Iowa Marriage License: How to Apply, Cost, and Requirements

Mar 28

If you’re planning a wedding in Iowa, one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps is obtaining your marriage license. While it may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, it’s a legal requirement—and understanding the process ahead of time can save you stress as your wedding day approaches.

The good news? Getting a marriage license in Iowa is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. From where to apply and what documents you’ll need to how long the license is valid, having the right information ensures everything is handled smoothly and on time.

In this guide, we’re walking you through how to get a marriage license in Iowa, including requirements, timelines, and helpful tips so you can feel confident checking this important task off your wedding to-do list.

What is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document issued by a county registrar or recorder that grants a couple permission to legally marry.

A marriage license is a legal document issued by a county registrar or recorder that grants a couple permission to legally marry. It is a required step for any marriage to be legally recognized, and without it, a wedding ceremony—no matter how meaningful—does not result in a legal marriage.

Think of a marriage license as the official authorization that allows your officiant to legally perform your ceremony. After your wedding, the signed license is submitted back to the county to be recorded, at which point your marriage becomes legally valid.

Marriage licenses are issued based on where your wedding ceremony will take place, not where you currently live. Because of this, it’s important to determine your wedding location before applying. Once you know the city and county where your ceremony will be held, you can identify the correct county office responsible for issuing your license.

Each county may have slightly different procedures. Some allow walk-in appointments, while others require scheduled visits or offer online applications. Requirements, fees, and processing times can vary by county and by state, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the county recorder’s office where your wedding will occur.

Timing is also an important factor. Marriage licenses must be applied for, issued, signed during the ceremony, and returned within a specific time window. Applying too early or too late can cause unnecessary stress or even require reapplying. In most cases, couples should plan to apply within a designated period leading up to the wedding, allowing enough time for processing while ensuring the license does not expire before the ceremony.

Because marriage licenses do expire, confirming the validity period and any waiting requirements ahead of time is essential. Proper planning ensures that when your wedding day arrives, all legal details are already in place—allowing you to focus on celebrating rather than paperwork.

Requirements to Getting Your Marriage License:

Before heading to the county recorder’s office to apply for your marriage license in Iowa, it’s important to make sure you meet the state’s legal requirements. Iowa’s process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few key eligibility rules couples should be aware of ahead of time.

To obtain a marriage license in Iowa, the following requirements must be met:

Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply without additional consent.
Minors ages 16–17 may be eligible with notarized parental consent, but requirements can vary by county and should be confirmed directly with the recorder’s office.
Both parties must be legally competent to enter into a civil contract. This means you must be mentally capable of understanding the legal commitment of marriage.
Neither party may currently be married to someone else. Any prior marriages must be legally dissolved through divorce, annulment, or death before applying for a new marriage license.
You cannot be married to each other already. A marriage license is issued only for couples entering into a new legal marriage.
Both parties must appear together in person at the county recorder’s office to apply for the license. Iowa does not allow proxy applications.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Social Security numbers are required for both applicants (if issued). If one has not been issued, you’ll typically need to sign an affidavit stating that.
Residency is not required. You do not need to live in Iowa to get married in the state, but you must apply for the license in the county where your wedding ceremony will take place.

It’s also helpful to note that Iowa does not have a waiting period once your marriage license is issued. This means you can legally get married the same day the license is granted, as long as all requirements are met.

Because county procedures and fees may vary slightly, couples should always check with the county recorder’s office where their ceremony will occur to confirm exact requirements and documentation before applying.

How to Get a Marriage License:

Applying for a marriage license in Iowa is a fairly simple process, but knowing what to expect ahead of time can make it even smoother. Before you head to apply, take a few minutes to review the requirements together and gather everything you’ll need.

In Iowa, marriage licenses are issued by the county recorder’s office in the county where your wedding ceremony will take place, not the county where you live. Once you’ve finalized your ceremony location, that county’s recorder’s office is where you’ll apply.

Where & When to Apply

Couples must apply for their marriage license in person at the appropriate county recorder’s office. Both parties are required to be present when applying.

