Vital Records & Certificates in Garden City, South CarolinaHorry County Clerk of Court

Garden City’s unique position as both a permanent residential community and seasonal destination creates diverse needs for vital records. From retirees establishing South Carolina residency for tax benefits to families documenting children’s births for school enrollment, certificates support this coastal community’s dynamic lifestyle. Property transactions, inheritance matters, and passport applications for international travel are particularly common uses in this affluent beach community.

Birth certificates for Garden City residents are obtained through the Horry County Clerk of Court at 1301 2nd Ave in Conway, approximately 30 minutes inland from the beach. Most local children are born at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach or Conway Medical Center. South Carolina requires specific documentation including the mother’s full maiden name and exact date of birth. The Conway office maintains regular business hours Monday through Friday, though summer months often see increased demand from seasonal residents establishing permanent residency. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days, with expedited service available for urgent passport or school enrollment needs that are common in this transient coastal community.

Garden City’s oceanfront setting makes it a popular wedding destination, with ceremonies held at the Garden City Pier, Huntington Beach State Park pavilion, and private beachfront venues along Waccamaw Drive. Marriage licenses are issued by the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway. South Carolina has no waiting period, making it attractive for destination weddings. Beach wedding season runs from April through November, with peak demand during summer months. The clerk’s office recommends calling ahead during wedding season to ensure availability.

Death certificates are processed through the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway. Given Garden City’s large retiree population, these documents are frequently needed for insurance settlements, social security benefits, and estate administration. Local funeral homes including Burroughs Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet often assist families with the paperwork. Standard processing is 3-5 business days with rush service available.

Divorce records are maintained by the Horry County Family Court system. Certified copies can be requested from the Clerk of Court in Conway or through the South Carolina judicial records system. The process is streamlined for residents who need documents for property transfers, which are common in Garden City’s active real estate market.

The Horry County Clerk of Court at 1301 2nd Ave in Conway operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From Garden City Beach, take Highway 17 Business north to Highway 544 west to reach Conway. Free parking is available in the courthouse lot. The office accepts cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks – personal checks are not accepted. During summer tourist season, morning hours typically offer shorter wait times. Mail-in requests are processed but require notarized authorization forms.

From Garden City Beach, take Highway 17 Business north approximately 15 miles to Highway 544 west. Follow 544 west about 12 miles to Conway. The courthouse is located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Conway near the Riverwalk.