Lyla Dejesus
If you're planning to tie the knot in Iowa, there are a few things you should know. For one, marriage licenses in Iowa don't expire, but they're only valid in the county where they're issued and after a waiting period that varies by county. You'll need to provide a verified application and a fee of $35 to the county registrar. Additionally, Iowa recognizes marriages performed by ordained or designated leaders of a religious faith, judges, and magistrates, as long as the officiant is at least 18 years old. So whether you're planning a traditional wedding or something more unique, just make sure you have the right officiant and all the necessary paperwork in order!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license cost | $35 |
| Additional fees | $5 for a 3-day waiver |
| Waiting period | 3 days in all counties except Jasper County, where it is 5 days |
| Validity of license | Only valid in the county where it is issued |
| Application process | Verified application to be provided in person to the county registrar |
| Application requirements | Social security number, affidavit of a competent and disinterested person stating facts about the age and qualifications of the parties |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Same-sex marriage | Allowed |
| Officiants | Ordained ministers, judges, judicial magistrates |
| Witnesses | Minimum of one adult witness besides the officiant |
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What You'll Learn
Who can perform a wedding in Iowa?
In Iowa, ordained or designated leaders of a religious faith, judges, and magistrates all have the authority to solemnize marriages. The state of Iowa will recognize the validity as long as the officiant is at least 18 years old at the time of the ceremony.
Legal Requirements
Iowa's marriage laws are detailed, and a legitimate wedding ceremony depends on an understanding of the restrictions and legal requirements involved. The only requirement from the state is that each partner formally consents to be wed to one another before a legally authorized officiant and at least one witness over the age of 18. The officiant must also attest to the marriage for it to be legally recognized.
Who is Legally Authorized to Officiate?
The following people are legally authorized to officiate weddings in Iowa:
- A judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or district court, including a district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, or a judicial magistrate, and including a senior judge as defined in section 602.9202, subsection 3.
- A person ordained or designated as a leader of a religious faith.
Getting Ordained in Iowa
If you are planning to get ordained in Iowa, you can do so through organizations like Open Ministry, which has been ordaining and helping people perform weddings since 2010. Ordinations for Iowa are completely free and can usually be completed in less than a day. Once ordained, you can perform marriages through Open Ministry in and for the state of Iowa.
After getting ordained, you will need to contact your local marriage authority, typically your county clerk, to register as a wedding officiant. Most clerks and governing agencies will require you to present them with a physical copy of your ordination record. When filling out a marriage license, Iowa State may request that you use the title "Minister" or "Reverend", and you may also be required to enter your denomination.
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$12.99
What paperwork is required to perform a wedding in Iowa?
To perform a wedding in Iowa, there are a few key steps that need to be taken care of in terms of paperwork. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Marriage License:
Firstly, the couple intending to marry must obtain a marriage license from the county registrar in the county where the wedding will take place. The marriage license fee is $35, and the couple must provide a verified application, which may be mailed or submitted in person. The application should include the social security number of each applicant and an affidavit stating the facts about their age and qualifications. If either party has been married before, they must provide the date of marriage dissolution unless divorced within the previous 60 days, in which case a copy of the decree is also required.
Waiting Period:
It is important to note that marriage licenses in Iowa have a waiting period before they become valid, which is typically three days after the date of issuance but can vary depending on the county. For example, in Jasper County, the waiting period is five days.
Authorized Officiant:
The wedding ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant, who can be an ordained or designated leader of a religious faith, a judge, or a magistrate. The officiant must be at least 18 years of age. If the officiant is a minister, they may need to provide an Ordination Credential, a Credential, and/or a Letter of Good Standing, depending on the county.
Witnesses:
At least one adult witness, besides the officiant, must be present when the couple consents to the marriage. The witness must be over the age of 18.
Marriage Certificate:
After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must attest to the marriage on the marriage certificate, adding details such as the date, location, names of the newlyweds, and witness information. The completed marriage certificate must be returned to the county registrar within 15 days of the ceremony.
It is important to note that marriage laws can change over time, so it is always a good idea to verify the information with the relevant county clerk or official sources for the most up-to-date guidelines.
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What are the requirements for the couple getting married in Iowa?
To get married in Iowa, couples must meet several requirements. Firstly, both parties must be at least 18 years old, although there are provisions for minors to marry under specific circumstances. Iowa law also prohibits unions between individuals who are closer in relation than second cousins.
Secondly, couples must obtain a marriage license from their local county registrar's office. The cost of applying for a marriage license in Iowa is $35, and the license is only valid in the county where it is issued. After receiving the license, there is a waiting period before the marriage can take place, which varies by county but is typically three days. The license must be returned to the issuing clerk within 15 days of the ceremony.