Iowa does not have a waiting period. Once your application is completed and approved, your marriage license is typically issued the same day, depending on the county’s procedures. Because marriage licenses are valid for a limited time, it’s best to apply within a few weeks of your wedding date to ensure everything aligns properly.

In Iowa, a marriage license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. This means your ceremony must take place within that timeframe, or you’ll need to reapply.

What to Bring With You

When applying for a marriage license in Iowa, you’ll need to bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport)
Social Security numbers for both parties (if issued)
Payment for the marriage license fee, which is currently $35 in Iowa (fees may vary slightly by county and payment method)

Both applicants must appear together; Iowa does not allow proxy or remote applications.

Additional Details to Know

During the application process, you may be asked whether either party plans to change their last name after marriage. While this isn’t required at the time of application, it’s helpful to have this conversation in advance so you’re not deciding on the spot.

Marriage licenses in Iowa are typically issued at the time of application, but some counties may mail the license instead. It’s always a good idea to check your county recorder’s website or call ahead to confirm office hours, appointment requirements, and payment options.

Once issued, your marriage license must be signed by your officiant after the ceremony and returned to the county recorder’s office to be officially recorded.

Planner Tip

Always double-check details directly with the county recorder’s office where your ceremony will take place, as procedures and office hours can vary slightly by county.

Marriage License ID Requirements:

When applying for a marriage license in Iowa, both parties must provide specific identification and personal information to verify eligibility. Having everything prepared ahead of time helps ensure a smooth application process and avoids unnecessary delays.

Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need when applying for a marriage license in Iowa.

Proof of Age

Both applicants must be able to verify their age. In Iowa:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without additional consent.
A birth certificate may be requested to confirm age, especially if there are questions regarding eligibility.

Applicants ages 16–17 may be eligible to marry with notarized parental consent. Requirements for minors can vary and should be confirmed directly with the county recorder’s office.

Parental Consent (If Applicable)

If either applicant is under the age of 18:

Notarized parental consent is required
In some cases, a court order may also be necessary
Because underage marriage requirements are more complex, couples should contact the county recorder well in advance for guidance.

Valid Photo Identification

Both parties must present a current, government-issued photo ID, such as:

Driver’s license
State ID card
Passport
Military ID

This ID confirms identity and must match the information provided on the application.

Social Security Number

Both applicants are required to provide their Social Security numbers (if issued).
If an applicant has not been issued a Social Security number, they will typically be asked to sign an affidavit stating that.

Proof of Citizenship or Residency

Iowa does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples are welcome to marry in Iowa.
However, applicants may be asked to confirm citizenship or legal status, depending on the county and the type of identification presented.

Parental Information

Applicants will need to provide information about their parents, including:

Both parents’ full birth names
Dates of birth
States of birth
If a parent is deceased, the date of death

This information is used for official record-keeping purposes.

Previous Marriage Documentation (If Applicable)

If either applicant has been married before, additional documentation is required:

Divorce decree if previously divorced
Death certificate if widowed

These documents confirm that any prior marriages have been legally dissolved before entering into a new one.

Important Notes

Both applicants must appear in person together to apply for a marriage license in Iowa.
Documentation requirements can vary slightly by county, so it’s always recommended to verify details with the county recorder’s office where your ceremony will take place.

Planner Tip

Gather all required documents at least a week before applying to avoid last-minute stress—especially if you need to locate older paperwork like divorce decrees or birth certificates.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Once your wedding ceremony has taken place, there are a few important legal steps that happen to officially finalize your marriage in Iowa. While this process is straightforward, it’s helpful to understand who is responsible for what so nothing is missed.

After the ceremony, you, your spouse, and your officiant will sign the marriage license. In Iowa, witnesses are not required for a marriage to be legally valid, although some couples still choose to have loved ones sign ceremonially if space is provided. The officiant’s signature is what legally certifies the marriage.

Following the ceremony, it is the officiant’s responsibility to return the completed marriage license to the county recorder’s office where it was originally issued. Iowa law requires the officiant to submit the signed license within 15 days of the ceremony so the marriage can be officially recorded.

