Marriage license Laws in the state of South Dakota, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the South Dakota marriage laws before filling out the South Dakota marriage license form.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Drivers License or a certified copy of a Birth Certificate.

If previously married: Proof of divorce may be required.

Application Requirement: Both parties to a marriage should appear in person at a Register of Deeds Office in a South Dakota county.

Fees: $40 - Some offices accept only cash and travelers checks.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Blood Tests: No blood test or physical exam is required.

Under 18: Applicants 16 and 17 must have parental consent. South Dakota law does not permit marriage of those under 16.

Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.

Common Law Marriage: No.

Cousin Marriage: No.

Same Sex Marriage: No.

Solemnization of Marriage: The marriage must be solemnized within 20 days from the purchase of your license or the license becomes void. Call the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce at (605) 347- 2556 for a listing of individuals who can perform solemnize marriages.

Once you are married, the individual who solemnizes the marriage must return the license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. If not, there will be no record of your marriage. Marriage may be solemnized by a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the circuit court, a magistrate, or any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages. See SDCL 25-1 for specific statutes.

Officiants: Marriages may be performed by a minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination. Ministers must provide the bride and groom with marriage certificates upon request. Ministers must also keep a record book of all marriages they perform. Finally, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 20 days.
The license can only be used within the State of South Dakota.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

South Dakota County Clerk's Office