Additionally, Iowa requires that each partner formally consent to be wed before a legally authorized officiant and at least one adult witness over the age of 18. The officiant can be a judge, judicial magistrate, or ordained minister, and they must attest to the marriage on the certificate, including details such as the date, location, and names of the newlyweds and the witness.
It is important to note that Iowa does not impose any formal requirements on the marriage ceremony itself, allowing couples and ministers to plan the ceremony according to their own desires and customs.
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What is the cost of a marriage license in Iowa?
To get married in Iowa, couples must obtain a marriage license from their local county recorder's office. The cost of a marriage license in Iowa is $35, and this includes a certified copy of the marriage certificate. This fee can be paid in cash, check, money order, or credit card (with an additional 3% fee). Along with the $35 fee, the couple must provide a verified application in person to the county registrar. This application must include the social security number of each applicant and at least one affidavit from a competent and disinterested person stating facts about the age and qualifications of the parties. For those who have been previously married, the date of marriage dissolution is usually sufficient. However, if divorce proceedings took place within the last 60 days, a copy of the decree must also be furnished.
It is important to note that marriage licenses in Iowa do not expire, but they are only valid in the county where they were issued and after a waiting period that varies by county. The waiting period is typically three days, except for in Jasper County, where it is five days. The license must be returned to the issuing clerk within 15 days of the ceremony. After the marriage has been performed, the Certificate of Marriage must be returned to the Recorder's office, and a certified copy will be mailed to the couple. This certified copy is crucial for any name change procedures after the marriage, such as updating social security information and driver's licenses.
Additionally, there may be other nominal fees and paperwork associated with the marriage license process. For example, some county clerks may require wedding officiants to attach a statement that includes the time and location of the wedding, the names and residences of official witnesses, and the religious organization through which the officiant is ordained. It is also worth noting that Iowa law requires that each partner formally consent to the marriage before a legally authorized officiant and at least one witness over the age of 18.
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Where do you apply for a marriage license in Iowa?
To apply for a marriage license in Iowa, couples must follow a set of requirements and procedures. Firstly, it is important to note that marriage licenses in Iowa are issued by the county and are only valid in the specific county where they are obtained. The license is typically valid after a waiting period, which can vary depending on the county. For example, the waiting period is five days in Jasper County and three days in all other counties.
When applying for a marriage license, couples must submit a verified application in person or by mail to the county registrar or recorder's office in the county where they intend to marry. This application typically requires the couple's social security numbers and the signature of at least one witness who is acquainted with both parties and is 18 years of age or older. Some counties, like Linn County, may require the application to be signed in the presence of a notary public. Along with the completed application, couples must pay a fee, typically $35, and provide proof of identity, such as a government-issued photo ID or passport.
In addition to the standard requirements, there are special considerations for minors under the age of 18. Persons aged 16 or 17 must obtain special permission from a judge and submit a "Consent to Marriage of a Minor" form signed by at least one parent or guardian.
Once the application is processed and the waiting period has passed, the couple can receive their marriage license from the county registrar or recorder's office. It is important to note that the marriage license must be returned to the issuing office within a specified timeframe, typically within 15 days of the marriage ceremony, to validate the marriage.
While the specific offices may vary depending on the county, here are some examples of where to apply for a marriage license in Iowa:
- Johnson County Recorder's Office: 913 S Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
- Linn County Clerk of Court: 51 3rd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Polk County: Contact the Clerk of District Court for information on obtaining a marriage license
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Frequently asked questions
Both partners must formally consent to be wed to one another before a legally authorized officiant and at least one adult witness over the age of 18. Same-sex couples are allowed to marry, but the state prohibits unions of persons who are closer in relation than second cousins.
A judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or district court, including a district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, or a judicial magistrate. Ordained or designated leaders of a religious faith, as well as ministers ordained online through organizations like Universal Life Church and Open Ministry, are also authorized to perform weddings in Iowa.
The process for getting ordained in Iowa is different for each organization. For example, to get ordained with Universal Life Church, you can sign up online for free and be ordained in a matter of minutes. Then, you should contact your local county clerk and ask them what information they require from you to officiate a legal marriage. Typically, you will need to present a physical copy of your ordination record.
Couples must provide a verified application in person to the county registrar and pay a fee of $35. The application should include the social security number of each applicant and at least one affidavit of a competent and disinterested person stating facts about the age and qualification of the parties. The marriage license is only valid in the county where it is issued and has a waiting period of three days before the marriage can take place.
