Iowa Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Iowa: $35 license fee, 3 days waiting period, 6 months validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses witnesses required. Apply at the County Registrar.
Iowa Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Iowa?
A marriage license in Iowa costs $35. This is the standard fee charged by the County Registrar when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Iowa's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Iowa
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Iowa does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Registrar
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Registrar in any Iowa county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $35 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 3 days
Iowa has a mandatory 3 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Iowa: Ordained ministers, priests, and clergy. Judges of the supreme court, court of appeals, and district courts. Magistrates and senior judges can also officiate.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Registrar (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Iowa law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Iowa
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Iowa counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Registrar.
Out-of-state couples
Iowa has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Registrar with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Iowa following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Iowa on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Common law marriage
Iowa recognizes common law marriage. Couples can establish a legal marriage by living together as spouses, presenting themselves publicly as married, and intending to be married, without a license or ceremony in some cases.
Important Iowa Notes
Who Can Officiate in Iowa
Ordained ministers, priests, and clergy. Judges of the supreme court, court of appeals, and district courts. Magistrates and senior judges can also officiate.
Good to Know
Iowa recognizes common law marriage with no specific time requirement. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge for good cause. Two witnesses over age 18 must attend the ceremony.
Iowa Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Iowa drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Registrar
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $35 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses for the ceremony, each at least 18
After the Iowa ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
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Iowa Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Iowa marriage license costs $35. The fee is paid at the County Registrar when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Iowa requires a 3 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Iowa recognizes common law marriage with no specific time requirement. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge for good cause. Two witnesses over age 18 must attend the ceremony.
A Iowa marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Iowa accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Registrar.
Yes. Iowa requires 2 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Iowa does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Registrar as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Iowa a popular destination wedding state.
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