Marriage License

You may apply for a marriage license at any County Recorder’s office in Iowa as long as the ceremony is performed in Iowa. 

To apply for a Marriage License in the Recorder’s Office:

• The couple and one witness (must be 18 years or older) must appear in person,
• All three must present valid photo identification (driver’s license or government-issued ID),
• $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. Cash or check only accepted for vital records.
• When coming to our office to apply for your Marriage License, please keep in mind our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless you call ahead and make other arrangements.
• To apply by mail, contact our office at 641-324-2734 or email [email protected] and we can send you the necessary forms or answer any questions.

There is a waiting period before the License is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. Please see the chart below.

Once the marriage has been performed and the Certificate of Marriage has been returned to the Recorder’s office and placed on record, a certified copy will be mailed to the couple. The couple will use this certified copy for any name change after marriage (social security information and driver’s license, etc.).

Resources

• State of Iowa Marriage Instructions
• List of Judges