Once the county recorder receives and processes the signed license, your marriage becomes part of the official public record. Couples do not automatically receive a certified copy in the mail. Instead, you may request certified copies of your marriage certificate directly from the county recorder’s office, either in person, by mail, or online, depending on the county.

Certified copies are typically needed for:

Legal name changes
Updating your driver’s license or state ID
Social Security records
Insurance policies
Banking and financial accounts

About Witnesses in Iowa

Unlike some states, Iowa does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license. If witnesses do sign, it is generally ceremonial rather than a legal requirement. If witnesses are included, they should be adults who are able to understand the significance of the ceremony and sign their own names.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Iowa?

In Iowa, weddings may be officiated by:

Ordained or licensed clergy
Judges or magistrates
Certain court officials
Individuals legally authorized to perform marriages in the state

Officiant requirements can vary, so couples should confirm that their chosen officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in Iowa prior to the wedding day.

Important Reminder

It’s a good idea to check in with your officiant before the wedding to confirm:

They understand how to properly complete the marriage license
They know where and when to return it
You know how to request certified copies afterward

Handling these details ahead of time ensures your marriage is legally recorded without delay—allowing you to focus on celebrating and enjoying newlywed life.

Marriage License FAQ (Iowa)

Where do you get a marriage license in Iowa?

In Iowa, you must obtain your marriage license from the county recorder’s office in the county where your wedding ceremony will take place. This is important to note because it does not need to be the county where you live—only where you will be legally married.

When should you apply for a marriage license in Iowa?

Iowa does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses. In most counties, your license is issued the same day you apply.

Because marriage licenses are valid for a limited time, couples should plan to apply within a few weeks of their wedding date, once all details are finalized. Applying too early can result in the license expiring before your ceremony.

How long is a marriage license valid in Iowa?

A marriage license in Iowa is valid for six months from the date it is issued. Your wedding ceremony must take place within that six-month window. If the license expires before the ceremony, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again.

How much does a marriage license cost in Iowa?

The marriage license fee in Iowa is $35. Payment methods may vary by county, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time to see whether cash, card, or check is accepted.

Do both parties need to be present to apply?

Yes. Both applicants must appear together in person at the county recorder’s office to apply for a marriage license in Iowa. Proxy or online-only applications are not permitted.

Do you need to be an Iowa resident to get married in Iowa?

No. Residency is not required to obtain a marriage license in Iowa. Out-of-state couples are welcome to marry in Iowa, as long as they apply in the county where their ceremony will be held.

Are witnesses required in Iowa?

No. Iowa does not require witnesses for a marriage to be legally valid. Only the couple and the officiant are required to sign the marriage license.

Who can officiate a wedding in Iowa?

Weddings in Iowa may be officiated by individuals legally authorized to perform marriages in the state, including ordained clergy and certain judicial or court officials. Couples should confirm their officiant’s eligibility before the wedding day.

What happens to the marriage license after the ceremony?

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the county recorder’s office within 15 days. Once recorded, the marriage becomes part of the official public record.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate can then be requested from the county recorder and are commonly used for:

Legal name changes
Updating driver’s licenses or state IDs
Social Security records
Insurance and financial accounts

Getting your marriage license may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important. Understanding the Iowa-specific requirements, timelines, and steps ahead of time helps ensure your wedding day is not only meaningful—but legally recognized as well.

By knowing where to apply, what documents to bring, how long your license is valid, and what happens after the ceremony, you can avoid last-minute stress and confidently check this task off your wedding to-do list. A little preparation goes a long way in making the process smooth and straightforward.

As with any legal paperwork, always double-check details with the county recorder’s office where your ceremony will take place, as procedures and office hours can vary slightly by county.

Once your marriage license is handled, you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love and starting your next chapter together.

If you’re planning an Iowa wedding and want guidance through every step of the process, our team at Elizabeth Bliss Events is always here to help make planning feel organized, calm, and stress-free.

Lauren Gardner