How to Officiate a Wedding in South Carolina

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In South Carolina?

South Carolina is one of the easiest states to officiate a wedding. You perform the wedding ceremony, and if you choose to assist with the marriage paperwork too, it’s a straight-forward process here.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — South Carolina makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required.

Statute: South Carolina Code § 20-1-20 — ministers of the Gospel may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $50–$100 (varies; resident/non-resident rates differ)
Waiting period 24 hours
License valid for Does not expire
Return deadline 15 days after ceremony (30 days in Lexington County)
Witnesses needed None

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local Probate Court — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at their Probate Court. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. 24-hour waiting period. The license does not expire — no rush on scheduling.

Pro tip: The license is issued in triplicate. After the ceremony, you return 2 copies to the Probate Court and give 1 copy to the couple.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return 2 signed copies to the Probate Court within 15 days (30 days in Lexington County). Mail them or drop them off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

South Carolina Tips

  • Very FSM-friendly — broad “ministers of the Gospel” language
  • No registration, no hoops
  • License never expires — great flexibility for planning
  • License issued in triplicate — return 2 copies, couple keeps 1
  • Popular destination wedding state (Charleston, Hilton Head)
  • 15-day return deadline — don’t forget

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Probate Court before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Probate Court.