State guide
South Dakota
South Dakota marriage licenses are issued by county Register of Deeds offices, and the license can be used anywhere in the state. Court-run courthouse weddings are handled separately: some Clerk of Courts offices have clerk magistrates who can perform marriages for a set courthouse fee.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county Register of Deeds
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 90 days
- Witnesses
- 2 required for courthouse marriages; statewide ceremony witness rule not clearly published as a simple requirement on one page
- License fee
- $40 statewide for the license; $20 court fee if a clerk magistrate performs the marriage
Official resources in South Dakota
Official state portal for electronically starting a marriage-license application and confirming validity/return rules.
Official court guidance on licenses, authorized officiants, witnesses, courthouse marriages, and the list of participating counties.
State statute setting the marriage-license fee and naming the county register of deeds as issuer.
State statute listing who may solemnize marriages in South Dakota.
State statute authorizing clerk magistrates to solemnize marriages and setting the court fee.
Key facts for South Dakota
- A marriage license is obtained from the county Register of Deeds and costs $40 by statute.
- South Dakota has no waiting period; the license may be used the same day.
- The license is valid for 90 days and must be returned to the Register of Deeds within 10 days after marriage.
- State law requires an authorized officiant; consent alone does not create a marriage in South Dakota.
- Court guidance says courthouse marriages by clerk magistrates require two witnesses with IDs and a $20 court fee.
- The official courthouse-marriage list says some counties offer this service, while counties not listed do not perform courthouse marriages.
Courthouse ceremonies in South Dakota
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Pennington County | South Dakota UJS lists Pennington County as performing courthouse marriages; use the county Clerk of Court for scheduling and the county Register of Deeds for the license. |
| Brown County | South Dakota UJS lists Brown County as performing courthouse marriages; use the county Clerk of Court for scheduling. |
| Hughes County | South Dakota UJS lists Hughes County as performing courthouse marriages; use the county Clerk of Court for scheduling. |
| Davison County | South Dakota UJS lists Davison County as performing courthouse marriages; use the county Clerk of Court for scheduling. |
What to do next
- Start with the Register of Deeds for the license, then separately contact the Clerk of Courts if you want a courthouse ceremony.
- Bring two witnesses with IDs if you plan a clerk-magistrate courthouse wedding.
- Do not assume every county courthouse marries couples; check the UJS list first and schedule ahead.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?