aside and stay out of the frame for that first kiss as a married couple. And if I am your wedding officiant I promise I won't be! - Published: 2020-07-02 - Modified: 2020-07-02 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/importance-of-a-wedding-day-of-coordinator/ For a small intimate wedding or elopement you really don't need a wedding planner or coordinator. But... once you start planning on a wedding procession, having a photographer, a DJ, catering, flowers, etc. you absolutely have to have a wedding planner or day of coordinator. The Wedding Planner From wikipedia, "a wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning and management of a client's wedding. Weddings are significant events in people's lives and as such, couples are often willing to spend considerable amount of money to ensure that their weddings are well-organized. Wedding planners are often used by couples who work long hours and have little spare time available for sourcing and managing wedding venues and wedding suppliers. " For a very large wedding with a big budget a wedding planner is almost a necessity. They can help with budgeting, hiring the necessary vendors, planning the procession, and ensuring that the 1,000 little details of a big wedding all come together. The Wedding Coordinator The Day of Coordinator is just that. You provide them a list of all your vendors and details about how you want your wedding day and ceremony to progress. Many venues provide a day of coordinator as part of their services, either included in the facility fee or as an add on. Many day of coordinators will attend the rehearsal if you have one, particularly if you are having the rehearsal at the same venue as the wedding. Keep in mind that the... - Published: 2020-07-01 - Modified: 2020-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-day-essential-photo-shot-list/ Your wedding day is a special day! You should make sure to get as many photos as possible to remember it by. A great way to insure you get those special photographs is to hire a professional photographer to take them for you. But whether you hire a photographer, or have a family member or guest take your photographs, you need a plan! You need a wedding day essential photo shot list. So many essential photos can get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of a wedding day. Here is a list of the most essential wedding photos you need to take if you can. Remember, this is the bare essentials. Wedding Day Essential Photo Shot List Pre-Wedding Ceremony Bride with individual Bridesmaids Bride with all Bridesmaids Bride alone, close-up, waist up, 3/4, full length front and back Groom with individual Groomsmen Groom with all Groomsmen Groom alone, close-up, waist up, ¾,full length front and back Ceremony Guestbook attendants Program attendants Groomsmen with minister in minutes before Grandparents seated Parent Seated Grooms party enters Bridal party down the aisle Flower girls and ring bearers Bride down the aisle Groom’s reaction to bride (this has become a HUGE ordeal in the past years) Standard Ceremony items: readings, prayers, unity candle/sand, rings, vows THE KISS! Pronouncement of Marriage Recessional Family Portraits bride and groom with bride’s parents bride and groom with bride’s parents and siblings, in-laws, grandparents bride and groom with both families bride and groom with both sets of parents bride... - Published: 2020-05-06 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/richland-county-sc-probate-court-online-marriage-license-applications-now-available/ You can now apply for your marriage license online using the Richland County Probate Court portal. Click on the link below to apply. Richland County Probate Court Marriage Application To complete your application you will need to; Upload pictures of your government ID Picture Identification - Picture Identification may be one of the following: Valid State Issued Driver's License Valid State Issued Identification Card Valid Military Identification Card showing the name and the date of birth Valid Passport *If you are not a United States Citizen, we must receive your Valid Passport and current VISA Upload proof of SSN Social Security Number may be one of the following: Social Security Card Tax Return (page 1) showing your name and your Social Security Number W-2 or Tax Form showing your name and your Social Security Number *If you are not a United States Citizen, we must receive your Valid Passport and current VISA. Pay the fee of $45. 24 with a debit/credit card Have a valid email address You can take pictures of your documents with your smart phone or scan them if you have a scanner to upload the application website. The pictures or scans must be in one of the following formats; . gif, . jpeg, . pjpeg, . png, or . pdf. You should receive your license (3 copies) within a week after applying in the mail. The marriage license will be mailed to the address of Party A. If the online application is not completed correctly, an... - Published: 2020-04-20 - Modified: 2020-04-20 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/richland-county-sc-probate-court-now-open-for-marriage-licenses-at-limited-times/ Richland County Marriage License Applications The Richland County Probate Court will open beginning Tuesday, April 21 2020, for marriage license