How to Get Married in South Dakota: Legal Requirements Guide

If you are planning a wedding or elopement, understanding how to get a South Dakota marriage certificate is one of the most important legal steps. Marriage in South Dakota is relatively simple compared to many states, but there are still specific requirements, timelines, and documents you need to plan for ahead of time.

As a South Dakota wedding photographer who works with couples from all over the country, I see a lot of confusion around the legal side of getting married here. This guide walks you through exactly how marriage in South Dakota works so you can focus on the meaningful parts of your day, not paperwork stress.

What Is a South Dakota Marriage Certificate?

A South Dakota marriage certificate is the official legal document that proves you are married. It is issued after your wedding takes place and your marriage license has been completed and recorded by the county.

This document is often needed later for things like:

• Name changes
• Insurance updates
• Legal identification
• Taxes and benefits

Many couples confuse the marriage license with the marriage certificate, so let’s clarify the difference.

Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate in South Dakota

Before your wedding, you apply for a marriage license. This gives you legal permission to get married in South Dakota.

After your ceremony, once the officiant and witnesses sign the license and it is returned to the county, the state issues your South Dakota marriage certificate. This is the final legal proof of marriage.

In short:

• Marriage license = permission to marry
• Marriage certificate = proof you are married

Both are required parts of marriage in South Dakota, just at different stages.

South Dakota Marriage Requirements at a Glance

Marriage in South Dakota is open to both residents and non residents. You do not need to live in the state to get married here.

Here are the basic legal requirements:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• Valid government issued photo ID is required
• Social Security numbers are typically requested
• Both parties must apply in person at a county Register of Deeds office

There is no blood test requirement and no residency requirement, which makes South Dakota especially popular for elopements.

How to Get a South Dakota Marriage License

To get married in South Dakota, you must apply for your marriage license through a county Register of Deeds office.

The general process looks like this:

1. Choose the county where you want to apply
2. Both parties appear in person with valid ID
3. Complete the marriage license application
4. Pay the required fee, which varies by county
5. Receive your marriage license

Your license can be used anywhere in the state, not just the county where it was issued.

Where to Apply for Your South Dakota Wedding License

You can apply for your marriage license at any Register of Deeds office in South Dakota. Popular counties for wedding and elopement couples include:

• Pennington County (Rapid City)
• Custer County
• Lawrence County (Spearfish and Deadwood)
• Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

Your marriage license is valid anywhere in the state, so you can apply in one county and get married in another.

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Marriage License in Pennington County, SD

If you’re getting married near Rapid City, you’ll most likely apply for your marriage license through Pennington County. The Register of Deeds office in Rapid City handles marriage licenses for the area, including weddings in Custer State Park, the Black Hills National Forest, and Badlands National Park.

You can apply in person at:
Pennington County Register of Deeds
130 Kansas City St., Suite 110, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: (605) 394-2177

Appointments aren’t usually required, but both parties must be present and bring valid government-issued photo ID.

• Cost: $40
• Payment: Cash, credit card, or money order accepted
• Valid immediately after application
• Expiration: 90 days
• Where you can use it: Valid anywhere in South Dakota

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Marriage License in Custer County, SD

If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, or anywhere in the southern Black Hills, you’ll likely want to apply for your marriage license through Custer County.

You can apply in person at:
Custer County Register of Deeds
420 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, SD 57730
Phone: (605) 673-8148

Appointments are not required, but both parties must be present with valid government-issued photo ID. No birth certificates are needed.

• Cost: $40
• Payment: Cash, credit card, or money order accepted
• Valid immediately after application
• Expiration: 90 days
• Where you can use it: Valid anywhere in South Dakota

This office is the best option for couples staying in Custer, Keystone, Hill City, or near Sylvan Lake or Needles Highway, since it’s close by and convenient.

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Marriage License in Lawrence County, SD

Planning an elopement in Spearfish Canyon, Roughlock Falls, or around Deadwood? You’ll want to get your South Dakota marriage license from the Lawrence County Register of Deeds.

You can apply in person at:
Lawrence County Register of Deeds
90 Sherman St., Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone: (605) 578-3930

No appointment is necessary, but both partners must appear in person with valid government-issued photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, or tribal ID). No birth certificates or Social Security numbers are required.

