Add Required Fillable Fields Legal Iowa Marriage Forms For Free

In most states you need witnesses, and an officiant of some sort, to sign the marriage license. But there doesn't need to be any particular ceremony. Certainly a reception and party are entirely optional.

Witnesses serve as formal observers to confirm that the marriage ceremony was conducted legally.

At a minimum, the parties to be married, the officiant, and two witnesses must be physically present. Iowa law provides that marriage is a civil contract between two persons who must be: 18 years of age or older.

Marriage Licenses Both marriage parties must apply in person. One witness is required and must know both parties. Government issued photo identification is required for both marriage parties AND witness. Everyone must be at least 18 years of age. Cost is $35.00.

To apply for an Iowa marriage license, both parties and a witness (18 or older and knows both parties) must sign an application in the presence of a notary. A copy of the application can be picked up at the Recorder's Office. It is not available online; contact us and we would be happy to send you one.

The waiting period is 3 full calendar days after the date of acceptance to the Recorders office. Please see the chart below. 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.

At a minimum, the parties to be married, the Officiant (the authorized person who performs the wedding ceremony), and two witnesses must be physically present. Marriage ceremonies are not valid by proxy, telephone, or other electronic means.

You will then need to have a marriage ceremony in Iowa. At the ceremony, both parties must be physically present with an officiant and two witnesses, all of whom must sign the marriage certificate. Your officiant is then required to file your certificate with the County Registrar of Vital Records within 15 days.

The next business day, return the Certificate of Marriage form, along with any Address Update, to the County Registrar in the county that issued the marriage license. By law, the officiant must file the record for registration within 15 calendar days from date of marriage.