WEDDINGS : LEGALITIES

The most important legal aspect (aside from being legally single and of age) is your marriage license. You may purchase it from any South Dakota county courthouse. Both people must be present and you must bring your driver’s licenses. Generally, their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but because of the paperwork involved, you should be at the courthouse before 4:15 p.m.

The license costs $40 cash. No blood test or waiting period is required, but the ceremony must be performed within 20 days. Two adult witnesses are also necessary.

Bring your marriage license to the ceremony. We will complete it and get the needed signatures then. I will mail it back to the courthouse. (Note: Under special circumstances, you may return it yourselves in person, but this must be done within 10 days of the ceremony and with the consent of the courthouse.)

If you intend to change your name, you will need a certified copy of your completed marriage license. Contact the courthouse where you purchased it, in person or via mail. There is a fee (about $15). The driver’s license bureau, the social security administration, and others will need this document to complete your name change requests.



“We honestly couldn't have asked
  for a better person to marry us. We
  loved the way you brought in humor
  about the weather, and since we hear
  that rain on your wedding day brings
  good luck, we should be good for awhile!
  We couldn't have done it without you.”  
  —Ryan and Lyn Telford