Here are the Need-to-Knows for How to Get Married in South Dakota

How to get married in South Dakota? The best way is to celebrate not just your love but your location. It's a state full of stunning scenery, national parks and vibrant culture that deserve to be shared as part of your love story. "You really do get the best of all worlds having your wedding in South Dakota," says Loghin Welch, owner of Sioux Falls' Serendipitous Events. "Whether you're looking for snowy mountaintop views or downtown brick buildings, there is something for everyone. We are fortunate to experience all four seasons, so there is sure to be a season that fits your style." Here, Welch and her team's lead planner, Rebecca Carlyle, plus photographer Kate Jones, weigh in on the need-to-know details about South Dakota marriage laws and the best areas for a wedding, plus offer a step-by-step guide to getting married in SD.

In this article:

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

How to Get a Marriage License in South Dakota

"To obtain a marriage license in SD, you have to go to your county courthouse, with both parties present, to get your file," Carlyle explains. "They give the license to you that day for your officiant or pastor to fill out. You need to do this within 90 days of your wedding." Couples can obtain a South Dakota marriage license at any county courthouse, regardless of the county they're getting married in, and the cost is typically $40. For the wedding itself—with their South Dakota wedding license in hand—couples must have two witnesses present and be married by a judge, mayor or person authorized by a church.

Notable Wedding Locations in South Dakota

South Dakota is a stunningly scenic place. Large swaths of the state are covered by Indian reservations, national forests, state parks, mountain ranges and more. South Dakota wedding venues are all about showcasing this. "The most unique thing about wedding locations in South Dakota is that you can get any style you're looking for," Jones says. "There's a more urban look in Sioux Falls and wide open prairies in the east side of the state, or you can get a mountain or ranch vibe on the west side in the Black Hills." Celebrating the scenery is what makes a South Dakota wedding shine.

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Sioux Falls

"We have so many beautiful historical buildings that add so much character to your day," say Welch and Carlyle, who are based in Sioux Falls and plan events across the Midwest. "Whether it's a downtown boutique hotel or a historical museum, you are sure to find something beautiful. We also have access to open land, making it an ideal location for outdoor tented weddings." With tented weddings, couples can create their own venue from the ground up, offering something truly unique. As the state's biggest city, Sioux Falls is also accessible for guests, who can travel in via Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

Black Hills

The Southwest region of South Dakota is covered by the Black Hills National Forest, which is home to an incredible mountain range, a smattering of state and national parks, natural hot springs and a memorial you might have heard of, Mount Rushmore. Nearby Rapid City, the state's second-largest metropolis, has a regional airport for guest convenience, and the Black Hills region has an abundance of event and tourism resources. If your venue is remote, be sure to check on travel fees for vendors like rentals to find out how that may affect your budget.

Badlands

A couple hours east of Black Hills is another famous national park, Badlands; it's also served by Rapid City Regional Airport. Badlands is known for its incredible rocky scenery and has become a Midwestern hotspot, especially for elopements. Note you'll need a special permit to say "I do" within the official park perimeter, but there are a host of local planners and photographers who are experts in the details.

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

Getting married in South Dakota is easy—if you know what elements matter most and have the right vendors in your corner. In fact, planning a wedding just about anywhere is all about working with the right team. Here, Welch, Carlyle and Jones weigh on how to find vendors, when to book and what to budget.

1. Set Your Budget

The good news? "Getting married in South Dakota can save couples money with the lower cost of venues, food and vendors compared to more largely populated states," Jones says. Carlyle dives into specifics: "Budget is heavily based on your guest count and the level of experience you're wanting for you and your guests," she says. It varies widely, but she and Welch have a rule of thumb to go by. "We typically tell our clients to budget for $175 per person for your big day. For example, if you are having 200 guests at your wedding, you can expect to budget $35,000 to cover the cost of your venue space, food and beverages, entertainment and decor. This is a rough estimate as all weddings are different, but it is a great guide to get you started." Check out The Knot Budget Advisor tool for additional help.

2. Secure Your Venue and Vendors

"Most venues are booking one to two years in advance," Welch says. "If you have your heart set on a location and a specific date, we highly suggest booking sooner than later." Venue should come first, but don't sleep on the other vendors, either. "While venues are a popular ticket item to get booked, so are your other wedding professionals who are also booking anywhere between six months to two years out," Welch adds. Check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to search for vendors in your precise area.

3. Embrace the Seasons—Including Off Season

"June and September are our most popular wedding months, with the weather being the most predictable and ideal for Midwesterners," Welch says. "You're able to enjoy anything from an outdoor ceremony to an indoor reception or a full, beautiful outdoor tent wedding, all while you and your guests remain comfortable." That said, there's a pro to winter weddings, too: "With our snowy winters, you will definitely see a discounted rate for certain vendors, such as your venue, during the winter months, making winter weddings more budget-friendly."

From a photography perspective, Jones loves autumn. "The best time to photograph a wedding in South Dakota is definitely the fall," she says. "It is more colorful on the east side of the state, but the mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The risk of extreme weather is low, and the sunsets are next to none. Finding mild temperatures—and being able to be comfortable while photographed outside—is key."

4. Put Your Own Spin on Things

Ultimately, couples should make the wedding their own. While South Dakota scenery calls to be celebrated, and Sioux Falls culture has a lot to offer, it's all about adding personal details that make your wedding uniquely you. "We love a good trend, but our favorite thing is when clients put their personal touch on it," Welch says. Something she's loving lately? "One of our favorite trends are intimate dinner party receptions with long family-style tables and candlelight ambiance."