applications. The open periods are staggered between morning and afternoon, for only 2 days in the current week. The applications are being taken in the lobby. You MUST wear a mask! Visit their website for specific information. Remember, you can also get your marriage license via mail from Lexington County and via virtual application from Charleston County. Visit our blog post here for specific information. - Published: 2020-03-25 - Modified: 2023-08-04 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/how-get-your-marriage-license-in-sc-while-the-probate-courts-are-closed/ Get Your SC Marriage License During Court Shutdown Its a terrible time right now isn't it? Social distancing, virus scares, layoffs, even toilet paper shortages. But even so, some couples still want (or need) to get married! Nothing stands in the way of true love! Problem was you had to apply in person at the probate court, but the courts are closed and if they are closed that means no marriage license. Lucky for everyone though, several South Carolina probate courts have found a way to solve the problem. No matter where you are in SC you can use one of these services to get your marriage license and have it mailed to you. Now, you can apply by mail and the court will mail you a license. And no, you DO NOT have to be a resident of either of these counties or even the state of South Carolina. You can get your license from them and use it anywhere in South Carolina (but only in SC). Charleston County Probate Court Charleston County uses a virtual interview process. Just click on the link above, follow the directions, schedule an appointment, and pay the fee. Give us a call if you have any questions or when you are ready to get married after you have your license. Lexington County Probate Court Lexington County has found a way to solve this problem, at least for the short term during the coronavirus (COVID-19) scare. How does it work? Go to this link... - Published: 2020-03-11 - Modified: 2020-03-11 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/sumter-county-offers-free-certified-copies-of-marriage-license-for-military/ Just wanted to make everyone aware. When you get married, Sumter County Probate Court provides two (2) free certified copies of the marriage certificate for active duty military. - Published: 2020-03-11 - Modified: 2020-03-14 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/your-wedding-and-the-coronavirus/ 7 Steps to Protect Your Wedding from the COVID-19 Virus A hot topic in the news today is the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In regards to your wedding ceremony, yes, you should be concerned. That doesn't mean you should cancel your wedding, only that you should take adequate precautions against infection How to go about that? Eric Hunt a wedding officiant in Myrtle Beach, SC has a great post on his blog about this very subject. "The Coronavirus (COVID-19), has certainly caused a lot of disruption all over the world in recent weeks and for couples whose wedding day is near it can definitely add a new level to pre-wedding stress. While we should all be taking precautions and use good ole’ common sense (WASH YOUR HANDS) when it comes to these types of threats, the Coronavirus does not have to be the end to your perfect wedding day. Below, I have compiled a few thoughts and ideas as this virus relates to the wedding day. " Eric follows up with 7 steps you can take to protect you and your guests from contracting COVID-19. You should definitely check out the complete article. Read and enjoy. You can read his post here. - Published: 2020-01-01 - Modified: 2020-01-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/example-budget-wedding-for-under-1000/ Photo Courtesy Northern Red Photography Last year I had the pleasure to perform the wedding ceremony for Georgia and Nathan. Today I came across a blog post about their wedding on the blog Budget Savvy Bride. A great read if you are thinking about organizing a simple wedding. Visit here to read the blog post and take a look at all the pictures. An added note. I have officiated several weddings where Northern Red was the photographer and I can tell you she does a great job! - Published: 2020-01-01 - Modified: 2020-01-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/inexpensive-wedding-bands/ Many couples are looking to save money on their wedding. One way to do that is to not spend a fortune right away on your wedding bands. Fancy, expensive diamonds might need to wait a couple of years, or, you just might not be into expensive. A good source for inexpensive wedding bands is Etsy. You can order them online and have them shipped right to you. If you don't know your size, visit a jewelry store and have them size you as you peruse their selections. Then go home and visit the Etsy site. Not only will you know your exact ring size, but after seeing the prices in the jewelry store you will be super happy at having saved so much money! Visit Etsy here for wedding bands! - Published: 2019-10-30 - Modified: 2020-05-06 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/sample-handfasting-ceremony/ Many couples like to use a traditional hand fasting as part of their ceremony. Here is a sample ceremony... Hand Fasting NAME and NAME have chosen a traditional hand fasting ceremony to symbolize their entering into the bonds of marriage. In the history of some European traditions, weddings were celebrated by a simple ceremony in which two partners would join hands and their wrists would be tied with a cord, symbolizing the binding together of their individual lives. It is from this practice that we get the expression “tying the knot”. (Couple joins hands. ) NAME and NAME, this cord is a symbol of the connection between your two lives. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, will your lives be bound together in marriage. (The Couple’s wrists are wrapped and tied loosely with ribbon or cord. This can be done by the officiant or by the couple’s best man/maid of honor, parents, or other chosen person. ) These are the hands that will love you. These are the hands that will hold and comfort you through the years. These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement. These are the hands you will each work with, create with, and use to build a life together. The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but instead by your vows, the promises you make in your hearts and uphold each day through your actions. Remember, you hold in your own hands the... - Published: 2019-10-20 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/after-the-marriage-ceremony/ Completed Marriage License So, you received your marriage license, either in the mail or in person, your wedding ceremony is over if you had one, and you and your officiant have signed your marriage license. What happens next? Completed South Carolina Marriage License South Carolina is different from every other state in the US in how they conduct the marriage license and marriage certificate process. In every other state, the marriage license is signed by the officiant, and then returned to the court. The court records and files the marriage license and then issues a certificate of marriage to the couple, which is a separate document from the marriage license. It does not work that way in South Carolina, where your marriage license becomes your Certificate of Marriage once it is signed by the couple and the officiant. There are 3 copies of the license, all of which the couple signs, and then one of them (the Bride/Groom/Spouse copy) becomes your Original Certificate of Marriage, which is yours to keep and take with you (your officiant should have already given it to you). It already has the court seal imprinted on it, the judges signature, and the officiants signature and information. You will not receive anything else from the probate court where you obtained your marriage license. Your marriage officiant is responsible for returning the other two completed copies to the probate court, not the couple (See SC Code of Laws Section 20-1-330). He or she has 15 days to... - Published: 2019-08-20 - Modified: 2019-08-20 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-unity-candle-ceremony/ The Unity Candle One question I often get asked by people planning their marriage ceremony, is how can they "make their wedding ceremony special"? One way to do that is by having a unity candle ceremony as part of your wedding. The unity candle ceremony is a very simple way to reinforce the meanings of your vows. It can also be away to involve your family members, by having a different family member each light their own small candle and contribute to the group lighting of the larger unity candle. I have seen where its just the groom and bride light the candle, the mothers of the groom and bride light the unity candle, or the parents of the bride and groom light the candle. If there are children from a previous marriage in by either of both of the bride and groom, then having the children join with the bride and groom in the lighting of the candle is a great way to enhance family unity and show everyone's love. The only drawback to the unity candle ceremony is that it can be difficult to perform in an out of doors setting. Often the wind does not cooperate and the candles get blown out. Here is a sample Unity Candle Ceremony. If it is a secular wedding then the religious references can be removed. Unity Candle Ceremony Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the lighting of the unity candle. ______and ________ please light the... - Published: 2019-07-28 - Modified: 2019-07-28 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/south-carolina-supreme-court-abolishes-common-law-marriages/ Common law marriage was legal in SC, up until last Wednesday, July 24, 2019 anyway. On that day the SC Supreme Court invalidated any future common law marriages in the state. So from now on, if you want to be married in SC, you need to get a marriage license and have it completed. For further information see this article here. - Published: 2019-06-20 - Modified: 2019-06-20 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/what-to-do-before-you-agree-to-participate-in-a-wedding/ So, you have been asked to be in a wedding? Being asked to participate in a friends or relatives wedding can be a great honor. It can be fun. But it can also be very expensive. Here are some questions to ask BEFORE you agree to participate... Do not say yes about the tux or dress until you talk costs Do NOT go into debt If the costs are getting out of hand, SPEAK UP! Don't agree to be in the wedding if it will be too much for you. Remember, it is also an