Rapid City, South Dakota
I complete the legal work that makes a South Dakota marriage official: the license, the signatures, and the filing.
You handle the day. I handle the paperwork, the time on site, and the miles.
Hold a dateI am an ordained minister through American Marriage Ministries. South Dakota does not require officiants to register with the state or any county. Once you have a valid license, I can solemnize the marriage anywhere in the state.
Paid services cover three things only:
Traditional rites are not sold through this service.
Elopement or short legal solemnization. One location within 20 miles of Rapid City. About 20 minutes on site. Includes completing the license, signing as officiant, and returning it to the Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Same legal work, more time on site. One meeting beforehand. About 30 minutes at the venue. Included travel: 30 miles out from Rapid City, so 60 miles round trip.
Same legal work as wedding day. The first 30 miles out from Rapid City are included, which is 60 miles round trip. After that it is $1 per mile round trip. Example: 80 miles one way is 160 miles round trip, minus the 60 included, so 100 billable miles = $100 travel.
Deposit 50 percent to hold the date. Balance due the day before.
Both of you go in person to any South Dakota Register of Deeds. Bring photo ID. Pay $40. Cash is safest. Some offices take cards with a surcharge. Pennington County in Rapid City does not take personal checks.
The license is good for 90 days from the day you buy it, not from the wedding date. It can be used anywhere in South Dakota. It cannot be used in another state.
There is no waiting period. You can get married the same day if you want.
You need two witnesses. I confirm IDs and the names and addresses of both of you and both witnesses before we start.
Afterward I give you the certificate and return the license to any Register of Deeds within 10 days. If that filing does not happen, there is no legal record of the marriage.
South Dakota officiants do not pre-register with the county. I carry American Marriage Ministries credentials in case a clerk asks to see them when the license comes back.
Also serving
These states border South Dakota and do not require wedding officiants to register with the state or a county before solemnizing a marriage. You still need a license from the state where the ceremony happens.
No officiant registration. License valid 60 days. Two witnesses. I return the signed license to the county that issued it.
No officiant registration. License valid one year. Two witnesses. I file the return with the county clerk.
No officiant registration. Three-day waiting period after the license is issued. Two witnesses. I return the certificate within 15 days.
No officiant registration. License valid one year. Witnesses sign the certificate. I return the completed license to the county clerk.
No officiant registration. License valid 180 days. Two witnesses. I return the certificate within 30 days.
These are common South Dakota spots. Parks are a separate permit from the marriage license. You handle the park permit. I handle the license filing.
Granite and water, park ceremony permit required, Needles Highway closes in winter
Same park permit, busy in summer
Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls
NPS special use permit about $100, apply around 45 days out
Often no permit for a small group with no setup
Short hike
Closer to Rapid City
Indoor backup, book the chapel separately
NPS permit only, not the default
For most requests: Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon, or a Forest Service overlook.
The park and the lodge are not the same thing.
One-day events park entrance license: $100 per 50 people. Written consent from the park manager at least 15 days ahead. Call 605-394-2693 and ask for the park manager, not the lodge. Vehicles: $25 per vehicle for up to 7 days at Custer State Park, or $20 motorcycle. Resident annual pass $40.
Deposit around $1,500. Venue rental around $6,000 unless a catering package. Sales: 605-255-4672.
A four-person elopement at the lake or a Needles pullout goes through GFP first.
After the vows
Eighteen miles, paved, year-round. Go at first light or the last two hours before sunset. Stay in the vehicle. At least 100 yards from bison and elk. Do not stop in the lane. Do not feed the burros. Pets stay in the car. The Wildlife Loop is not a ceremony site.