South Dakota Black Hills Elopement Guide
Tali June 23, 2024
Eloping in the Black Hills of South Dakota offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, intimate settings, and a sense of adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your perfect elopement in this stunning region. We’ll cover everything from where to elope in the Black Hills, when to elope, fun activities for your Black Hills elopement, Black Hills elopement vendors, and more!
Where to Elope in the Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills offer numerous stunning locations for an elopement. The list of possibilities is endless, but here are a few of our favorites!
Custer State Park
With its granite peaks, rolling plains, and scenic drives, Custer State Park provides many diverse backdrops for your ceremony. Sylvan Lake and the Needles area are two of our favorite spots in the park with the rugged rock formations providing breathtaking views.
Black Elk Peak
The highest point east of the Rockies, Black Elk Peak offers panoramic views that are worth the hike. The historic fire tower (with some epic castle vibes) at the summit provides a unique backdrop.
Black Hills National Forest
There are tons of stunning places within the National Forest, many that offer great opportunities to get away from the crowds. Dom, Lily Pad (it’s dog-friendly!) and I love to go backpacking on the many trails throughout the forest and love finding solitude among the towering pines.
Spearfish Canyon
Known for its stunning waterfalls and lush greenery, Spearfish Canyon offers intimate spots like Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls.
A Private Ranch or Property
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, have an easy location for friends and family, or just have a unique and relaxing experience, considering eloping at a private ranch or other rental property. Because it is such a popular travel destination, the Black Hills area is full of unique stays… and the whole region is so beautiful it’s hard to go wrong with any option! We shot a Black Hills elopement at Newton Fork Ranch and it was perfect!
Badlands National Park
Just a short drive from the Black Hills, the Badlands’ dramatic landscapes of layered rock formations create a surreal setting for an adventurous elopement. Consider making your elopement a two day adventure to add a day of exploring in this other-worldly landscape.
Our best elopement advice:
Create the wedding day *you want*, not the one people think you should have.
When to Elope in the Black Hills
The Black Hills are beautiful year-round, but the best time for a Black Hills elopement depends on your preferences and what kind of scenery you envision.
Spring (April to June):
The hills are lush and green, with blooming wildflowers adding pops of color. Temperatures are mild, but be prepared for occasional rain and overcast days.
Summer (July to August)
Warm weather and long days make summer a popular time. However, it can get crowded, so consider weekdays for a more private experience if you plan to elope in a public area. Summer is the perfect season for enjoying a dip in one of the area’s many lakes.
Fall (September to October)
The fall foliage is breathtaking, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The temperatures are cooler, making it comfortable for hiking and exploring. Fall is the perfect season for renting a cabin and cuddling up by the fire after a long day of hiking and exploring.
Winter (November to March)
If you love snow and a serene, quiet setting, winter is perfect. The snowy landscape is magical, but ensure you’re prepared for cold weather and possible road closures. Keep in mind that the Great Plains area of the state can be SUPER windy in the winter and blowing snow can be a frequent cause of road closures in that area of the state. If you are planning on driving to South Dakota, winter might present some obstacles. Because winter is the off season for this area, you’ll likely find cheaper rates on lodging and attractions, but will also have more limited options than during the other seasons as a number of places will close during the winter season.
Fun Activities for Your Black Hills Elopement
Incorporating fun activities into your Black Hills elopement can make the experience even more memorable! There are so many activities that you could incorporate into your elopement day… so many that we made an entire blog dedicated to it! If you’re looking for a creative list of things to do on your elopement day, check out our 101 Things to Do During Your Elopement blog. Some of our favorite Black Hills elopement activities are:
Hiking
Explore the scenic trails of the Black Hills. Some of our favorite popular hikes include Black Elk Peak, Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, and the Cathedral Spires Trail. An added bonus, all of these are dog-friendly.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
See the Black Hills from above with a romantic hot air balloon ride. A great way to add one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences to your Black Hills Elopement.
Wildlife Viewing
Custer State Park is home to bison, elk, goats, sheep, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. A drive along the Wildlife Loop Road is a must! Wildlife can be spotted throughout the Black Hills region and spring is full of new babies!
Off-Roading
The Black Hills are a prime spot for a bit of off-roading! There are so many fun trails through the area and plenty of places to rent a side by side or four wheeler if you don’t have your own.
Fishing
With plenty of lakes and streams in the area, fishing is a popular activity in the Black Hills. There are lots of different species of fish that can be caught in the Black Hills, including northerns, perch, crappies, and trout.
Rock Climbing
For adventurous couples, the granite spires of the Needles offer excellent climbing opportunities.
Horseback Riding
Explore the trails on horseback for a unique perspective of the landscape. There are plenty of gorgeous With the “old west” vibes of the Black Hills, a horseback ride through the area feels so fitting. Consider staying at a private ranch for an even more old western experience!
Biking
The Deadwood Trailhead George S. Mickelson Trail runs through the Black Hills and is the perfect trail to get out for a casual ride through stunning scenery. Spanning 109 miles from Edgemont to Deadwood with 15 trailheads, it’s the perfect adventure for an active couple!
Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, and Swimming
There are a bunch of lakes in the Black Hills that are perfect for water activities! If you are looking to be on rather than in the water, there are plenty of spots in the area to get rentals. If you’re in Custer State Park, watersport rentals are available through the park!
