How to Become a Wedding Officiant in South Dakota

Congratulations, you're ready to officiate the wedding! If you need any assistance in this important task, we encourage you to utilize the tools below. Together these exclusive resources include everything you'll need to craft the perfect wedding ceremony for any couple. Created with our ministers in mind, they offer tips and helpful information for all aspects of performing a ceremony. Fun fact: many ULC ministers have become professional officiants using these tools as a guide!

Video: How to Perform a Wedding in South Dakota

Thanks for sticking it out through the wedding guide. A South Dakota wedding is in your future! More of a visual learner? Check out this in-depth video guide to performing weddings in South Dakota! We'll walk you through each step of the process and provide clear action items to ensure you're properly prepared.

How to Get a South Dakota Marriage License

Once you've determined what you need, simply log in to your account and order the materials from our online catalog. It's possible that you will be asked to present proof of ordination, and you don't want to be caught off-guard. Because ministers are sometimes required to register in the state of South Carolina, we advise ordering a Ordination Kit and a Letter of Good Standing. Also keep in mind that the couple may like to see your credentials. Please try to place your order well in advance of the wedding to avoid complications.

How to Perform a Wedding

Licenses are issued by the Register of Deed's office, and will be picked up by the couple. As a minister, it's your responsibility to understand how marriage licenses work in South Dakota and its individual counties. For example, if the couple plans to get a Yankton County marriage license, you should double-check if there are any rules specific to Yankton County.

In the state of South Dakota, the license is valid for 20 days. There is no waiting period between the time it is picked up, and when the ceremony can be legally performed. Lastly, the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office by the expiration date.

Finalizing the Marriage

After you perform the ceremony, you will sign the marriage license along with the couple and their two witnesses. Your title is 'minister', the ceremony type is 'religious', and the denomination is 'non-denominational'. You will not be required to provide a license number. You may also wish to give the couple a commemorative gift, like a marriage certificate to mark their special day. Last thing: make sure the signed license gets resubmitted to the marriage office before the deadline!