‘It was like going to Vegas’: Why did North Carolina residents once travel to this SC city to elope?

Dillon, South Carolina, located just a few miles from the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, has been a popular destination for North Carolinians looking to elope, particularly in the mid-20th century.

The Dillon County Courthouse is part of the Dillon Downtown Historic District in Dillon, South Carolina. SC Department of ArchivesPhoto byCanva

Many North Carolinians have shared their stories online about traveling to Dillon to get married quickly and easily due to South Carolina's once-relaxed marriage laws.

Historical Context

In the past, South Carolina's marriage laws were more lenient compared to neighboring states:

• Parental Consent: In 1993, the Los Angeles Times reported that, with parental consent, kids as young as 14 years old could get married in South Carolina, and those requirements could be waived in some cases.
• Waiting Period: Only a 24-hour wait was required for marriage licenses.
• No Required Tests: Unlike some neighboring states, South Carolina did not require tests for se*ually-transmitted diseases or mental competence.

These relaxed laws made Dillon an attractive destination for couples looking to marry quickly, earning it the nickname "The Wedding Capital of the East." Even today, the Dillon Marriage Chapel sees more than 7,000 weddings each year.

Marriage Laws in North Carolina

Minimum Age Requirements

• 18 and Older: Can marry without restrictions.
• 16-17 Years Old: Can marry with written consent from a parent or guardian.
• 14-15 Years Old: Can marry only with a court action, and only in cases of pregnancy or teenage parenthood.
• Under 14 Years Old: Cannot marry in North Carolina.

Obtaining a Marriage License

• Where: From the Register of Deeds in any county.
• Fee: $60.
• Requirements: Form stating names, ages, marital status, and intention to marry.
• Process: Both partners usually need to visit the office, though some counties allow online applications.

Marriage Laws in South Carolina

Minimum Age Requirements

• Under 16 Years Old: Cannot marry, with exceptions.
• 16-17 Years Old: Can marry with parental or guardian consent.
• Special Cases: A 16 or 17-year-old pregnant woman or a woman with a child can marry the child’s father without his parent or guardian's consent, but she still needs her parent or guardian's permission.

Obtaining a Marriage License

• Where: Apply online at ez-filing.net or at local offices.
• Fee: $70.
• Requirements: Valid ID, proof of social security number, and a sworn statement.
• Waiting Period: 24 hours after application before the license is released.

By understanding these historical and legal contexts, couples today can appreciate the unique role Dillon, SC, has played in the matrimonial history of the Carolinas and continue to explore their options within the framework of current marriage laws.