A: You must go to the Register of Deeds Office located in the Meade County Courthouse at 1425 Sherman Street, Sturgis and obtain a marriage license. Both applicants must be present and show one form of identification (photo) each. There is no waiting period and same day marriages are legal. The marriage license is good for (20) days. You must locate and reserve your own Justice of the Peace or wedding official to perform the marriage ceremony. Below is an informal listing of private, legally licensed individuals that can perform marriage ceremonies.

Meade County Courthouse 605-347-2360
Register of Deeds 605-347-2356

To be married in Sturgis (Meade County), you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds at the Meade County Courthouse, located at 1425 Sherman Street, one block south of Main Street, between 4th Street and 5th Street.

To obtain a Marriage License, both the bride and groom must be present. A photo ID is required from both parties and you will need to have $40.00 in cash or Travelers' Checks. Credit cards and personal checks will not be accepted.

There is no waiting period and no blood test is required. Same day marriages are legal. The license must be used within 20 days of issuance.

Wedding Officials
Brother Jon Swan, Sturgis 605-347-1926
Dale Jones and Dee Clark, Sturgis 605-347-3459
Joan Pillen, Sturgis 605-347-5579
Jennifer Johns, Piedmont 605-381-6393
Jerry Dunn, Spearfish 605-641.3534
Bobbi Swenson-Bella, Rapid City 605-430-4858
Elizabeth Stone, Rapid City 605-722-2564
Mary Maisey-Ireland, Rapid City 605-484-8464
Rev. John Roll, Rapid City 605-399-2543
Patann Cisar, Washington 509-665-9525
David Boyd, Missouri 816-805-8488

A: The first Rally, called the Black Hills Motor Classic, was held August 12-14, 1938. The first weekend in August was selected because it did not interfere with other established events held in surrounding communities such as Belle Fourche (rodeo) and Deadwood (Days of 76). Regional events were extremely important for social and economic reasons in the post depression Mid-west and as a good neighbour, Sturgis did not want to compete for those bodies and dollars. As the event grew the “official” dates grew. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the first full week of August, Monday through Sunday, when preceded by a full weekend. This means that if 1 August falls on a Sunday the event would begin on the 9th with a full weekend preceding it. If 1 August would to fall on a Friday then the events official dates would be 4th through the 10th, the Monday through Sunday following the first full weekend in August.

A: www.ama-cycle.org

A: Sturgis has approximately 6,700 residents, but it doesn’t know it’s considered a “small town” because each year during the Rally when the population nearly doubles that of the entire state, Sturgis steps up and manages one of the oldest and arguably the largest motorcycle gathering in the world. The community has had 68 year to get it right and is successful because of a combination of factors, number one - cooperation. The year-round planning process is facilitated by the Sturgis Rally Department, a department of the City of Sturgis. However, all city departments to include Police, Fire, Water, Streets, Parks and Finance play a role in making certain the event is managed professionally and competently. Each year is a learning process and part of that process includes changing to meet the needs of the community and our 500,000 visitors and exhibitors, ensuring the event not only continues but continues to flourish. Sturgis also relies on state and local government agencies and civic organizations to provide aid and assistance. But the heart and soul of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are the citizens of Sturgis who open their arms, business and homes each August and understand the importance of hospitality and friendship.

A: Rally attendance figures are estimated based on a formula that has been used for the last decade, gathering data from different agencies and areas in the Black Hills to arrive at a plausible number. The five sources are: Department of Transportation traffic counts taken throughout the week at the entrances to Sturgis and other Black Hills communities; the number of vendor licenses issued in Sturgis, tons of garbage hauled in Sturgis, Mount Rushmore traffic counts; and South Dakota Department of Revenues sales tax calculations.

A: www.safetravelusa.com/
This site will give you construction info by clicking on the state you are traveling to and through. You can click on listed communities for up to date road construction (photos are available) and weather info. A great site for two-wheeled travelers, not only in SD, but across the country.

A: DON’T BE A VICTIM Every year, motorcycles are stolen during the Rally. Expensive custom bikes are popular with thieves. An average of a quarter of a million dollars worth of motorcycles are stolen during each Rally. Some efforts can be taken to lower the risk of yours being stolen:

• Be aware of where you park.
  
• Avoid dark, poorly lit areas.
  
• Pay attention to people standing around who seem to take particular interest in your bike.
  
• Do not leave leathers, cameras, souvenirs, etc. on your bike.
  
• LOCK YOUR MOTORCYCLE!
  
• Factory ignition switch locks are easily overcome by thieves. High-quality disc locks, wheel locks and heavy cable or chain locks are recommended in addition to factory installed devices. Inexpensive locks are generally of poorer quality and are easily broken or cut.
  
• Determined thieves can steal any motorcycle, but common sense and taking these extra precautions will reduce your chances of being a victim.
  

Have a safe Rally,
The Sturgis Police Department

Population: 6,442
Elevation: 3239 feet
Industries: Tourism, Ranching, VA Medical Center, Gun/Ammunition Manufacturing