• Cost: $40
• Payment: Cash or card accepted
• Waiting period: None. The license is valid immediately
• Expiration: 90 days, valid anywhere in South Dakota

This is the ideal location for couples staying in Spearfish, Lead, or Deadwood, or anyone planning an adventurous elopement in the stunning northern Black Hills.

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Marriage License in Minnehaha County, SD

If you’re eloping or planning a wedding in Sioux Falls or anywhere in Minnehaha County, here’s how to get your marriage license locally.

You’ll need to apply in person at:
Minnehaha County Register of Deeds
415 N Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-4223

Both parties must be present, with valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or tribal ID). No appointment is required, and there’s no waiting period.

• Cost: $40
• Payment: Cash, credit card, or money order accepted
• Valid immediately after application
• Expiration: 90 days
• Where you can use it: Valid anywhere in South Dakota

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding, you can also schedule a ceremony with the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts, which is a great option for couples looking for a simple way to tie the knot.

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Can You Get Married at a Courthouse in South Dakota?

Yes! If you’re looking for a simple, civil ceremony, you can get married at most courthouses across South Dakota. You’ll need to bring your marriage license (obtained from the Register of Deeds) and two adult witnesses. Most counties have a magistrate judge available during weekday business hours to perform ceremonies, but it’s best to call ahead and ask if they offer marriage services and what the schedule is.

Some courthouses may charge a small fee for the ceremony. For Pennington County (Rapid City), call (605) 394-2688 to inquire about courthouse ceremonies.

Common Fees for a South Dakota Marriage License

South Dakota keeps the marriage license process simple, but the fees can vary slightly depending on the county. Most counties charge around 40 dollars for the license itself.

One important detail to know before you go: many counties accept cash only. Even if your county lists debit or credit as an option, smaller offices often don’t have card machines or may have them temporarily out of service. When my husband and I applied for our marriage license, we actually had to leave the courthouse and find an ATM because the office only accepts cash for marriage licenses. To avoid the same stress, bring enough cash to cover your license fee and any extra certified copies you may want.

Having cash on hand is a simple way to make the process quick and easy so you can move on to the more exciting parts of wedding planning.

How Long Your Marriage License Is Valid

Your South Dakota wedding license becomes valid immediately after it’s issued and stays valid for 90 days. There is no waiting period, which gives couples plenty of flexibility — especially for weekend ceremonies or spontaneous elopements.

Who Can Legally Officiate a Wedding in South Dakota

In South Dakota, the following individuals can legally officiate your ceremony:

• Judges
• Clergy members or ordained ministers
• Authorized tribal officials
• Online-ordained ministers

If you’re bringing your own officiant, make sure they have proper legal ordination recognized by the state.

After the Wedding: Getting Your South Dakota Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing and returning the signed marriage license to the county.

Once it is recorded, you can request certified copies of your South Dakota marriage certificate directly from the county Register of Deeds. These certified copies are what you will use for legal purposes moving forward.

Processing times vary, but most couples receive access to their certificate within a few weeks.

How Much Does a South Dakota Marriage Certificate Cost?

A marriage certificate varies by county, but typically, certified copies of the marriage certificate usually cost $15 per copy.

Why Couples Love Getting Married in South Dakota

South Dakota is an incredibly popular destination for both traditional weddings and elopements. The state offers:

• Simple legal requirements
• Minimal waiting period
• No residency restrictions
• Stunning locations throughout the Black Hills and beyond

For couples traveling in from out of state, marriage in South Dakota is straightforward and stress free compared to many other places.

Final Tips for a Smooth Marriage in South Dakota

• Apply for your marriage license early enough to cover the waiting period
• Bring proper identification for both parties
• Confirm officiant availability and witness requirements
• Order certified copies of your South Dakota marriage certificate after the wedding

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your wedding day seamless.

A Simple, Stress-Free Step Toward Your Wedding Day

Getting your South Dakota wedding license is one of the easiest but most important parts of planning your wedding. With minimal paperwork and no waiting period, the process gives you more space to be present and excited for your day.

Planning a South Dakota Wedding or Elopement?

If you are planning a wedding in South Dakota and want guidance beyond the legal side, I share planning tips, location inspiration, and real wedding stories throughout the blog. You can also explore my elopement and wedding photography services to see how I help couples document their day in a way that feels honest, relaxed, and deeply meaningful.