honor to just be a guest. The Washington Post has a recent article on this very subject. Go here to check it out. - Published: 2018-11-24 - Modified: 2018-11-24 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/christmas-is-the-season-to-get-engaged/ So you are going to get married Christmas Day is usually the number one day of the year for couples to get engaged (followed by Valentine's Day and Christmas Eve) according to Wedding Wire. The next big step after getting engaged is planning the wedding and the first step in that regard is when and how much? The Knot does an annual wedding-cost survey and last year, the average cost of a wedding was $33,391. And that does NOT include the honeymoon. How much should YOU spend on your wedding? The Washington Post just today published a great article on just this subject. Their advice? Do what you can afford. Check out the article at the Washington Post for some great advice on how much to spend on your wedding. My advice? Do not spend more than $5000. You can have a memorable wedding on that budget and I have officiated many wonderful weddings that cost even less than that. - Published: 2018-11-13 - Modified: 2018-11-13 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/tips-on-writing-your-own-marriage-vows/ Should you write your own wedding vows? Your wedding is coming up. You have to decide on your vows. Should you write your own vows? Or let your wedding officiant use traditional ones? It's sometimes not an easy question to answer. Traditional Vows? While there are a number of variations, the most commonly known traditional vow is: "I, ______, take thee, ______, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. " The officiant reads one line at a time, and the soon-to-be-weds repeat said line in order to affirm their commitment to one another. If you choose to recite traditional vows, your officiant can help you select the set that is most appropriate and meaningful to both you and your partner. Some couples opt to write their own vows in order to personalize their ceremony further. Writing personalized vows is a way to proclaim your love for one another in your own words. Writing Your Own Vows Thinking of adding your own personal touch? Here are some quick and easy tips: 1. Let your officiant help you Some religions still require both parties to recite a portion of traditional vows. Speak with your officiant to work out any necessary details so the ceremony goes seamlessly. 2. Research online and see what others have used Think back to wedding you've been to... - Published: 2018-10-01 - Modified: 2018-10-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-unity-sand-ceremony/ Unity Sand Ceremony Traditionally, weddings in the past have been a pretty standardized affair. Because of movies and television most people could summarize the ceremony from memory. In recent times however, weddings have become more personalized, with couples adding or subtracting components to the ceremony to suit their personal preferences. Photo courtesy of Eileen Rivaud One example of a modern wedding innovation is the Unity Sand Ceremony. Like the unity candle which many people are familiar with, the sand ceremony ads a personal, non-traditional touch to a wedding ceremony. It is a symbolic, poignant moment during the ceremony where a couple visually demonstrate their joining as a couple. The sand ceremony has quickly gained in popularity for several good reasons. It's rather simple. It is visually appealing. And it is an easily modified ritual that contributes a bit of worldliness and also leaves the newlyweds with a meaningful souvenir of their big day. One big added benefit is that, unlike the unity candle, this wedding ceremony isn't complicated by a light breeze. I can't tell you how many times I have had unity candles blown out by the wind during outside wedding ceremonies. Unity sand ceremonies can be used outdoors with no problem at all. Following below is one example of a sand ceremony. Example Sand Ceremony GROOM and BRIDE you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one... - Published: 2018-07-21 - Modified: 2026-06-20 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/changing-your-name-in-sc-after-getting-married/ Steps to Change Your Name in SC After Marriage Many people ask me about how to go about changing their name after they are married. Important: When you get married in South Carolina your name is not automatically changed to that of the person you married. To change your name is actually a simple process in theory, but can seem complicated if one is unprepared. To change your name after getting married, you need to; Step 1. Change the name on your Social Security number. After your marriage ceremony you will receive an original of your license that is in fact your new Certificate of Marriage. If you wish to change your name to that of your new spouse or partner, the first step is to change your name with the Social Security administration. You can apply for a name change at the SS office in person or via mail. All SS offices require an appointment now. You cannot just walk in. To call SS for information, or to make an appointment, this is the number; 866-964-7594 For more information on a SS name change go here. Note: I strongly suggest you do not mail in your original certificate of marriage if applying by mail for a new SS card. Get a certified copy from the court where you obtained your marriage license. It usually cost between $5. 