How to Legally Get Married in the Black Hills
Before you say “I do,” you’ll need to understand the marriage laws in South Dakota. Laws can change, so we always recommend doing your own research and double checking, but at the time of writing this blog, this is what you can expect.
Marriage Laws in South Dakota
Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from any South Dakota County Register of Deeds office. There’s no waiting period (you can use your South Dakota marriage license the same day!), and the license is valid for 90 days.
Identification: Both parties must present valid photo IDs that state your date of birth in order to pick up your marriage license. Social Security Numbers are required but you do not need to present your Social Security card.
License Validity: A South Dakota marriage license is good in any county in South Dakota, not just the county in which the license was obtained. A South Dakota marriage license is not valid for a marriage taking place outside of South Dakota.
Witnesses: Two witnesses are required to sign the marriage certificate.
Officiants: You’ll need an ordained officiant to get legally married in South Dakota, so finding one for your Black Hills elopement should definitely be on your to-do list. There are no officiant registration requirements in South Dakota, so anyone who is ordained can legally perform the marriage.
Did you know that Dom is ordained and often officiates for our eloping couples?! Officiating is free with all of our elopement packages, so if you’d like, Dom can marry you so that you can cross one more thing off your elopement planning checklist.
Black Hills Elopement Vendors
Finding the perfect vendors for your Black Hills elopement day is such an important step in setting your day up for success. To give your planning process a little head start, here are some of our Black Hills wedding and elopement vendor recommendations.
Black Hills Elopement Photography
Pssst, hi! It’s us!! We (Tali and Dom) are a husband and wife adventure elopement photography duo who LOVES exploring the Black Hills and capturing Black Hills elopements. We are very familiar with the area and have put in all the time and work (I mean just look at this blog…) so that we can be your Black Hills elopement experts.
Here at Forever and Evergreens, we are there for you every step of the way. We’ll help you put together the perfect day and are armed with an arsenal of tips and tricks to help with everything from location recommendations to timelines, activities, packing lists, permits, and more!
Black Hills Florals and Wedding Flowers
Flowers By Le Roy is located in Rapid City, SD and offers a variety of wedding florals and décor rentals.
Black Hills Elopement Hair and Makeup
Willow Salon and Spa and Revolution Salon and Spa are both located in Rapid City, SD and are a great option for your Black Hills elopement.
Black Hills Elopement Officiant Services
Dom is ordained and can officiate your Black Hills elopement for free with any of our elopement packages! We can also help a friend or family member navigate the process for getting ordained and writing your ceremony. If you are looking to hire an officiant for your day, Black Hills Wedding Officiant is a great option for an adventure elopement! Barry Sullivan is down to adventure with you for your day whether you’re eloping at a ranch, a grassy meadow, or even the top of Black Elk Peak!
Black Hills Wedding Cakes, Desserts, and Bakery
There are a lot of little bakeries in Rapid City that you can pick up a little cake off the shelf the day of your elopement with pretty little advanced planning (like the bakery at the Colonial House). If you are looking for something custom or want a bit more advanced planning to make sure you get what you want, there are plenty of options in Rapid City including Star Spangled Batter and Jerry’s Cakes and Donuts. Glorious Cakes is located in the Boulder Canyon area between Sturgis and Deadwood making it a great option for the northern areas of the Black Hills.
Other Useful Information for Your Black Hills Elopement
There are so many tips and tricks that we could share for planning an elopement in the Black Hills, but this blog is already turning into a novel, so I’ll try to keep it short. 😂 Here are a couple of the top things to keep in mind when putting together your wedding day in the Black Hills.
Weather Preparedness
The weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable…rouge thunderstorms are not an uncommon experience (although they usually roll through at night). Be sure to have rain jackets, umbrellas, and extra socks and shoes. Pack layers (ideally ones that you are excited to be photographed in!) and be prepared for sudden changes, especially if you’re planning to hike or be outdoors for extended periods. We always recommend having sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray on hand too.
Permits
Check if your chosen location requires any permits for ceremonies or photography. Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, for instance, have specific regulations.
Entrance Fees & Reservations
Places like Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Park all have entrance fees that you’ll need to be prepared for. At this time, they don’t have reservation systems in place, but with the increasing popularity of outdoor tourism, it’s always good to double check! Wind Cave National Park does have reservations for cave tours. Make sure to check on reservations for any other places you plan to visit.
Accommodations
From camp grounds and cozy cabins to luxury lodges, the Black Hills offer a variety of accommodation options. Consider staying in a location that allows easy access to your chosen elopement spot. If you are planning on having guests at your elopement and looking for a place for everyone to stay, Newton Fork Ranch has nine different cabins available that can be rented. The ranch also provides a beautiful backdrop for your elopement without even needing to leave! They also have a little covered picnic area which is the perfect spot for a post elopement celebration or a rain backup location for your ceremony.
Eloping in the Black Hills of South Dakota promises an unforgettable experience with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of a forest setting, the dramatic scenery of the granite spires, or the iconic backdrop of Mount Rushmore, this guide will help you plan a perfect, personalized elopement.
Looking for an experienced photographer who can help you put together the Black Hills elopement of your dreams? Get in touch and let’s get rolling!