Tips for Couples Applying for Marriage Licenses

Congratulations! We at One Iowa are overjoyed you are able to celebrate your relationship and make such an important commitment to one another. This is your day and we want to help make sure that it's everything you want it to be.

Listing of Iowa county recorders

Here are some tips for getting married in Iowa:

• Two eligible people (at least 18 years old, not already married) must submit an application at the County Recorders office.
• A person, acquainted with both parties, must be present to sign an affidavit.
• Once the signed, notarized application and your $35 fee are submitted, you must wait three business days for your license to be valid. You can pick up your license on the fourth day.
• If you seek a waiver for the three-day waiting period, you must find a judge in the same district you filed your application. If the waiver is granted you can return to the County Recorder and pick up your license.
• Once your license is valid, you must have a marriage ceremony in Iowa within six months. Both parties must be physically present with an officiant and two witnesses, all of whom must sign the marriage certificate. The officiant is required to file your certificate with the County Recorder within 15 days.
• We expect that this day will be joyous and celebratory, but if you have any difficulty please call us at 515.288.4019.
• If protesters are present at the County Recorders office, do not engage with them.

Download PDF of frequently asked questions from Lambda Legal.