00 to $10. 00 depending on the court. Here are some links to the various courts to download the form you need... - Published: 2018-06-11 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/having-a-big-wedding-6-wedding-bills-you-when-should-always-use-a-credit-card-to-pay/ 6 Wedding Bills You Should Always Charge on a Credit Card If you are having a large wedding you are certainly going to incur some big charges. A good way to pay those bills is by using a credit card. Not so much to defer the costs, but to protect yourself if the items are defective or deficient in any way. A good article concerning what wedding costs you should charge can be found here. The article discusses 6 items you should always charge. They are; Deposits Wedding Planner Fees Day of services Wedding Dress Anything bought online Travel Expenses For a more in depth discussion take a look at the article. - Published: 2017-09-16 - Modified: 2020-09-07 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/certified-copy-marriage-license/ What is a certified copy of your marriage license and do you need one? A certified copy of your marriage license is a copy of the Court's license on record. It may be necessary to show a certified copy to the appropriate entities for a legal name change, for other legitimate purposes, or for genealogical research. A certified copy does not expire. Certified copies of your marriage license cannot be obtained until your license has been filed and accepted by the County Probate Court where you obtained your license. If you would like to request a certified copy of your marriage license from the County Probate Court, you have to complete a form and pay a fee, usually $5. In South Carolina, when you get married you are given 3 originals of your marriage license. All have the court seal imprinted on them so they are originals. You are given one copy to keep and this original is usually sufficient for all your needs. However, if you have to send your marriage license off somewhere out of your possession, you should get a certified copy. You do not want your original to get lost. You will usually need to wait one to two weeks to get a certified copy after your wedding, but it might take longer. Your wedding officiant has 15 days to send the other two completed copies of your marriage license back to the court for filing. It then takes the court a few days to actually... - Published: 2017-06-16 - Modified: 2017-06-16 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/simple-inexpensive-honeymoons/ If you’re looking for some affordable honeymoon trips to begin your marriage on the right financial foot, check out the amazing destinations below. Each is romantic in its own way and, best of all, you can enjoy most of them while spending only half as much as the average American newlyweds, depending on where you live and how far you have to travel. Here are some tips from the Simple Dollar to help you get started with planning your honeymoon from a financial perspective: Set a budget: This is the most important step when planning your honeymoon. It’s amazing to dream about an amazing Mediterranean cruise through Italy and Greece, but if you want to keep your spending under $2,500, that type of honeymoon would definitely break your budget. Itemize your budget: A budget shouldn’t just be a number. You should really sit down and itemize it. For example, calculate how much you want to spend on flights, the hotel, food, activities and excursions, and even souvenirs. All of this will give you a clearer idea of what kind of destination you can afford. Even better, choose a place that is all-inclusive. That’s what I did for my honeymoon: Since I write about budgeting for a living, I didn’t want to be stressed with small purchasing decisions — like if I wanted an extra glass of wine at dinner. (Spoiler alert: I always got the extra glass! ) Go non-traditional: It sounds great to lay on a Caribbean beach with... - Published: 2017-03-11 - Modified: 2017-03-11 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/dressing-your-wedding-guests/ When Jennifer began to plan her wedding, she ran into one novel problem: how to dress her wedding guests. Normally, this isn't a problem. By tradition, a wedding is a formal event where guests are expected to show up either in tuxedos and gowns if part of the wedding party, or in suits and formal dresses if an invited guest. The details of proper attire for the guests is left entirely to the guests themselves. Most people already know what they should wear to a wedding, or if not, they at least have enough sense to ask a mother or sister who will be delighted to explain exactly what they should and should not wear. Now and then you find a poor schmuck with a sister who has a vindictive streak and you get a wedding guest who arrives wearing a plaid jacket, red and green striped tie and a yellow beanie with a propeller on top. Mostly your guests are well behaved and arrive appropriately dressed, sober and with the suitable amount of discomfort required of all wedding guests everywhere. Jennifer's wedding was going to be a little different. She (and her fiance of course) had decided to have a casual dress wedding