South Dakota Marriage Laws

South Dakota State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Identification Requirement: You must show your driving license or certified copy of your birth certificate.

Residency Requirement: Not necessary to be resident of South Dakota.

If previously married: You should submit proof of divorce if required.

Application Requirement: Personal appearance of the both parties to a marriage shall be required at a Register of Deeds Office in a South Dakota county.

Marriage Fees Required: Approximately $40 - Only cash and travelers checks are allowed in some offices.

Wait Period: No.

Any Other Test Required: None.

Under 18 Marriages: Consent is required for applicants who are under the age of 16 and 17.

Proxy Marriages: Not allowed.

Common Law Marriage Option: Not allowed.

Cousin Marriage: Not allowed.

Marriage for Same-Sex Option: Not allowed.

Solemnization of Marriage: Validation period for marriage is up 20 days. Applicants should marry within 20 days from the purchase of their license or license becomes void. After marriage, both parties should return the license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is required for marriage record. Marriage may be performed by a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge or justice of the circuit court, a magistrate, or any authorized person. Please refer 25-1 for specific statutes.

Marriage Ceremony Officiants: Minister or priest of any denomination of the gospel can perform the marriages. Minister should provide a marriage certificate upon request from bride and / or groom. There must be record for each marriage he performed. Within 30 days after the marriage, Minister must send the marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the licenses.

License Validation: For 20 days. The license is valid only for the State of South Dakota.

There are often changes in marriage requirements. Please refer the above information for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the South Dakota county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.