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Does my girlfriend need parental permission to marry me in South Dakota?

Does my girlfriend need parental permission to marry me in South Dakota?

Full question:

I am a 21-year-old boy living in the state of South Dakota. Last week I proposed my 16-year-old girlfriend and she accepted my proposal. Does my girlfriend need to take permission from her parents before marrying me?

Category: Marriage
Subcategory: Minor
Date: 04/07/2025
State: South Dakota

Answer:

In South Dakota, individuals aged 18 and older can consent to marriage without restrictions. However, if a person is between 16 and 18 years old, they must obtain consent from at least one parent or legal guardian before marrying. This requirement is outlined in S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-9, which states that a notarized consent statement from a parent or guardian is necessary for applicants aged 16 to 18 seeking a marriage license. Since your girlfriend is 16, she will need to secure this consent before you can marry.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the minimum age for marriage in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the minimum age to marry is 18 years old. However, individuals aged 16 and 17 can marry with parental or legal guardian consent. This consent must be documented through a notarized statement when applying for a marriage license, as per S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-9. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Do you need parents' permission to get engaged?

In South Dakota, there is no legal requirement for parental permission to get engaged. Engagement is a personal commitment and does not involve legal formalities like marriage. However, it is often considered respectful to discuss engagement with family, especially if one partner is a minor. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Do you need parental consent to get engaged?

No, parental consent is not required to get engaged in South Dakota. Engagement is a personal decision and does not have legal implications like marriage does. However, if one partner is a minor, it may be advisable to involve parents in the discussion for support and understanding. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What is required to get engaged?

To get engaged, there are no formal legal requirements in South Dakota. It typically involves a mutual agreement between partners, often marked by the giving of an engagement ring. While not legally binding, it is a significant personal commitment. Communication with family can also be an important aspect of this decision. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Who can marry you in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, marriages can be officiated by various individuals, including ordained ministers, priests, or rabbis, as well as certain public officials like judges. The officiant must be authorized to perform marriages under state law. It is important to ensure that the officiant is properly licensed to conduct the ceremony. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How many years is common law marriage in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not recognize common law marriage. For a marriage to be legally valid in the state, it must be formalized through a marriage license and officiated by an authorized individual. Therefore, there is no duration for common law marriage in South Dakota as it is not legally acknowledged. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*