How to officiate a wedding in South Dakota

Obtain your permanent Agape Registry Credential ID and printable digital Certificate of Ordination ($0, zero renewal fees).

Under S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-30, a marriage may be solemnized by a Supreme Court justice, circuit judge, magistrate, mayor, or any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages—without pre-registering credentials with the state or Register of Deeds. IMPORTANT TIMING & ID RULES: South Dakota has no waiting period, but a South Dakota marriage license expires in just 20 days from issuance (SDCL § 25-1-24). Under SDCL § 25-1-32, before performing the ceremony the officiant must verify the couple’s identities/ages (by personal knowledge or photo ID) and record the names and residences of 2 witnesses, then return the signed record to the issuing County Register of Deeds within 10 days (§ 25-1-35). Verify current county license fees directly with the Register of Deeds.

Send the 10-question Couple Interview Link, confirm personal vows vs. repeat-after-me vows, and print your script in large altar type.

Ensure the couple obtains their South Dakota Marriage License & Certificate early enough to clear South Dakota’s waiting period (None (Immediate)) without expiring before ceremony day.

Witness Rule: Under SDCL § 25-1-32 & § 25-1-35, at least 2 witnesses must attend the ceremony, have their names and residences recorded, and sign the marriage certificate.. Deliver in person or via tracked mail before Sat, Jan 9, 2027.