MarriageLicenseCheck.com

Minnehaha County exact answer

Can a minor apply for a marriage license in Minnehaha County?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In Minnehaha County, an applicant aged 16 or 17 needs a circuit court order finding the marriage voluntary and in the minor's best interest, and written, notarized consent submitted to the Register of Deeds from two parents of each minor or each minor's legal guardian. No license may be issued if the applicants' ages differ by more than four years. The Register of Deeds' own page still describes a simpler rule — consent from a parent or legal guardian — which is narrower than current state law. See the conflict note. The county provides a Parental Consent for Marriage form on its Register of Deeds forms page.

Published rule and conditions

Minor applicant rule
An applicant aged 16 or 17 needs a circuit court order finding the marriage voluntary and in the minor's best interest, and written, notarized consent submitted to the Register of Deeds from two parents of each minor or each minor's legal guardian. No license may be issued if the applicants' ages differ by more than four years.

The Register of Deeds' own page still describes a simpler rule — consent from a parent or legal guardian — which is narrower than current state law. See the conflict note. The county provides a Parental Consent for Marriage form on its Register of Deeds forms page.

Applies in some cases

Applicants 16 or 17 years of age require: A circuit court order following a determination by the court that the marriage is voluntary and in the best interest of the minor applicant(s). Written and notarized consent from two parents of each minor or legal guardian of each minor.

Issuing office

Minnehaha County Register of Deeds

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage RequirementsSouth Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records - checked July 30, 2026

    Marriage licenses can be obtained from any South Dakota Register of Deeds County. No blood test or waiting period required. A marriage license costs $40. The marriage must be solemnized within 90 days of the purchase of the license, or the license becomes null and void. Applicants 16 or 17 years of age require: A circuit court order following a determination by the court that the marriage is voluntary and in the best interest of the minor applicant(s). Written and notarized consent from two parents of each minor or legal guardian of each minor. (SDCL 25-1-13) Content last updated: July 1, 2026.

  • SDCL Chapter 25-1 — Validity and Performance of MarriagesSouth Dakota Legislature - checked July 30, 2026

    25-1-24: Any marriage license issued under the provisions of this chapter shall become void unless the marriage is solemnized within ninety days following issuance. 25-1-32: Before performing the marriage ceremony, the person solemnizing a marriage shall ascertain by personal knowledge or by requesting a photographic identification: (1) The identity of the parties; (2) Their real and full names and places of residence; and (3) The names and places of residence of the two witnesses. 25-1-13: A marriage license may not be issued under this section if the age difference between the applicants is greater than four years. 25-1-9: No marriage may be contracted in this state unless both individuals applying for the marriage license have attained the age of eighteen at the time the marriage license is issued.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

Open the complete Minnehaha County guide - Browse exact answers - Report a correction