How to Officiate a Wedding in South Dakota

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In South Dakota?

South Dakota is one of the easiest states to officiate a wedding. You perform the wedding ceremony, and if you choose to assist with the marriage paperwork too, it’s a straight-forward process here — just watch the tight timelines.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — South Dakota makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required.

Statute: South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-1-30 — any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages may do so.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $40 ($30 goes to domestic abuse fund)
Waiting period 24 hours
License valid for 20 days
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2 adults

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local County Register of Deeds — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at their County Register of Deeds office. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. 24-hour waiting period. Valid for only 20 days — the shortest in the country.

Important: With a 24-hour waiting period and only 20 days of validity, South Dakota has the tightest planning window in the US. Make sure the couple gets their license with enough time but not too far ahead.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and 2 witnesses. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

South Dakota Tips

  • FSM-friendly — broad “any person authorized by a church” language
  • No registration, no hoops
  • Shortest license validity in the country (20 days) — plan carefully
  • 24-hour waiting period + 20-day validity = tight window
  • $30 of the license fee goes to domestic abuse prevention
  • 10-day return deadline — don’t forget

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local County Register of Deeds before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Register of Deeds.