An Expert Guide on How to Get Married in North Dakota

There are quite a few good arguments regarding why and how to get married in North Dakota. A true four-season state, it boasts beautiful springs and summers and magical snowy winters, there are wide open prairies and epic scenery for outdoor events and the vendor community is thriving. But maybe the best reason to get married in North Dakota is the people. "We have the nicest people ever," says wedding photographer Kiella Lawrence. "North Dakotans are known for their warm hospitality. Your guests will feel right at home." For information about the more logistical side of getting married in North Dakota, we spoke with Lawrence and two established wedding planners: Tori Schmidt of Fargo's The Event Company and Karissa Kjos of Gather Event Planning. Read on to see their favorite places, top checklist items and budget guidance.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in North Dakota
• Notable Wedding Locations in North Dakota
• How to Plan a Wedding in North Dakota Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in North Dakota

"To obtain a North Dakota marriage license, both individuals must be present and provide a valid photo ID; there is a small fee of $65," Schmidt explains. "Marriage licenses can be obtained from any county courthouse in the state, regardless of where the wedding is taking place. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days from the purchase date. Most of my clients choose to obtain their license about a month before the wedding to ensure everything is in order." Though it doesn't matter which county courthouse you go to, it's important to be prepared, and each has its own nuances. "I recommend reaching out to your local county courthouse to see what documents you will need to provide for your marriage license," Kjos says. For example, in some counties, you can apply and pay online before showing up; find your county here to see what the particular requirements are for your marriage license in ND.

Notable Wedding Locations in North Dakota

"North Dakota might surprise you with its options," Lawrence says. Though many vendors are based in and around Fargo, there are resources for all types of weddings at all types of North Dakota wedding venues. "North Dakota offers an incredible variety of outdoor spaces that are picturesque and often overlooked, from sprawling farmland to scenic state parks," Schmidt says. "Whether you're looking for a rural escape or a downtown vibe, there's a location here for every couple."

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Fargo

"For a modern, trendy vibe, the Fargo area is a winner," Lawrence says. "Fargo has a vibrant downtown area and numerous parks along the rivers. There are also gorgeous rolling hills nearby." It's also a great choice in terms of guest convenience. Fargo boasts an international airport for those traveling in, and plenty of options for lodging and accommodations.

Medora

"For adventurous couples, the Medora area is beautiful," Lawrence says. "It has dramatic scenery, unique rock formations and the most incredible sunsets." Kjos sees it as a true hidden gem. "Surprisingly, many North Dakota residents have not been to Medora! It is a quaint, historical town in the heart of the Badlands. There are activities for your family and friends to do throughout the weekend and it is a beautiful place to celebrate a marriage!" Note that the nearest regional airport is about 35 miles away, so make sure guests know their transportation options.

Bismarck

Situated directly between Fargo and Medora is Bismarck, the state's second-largest city. "Bismarck's got a cool mix of modern venues and riverfront spots with city views," Lawrence says. There is a small airport, but flight times may be limited, so make sure guests have plenty of advance notice to accommodate for travel.

Devil's Lake

"If a lakeside wedding is the vibe, the Devil's Lake region has numerous pretty locations," Lawrence says. It also has a regional airport for guest travel. It's just one of countless locations in North Dakota that are all about the scenery. "You'll find rustic barns and venues spread throughout the state," Lawrence says. "From the Badlands to the endless prairies, North Dakota's wide open landscapes are seriously one-of-a-kind." In both Devil's Lake and beyond, she recommends working with your photographer to create a day-of timeline that prioritizes golden hour light for outdoor portraits.

How to Plan a Wedding in North Dakota Step-by-Step

Planning a wedding is all about personalization, Schmidt says. "North Dakota is filled with opportunities to create a wedding that reflects your personality, whether that's by incorporating local traditions, celebrating on family property or embracing the natural beauty of the outdoors." Here, our experts outline some steps to get married in North Dakota.

1. Budget for Around $40,000

"The average North Dakota wedding budget is between $30,000 and $40,000," Kjos says. "However, your guest count really drives your budget, so a good starting point is $30,000 for 200 guests or $40,000 for 300 guests. If you dream of having a full vendor team—photographer, videographer, DJ, event planner—then you are looking at closer to $40,000."

Schmidt agrees with the average but also points to outliers. "We've worked with couples who have planned weddings ranging from $5,000 to $100,000," she says. "A wedding budget is as unique as the couple planning it—it's less about the total amount spent and more about aligning resources with priorities to create a celebration that truly reflects their love story." To help determine your own budget and priorities, check out The Knot Budget Advisor.

2. Build Your Vendor Team

So, what do you need to get married in North Dakota? Well, besides the marriage license, of course, you'll need a team of vendors to bring your vision to life—regardless if it's big or small. "Venues and vendors are booking further out than ever, with many couples securing their dates 12 to 18 months in advance," Schmidt says. "Popular venues and high-demand vendors, such as photographers, florists and planners, can book out even sooner. My advice to couples is to secure the vendors that matter most to them as early as possible—this ensures you have your dream team in place for your special day." Start your vendor search at The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

3. Have a Backup Plan

"The most popular wedding months in North Dakota are May to October," Kjos says. "Many couples are taking advantage of the sunny and warm weather, though November and December do make for magical winter wedding months. If clients are looking to save a few dollars, some venues have off-season rates, especially January through April." The key—regardless of season—is having a backup plan. "North Dakota weather can be unpredictable, so having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies or receptions is crucial," Schmidt says. "I tell my clients who opt for an outdoor wedding that they should be as in love with their plan B as they are with plan A."

A few particular things you may be battling? "Snow," Kjos says. "The middle to end of October through April are months especially to be cautious of. Most days, our snow can be beautiful, but when it blizzards, guests may have a hard time traveling to your wedding." She continues. "A second factor is farming season, especially planting season and harvest. Though those make for beautiful wedding months, if you are from a farming family, you may want to think about what crop you will be planting and if its seasons will interfere with your date." Lawrence also suggests factoring in the wind in terms of having a backup plan even for your portrait session. "North Dakota can get really breezy!" she says. "Think about locations with natural windbreaks or indoor options for your ceremony and those all-important portraits."

4. Opt for Farm-to-Table

"The food scene in North Dakota is a standout," Schmidt says. "Farm-to-table catering is a popular choice, showcasing the region's fresh and local ingredients." Lawrence agrees. "We've got some seriously talented local vendors who use the freshest seasonal ingredients," she says. "You can have anything from fancy farm-to-table dinners to mouthwatering barbecue feasts." Consider dinner part of the whole experience for your wedding.

5. Figure Out Logistics for Guests

Guest comfort and travel logistics should be top of mind for couples planning weddings in North Dakota. "Given the spread-out geography of our state, consider how easy it will be for guests to reach your venue and where they will stay," Schmidt says. "Providing clear directions and accommodation options will ensure a smooth experience for your loved ones." Offer resources and options for your guests via the wedding website. In fact, you should take guest experience into account all around. "Depending on the location and time of year, mosquitos can be pesky," Lawrence says. "Consider bug spray and visit with your venue about spraying the property."