at a country club overlooking the beach. The bride's dress was still planned as a formal gown, but the bridesmaids would wear sun dresses and the best man and groom would wear khaki slacks and summer jackets. Jennifer wanted her guests to know that they were... - Published: 2016-05-17 - Modified: 2016-10-16 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/hiring-a-wedding-planner/ Hiring a Wedding Event Manager or Planner There are pros and cons to hiring a wedding planner. One thing, it costs money, and for something that can be as expensive as a wedding, extra costs matter. But will it really cost you? One thing a wedding planner can do is save you money. Usually more than their fee if you are having a very large event. They know who can do the best job, what the current rates are for various services, and can negotiate on your behalf. Plus, they can advise you on the little extra that you might like to have but that really in the end are not worth it. For a good article on the pros and cons of hiring a wedding planner, I suggest you read this article. - Published: 2016-05-03 - Modified: 2016-10-16 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/legal-issues-when-getting-married/ Legal Issues When Getting Married There are many legal issues that have to be agreed and decided upon when a couple gets married. For instance, will the bride take the grooms name or not? Is there a prenuptial agreement? Insurance where beneficiaries need to be changed? If currently in, or enlisting into the military, what about claiming dependent status? Below is a video about one couples experience from getting married while in the Air Force. - Published: 2016-04-12 - Modified: 2026-07-01 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/things-you-should-know-before-you-get-married/ Things to Know About Getting Married in SC Getting married in South Carolina is very easy. No witnesses or blood tests are required. All you need is a marriage license and someone to perform (officiate) the ceremony. You obtain the license at the local clerk of courts office (or probate office) by visiting in person (both parties), paying the fee, and showing your identification. See this page for further information on where to get your wedding licenses, fees, etc. - Published: 2015-06-13 - Modified: 2016-10-16 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/wedding-songs-to-celebrate-the-day/ Wedding songs play a vital role throughout the entire wedding day. Wedding songs help create the mood and ambience of the day from start to end. Choosing the right wedding songs can also help accentuate the emotional significance of the occasion for a more memorable celebration. In earlier years many weddings showcased traditional wedding songs Nowadays there is no limit to the type of wedding songs that couples can choose to play on their wedding day. Selecting wedding songs is also one of the fun things that couples can do to prepare for their wedding day. Most couples prefer choosing wedding songs that have a significant meaning to them in order to create a more personal and unique atmosphere for their wedding day. A song that was played on their first date or songs of the couple's favorite artist are typical selections for wedding songs of many couples. When selecting wedding songs, things to remember When selecting wedding songs, it is important to take into consideration the venue for the ceremony. Most wedding ceremonies often take place in a church, couples should first check with the minister if there are any restrictions to the type of wedding songs that can be played. Some churches have concerns regarding the kind of wedding songs that should be played during the sacrament of matrimony. Other venues may not have a strict policy regarding the variety of wedding songs to be played. It is still a good idea to choose wedding songs for the... - Published: 2015-05-18 - Modified: 2023-08-04 - URL: https://marriagenotary.com/low-budget-wedding-guide/ Getting Married On a Shoestring Budget Often I perform a wedding ceremony for young couples who have very little money. Their wedding is a special day for them, but they don't have the money to make it extra special. Or so they think. The following are some tips on how to have a nice wedding on a very low budget. I am going to offer some specific examples for the local Columbia area. While the exact locations of course would not apply say in Charleston or elsewhere, it will give you the reader some idea of what to look for when planning your own low cost wedding. The officiant. Me. Lol. I normally charge $90, depending on the location and how far I might have to drive to your location. Please call for an exact quote. In SC notaries can marry couples. Anywhere on the state you can find notaries who are willing to marry you. Just call around or use websites like 123notary. com. Using a notary will save you hundreds of dollars over using a minister. The venue. Use a public place for basically free. In Columbia for instance there are several parks that have idyllic settings that would be the perfect back ground for a wedding. For instance Finlay Park in downtown Columbia has a beautiful waterfall and lake that makes a perfect backdrop for a wedding. Flowers. Yes, the bride should have a bouquet. You can get a nice fresh flower bouquet at any grocery store...