How much do you save on a South Carolina marriage license with this course?

By completing this approved 6-hour premarital preparation course, South Carolina law (SC Code § 20-1-230) dictates that the mandatory $50 state fee portion of your marriage license is completely waived.

Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina has a mandatory 24-hour waiting period from the time you apply at the Probate Court to the time your license is issued. The premarital course does not skip this wait, but it does waive the $50 state fee.

What are the requirements for the SC premarital preparation course?

Under SC Code § 20-1-230, the course must be a minimum of 6 hours long. It must be conducted by a licensed professional or an official representative of a religious institution. You must present a notarized Certificate of Completion to the Probate Judge.

Will the South Carolina Probate Court accept a printed PDF certificate?

Most SC Probate Courts require an original, physically signed, and notarized certificate. To guarantee acceptance, Cadenza Counseling physically mails you a notarized, original document with a live signature.

Are there different versions of the South Carolina premarital course available?

Yes. Cadenza Counseling offers four fully-approved variations of the 6-hour course: a Standard secular track, a Faith-Friendly track incorporating Christian principles, an Inclusive track for LGBTQ+ couples, and a fully translated Spanish (En Español) track.

SC Code § 20-1-230 Compliant

South Carolina Online Premarital Course

Complete your state-required 6-hour course online and save $50 on your SC marriage license fee.

Enroll Now for $25.49

Mailed & Notarized Certificate Included

Available in: Standard • Faith-Friendly • Inclusive • Español

How This Course Pays for Itself

South Carolina law financially rewards couples who complete premarital prep. By taking our 6-hour approved course, the mandatory state fee portion of your marriage license is completely waived.

Without Course

+$50

Mandatory SC State Fee

Guaranteed Savings

With Our Course

State Fee is Waived

Gross SC Discount: -$50.00

Course Cost: +$25.49

Net Cash Saved: $24.51

Get Your $50 SC Discount in 3 Simple Steps

Take the 6-Hour Course

Enroll for $25.49. The course is self-paced and 100% online. You must spend a minimum of 6 hours reviewing the material to satisfy South Carolina law.

We Mail Your Notarized Certificate

Because SC Probate Judges expect an authentic document, we physically sign, notarize, and mail your original certificate directly to your home via USPS.

Apply at the Probate Court

Present your physical, notarized certificate to any County Probate Court in SC to instantly have the $50 state fee waived from your marriage license.

Personalized Education

Tailored to Your Unique Relationship

We believe premarital counseling isn't one-size-fits-all. When you enroll, you can choose from four distinct, fully-approved course tracks designed to match your specific values and dynamics.

Standard

Our traditional, secular evidence-based curriculum. Focuses on core communication skills, financial planning, and modern conflict resolution.

Select Standard

Faith-Friendly

Integrates Christian principles and biblical foundations alongside clinical relationship tools. Perfect for couples seeking a faith-based approach.

Select Faith-Friendly

Inclusive

A modern, affirming curriculum specifically designed for LGBTQ+ couples, addressing unique relationship dynamics and community support.

Select Inclusive

Español

Nuestro curso completo traducido al español. Cumple con todos los requisitos del estado de Carolina del Sur para el descuento.

Inscribirse (Español)

Guaranteed Acceptance in All 46 SC Counties

Whether you apply at the Probate Court in Greenville, Richland, Charleston, or any other county, our curriculum fully satisfies the legal requirements of SC Code § 20-1-230.

Authorized Provider: Taught by Kristen Franzen, a South Carolina Ordained Minister from the Universal Life Church.

Notarized Originals: We physically mail your live-signed, notarized document to ensure Probate Judge acceptance.

Your Course Instructor

Meet Kristen Franzen

Licensed Psychotherapist SC Ordained Minister

Kristen Franzen is a highly experienced licensed psychotherapist (LMHC & LPC) and an Ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church. Under South Carolina law, an "official representative of a religious institution" is legally authorized to administer your premarital preparation course.

With a passion for helping couples build resilient, lifelong marriages, Kristen designed this 6-hour curriculum to go beyond just satisfying state requirements. She personally reviews every completion and physically signs and notarizes your certificate to guarantee a seamless experience at your local Probate Court.

South Carolina Marriage License FAQs

Is there a waiting period to get married in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina imposes a strict 24-hour waiting period. You must wait at least 24 hours from the time you apply at the Probate Court before your marriage license can be issued to you. Taking our course does not skip this wait, but it does secure your $50 state fee waiver.

How long does the premarital course take?

South Carolina law strictly requires a minimum of 6 hours of premarital preparation. Our online course is self-paced, meaning you can log in and out over several days, but you must accumulate 6 hours of coursework before your completion certificate is generated.

Why is my certificate mailed instead of emailed?

Unlike some states, South Carolina Probate Courts mandate that you present an original, physically signed and notarized document. They often reject printed PDFs or photocopies. To protect you from being turned away, Kristen Franzen personally signs, notarizes, and mails your original certificate via USPS.

Where do we go to get our marriage license?

In South Carolina, marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court in each county (not the Court Clerk or County Clerk). You and your partner will need to apply together in person at the Probate Court office.

Are all four course variations accepted by the state?

Yes! Whether you choose the Standard, Faith-Friendly, Inclusive, or Spanish track, your 6-hour curriculum is fully compliant with SC Code § 20-1-230 and guarantees your $50 license discount.

Strengthen Your Bond. Waive the State Fee.

Join thousands of couples who have built a stronger foundation with Cadenza Counseling. Only $25.49 per couple.

Start Your Course for $25.49

Official Provider • 100% Probate Court Acceptance