Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16–17 with notarized guardian consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16–17 with notarized guardian consent. South Dakota prohibits marriages between close relatives, including cousins, regardless of legitimacy or adoption. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $40
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID or Birth Certificate
- Proof of Divorce: Not Required
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply in person at a county register of deeds, presenting valid ID. Licenses cannot be obtained through power of attorney.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: 24 Hours
- License Validity: 20 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 10 Days
Marriage licenses are valid for 20 days after issuance. The officiant must return the completed license and marriage certificate to the issuing register of deeds within 10 days of the ceremony.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Register
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Documentation requirements vary by county. Ministers should carry proof of ordination and confirm with the county register of deeds where the license is issued.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2 (No Minimum Age)
The minister, couple, and two witnesses must be physically present. The ceremony must include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement. Witnesses’ names and addresses must be verified before the ceremony.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
The officiant must complete the marriage certificate, listing “minister” as their title and “Ministries of Love” as the ordaining body. The original license and completed certificate must be returned to the issuing register of deeds within 10 days.