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.

Requirements for Marriage License and Certificate to Marry:

• The two parties intending to marry and one witness (all 18 years or older) must sign the application before a notary
• Photo identification is required for all parties
• $35 fee (cash only)
• There is a 3 day waiting period once the application is received at the Recorder's Office before the actual marriage may occur.
• Persons age 16 and 17, or anyone wishing to waive the 3 day waiting period need to contact the Recorder's Office for additional instructions.
• Application to Marry in Iowa form is available in the County Recorder's office or via email. 

There is a five-day waiting period before the license is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. The five-day waiting period begins once the application is processed. Please see the chart below.

Note: An Iowa marriage license may be used anywhere in the State of Iowa and ONLY in Iowa.

Officiant Brochure

After the five-day period, please come back to our office and pick up the necessary documents to get married. If the license is not picked up within six months from the date of application, the application is considered null and void. 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.).

State of Iowa Marriage Instructions

Magistrates for Wedding Ceremonies

You will need to contact the magistrate for details about the wedding ceremony.

• Lynn Jasper
  • Magistrate
  • Phone: 563-332-8181
• Joel Walker
  • Magistrate
  • Phone: 563-445-5883