We’ve passed the halfway mark on our tour of marriage laws throughout the 50 United States. We have about 15 more states to go, give or take. Today’s installment takes a look at state marriage laws in North and South Dakota.
North Dakota
North Dakota does not have a residency requirement. Out of state applicants should file for their marriage license in the county where they plan to get married. You’ll need to bring valid photo ID as well as your social security cards. You will also need to bring a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate if you were married previously. Applicants over 16, but under 18 will need parental consent. Your marriage license fee will run about $35 and most counties only accept cash, so be sure to check with the county you are getting married in.
There is no waiting period in North Dakota and no blood or other medical tests required when it comes to applying for a marriage license.
North Dakota does not allow for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Cousin Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage (banned by state amendment in November of 2004
Your North Dakota marriage license is valid for 60 days. To obtain a copy of your North Dakota marriage certificate:
Division of Vital Records
State Capitol
600 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: (701) 328-2360
South Dakota
As we head just to the south, we come to South Dakota. You do not need to be a resident to apply for a marriage license, but you need to provide proof of dissolution of any previous marriages (death certificate or divorce decree) as well as a valid photo I.D. and your social security numbers. Like North Dakota, South Dakota has no waiting period once you’ve applied for your marriage license. Applicants under 18 will need signed and notarized parental consent. If you are under 16, you cannot get married in South Dakota.
Marriage licenses cost about $45 and some counties require that you bring traveler’s checks, so be sure to check with the county where you are applying for your marriage license. South Dakota does not allow for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Cousin Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage
Your South Dakota marriage license will be valid for just 20 days. To obtain a copy of your South Dakota marriage certificate:
Vital Records
State Department of Health
600 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-2536
Phone: (605) 773-4961
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans