If you’re searching for a South Dakota wedding officiant, you’re in the right place (we do that!)—and if your wedding happens to be just across the border in Minnesota, we have great news.
While we are proudly based in Brookings, South Dakota (near Sioux Falls), we are now officially approved and credentialed to legally officiate weddings in the state of Minnesota as well. So many couples were asking for this! This allows us to serve couples throughout the region while offering the same calm, professional, and heartfelt ceremony experience we’re known for here at home. We’re also wedding planners, so we get asked a lot to perform the ceremony as well — because we know YOU, your personalities, and your wedding so well!
Whether your ceremony is in South Dakota or Minnesota, we always prioritize meaningful words, custom wording, seamless logistics, and zero stress. And we gift you with your customized vow book (because what better gift can we possibly give you than the vows you can revisit again and again each anniversary?). We have three levels of officiating and two of the three come with the keepsake vow book. Our top level includes rehearsal as well! Let’s make sure everyone feels great and comfortable with the ceremony!
A South Dakota Officiant Serving the Midwest
As a long-standing South Dakota officiant, we work with couples across the state—from backyard ceremonies to full-scale wedding weekends at venues, farms, vineyards, and private properties.
Because so many of our South Dakota couples choose Minnesota locations (especially lakes and family land in border towns), becoming approved to officiate in Minnesota was a natural next step. You can work with one trusted Midwest wedding officiant who understands both states’ requirements.
In addition to serving as South Dakota wedding officiants, we are officially ordained online through a nationally recognized non-denominational organization.
Minnesota recognizes online ordination as valid when proper documentation is provided. For Minnesota ceremonies, we supply couples with a Certificate of Ordination, a Letter of Good Standing, a signed and printed Certificate of Filing of Ordination, and a formal officiant brochure outlining Minnesota guidelines.
Everything is documented, compliant, and ready well before your wedding day. The only extra fee you may see (in addition to our three packages) is a small travel fee to whatever Minnesota town you have in mind!
Minnesota Marriage License Process (Even if you’re a South Dakota Couple Getting Married in MN)
If you’re a South Dakota couple planning a Minnesota ceremony, here’s what to expect:
1. Apply for a Minnesota Marriage License
Both partners must apply together and in person at a Minnesota Register of Deeds office. Let us know which one you choose! (Ivanhoe and Pipestone are the two offices closest to Brookings.) We ask because the signed marriage license must be turned back into the register of deeds office in which you got it.
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Standard fee: $115
Pro Tip and Reduced fee option: If you’ve completed 12 hours of premarital counseling, bring a letter from your counselor and the fee is reduced to $40.
2. Waiting Period
Minnesota requires a 5-day waiting period from application to license issuance (some counties allow waivers for an additional fee).
3. Ceremony Location
Once issued, you may be married anywhere in the state of Minnesota, regardless of which county you applied in.
4. Returning the License
After the ceremony:
- The completed license must be returned within 5 days
- It must go back to the same Register of Deeds office where you applied
We’ll guide you through every step and make sure nothing is overlooked. We’re happy to help you decide which location works best based on your wedding date and travel plans (and our travel plans too!).
Getting Married in South Dakota or Minnesota?
If you’re looking for a legally recognized Minnesota wedding officiant and a ceremony that reflects your relationship—not a script, we’ve got you. We customize the vows to you and your relationship (Do you want a unity ceremony? Do you have children you want included? Do you want a religious or non-religious ceremony? Do you want anyone to walk you down the aisle? Do you want to keep the vows a lovely surprise — or read them ahead of time?) There are so many ways to customize it!
We’d be honored to stand with you.
Reach out anytime with questions—we’re here to help you navigate the legal details so you can focus on what truly matters: your commitment to each other.
