Iowa Marriage Laws

Iowa State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Ministers ordained by their church, justices of the peace, ordained or licensed clergymen any of these may perform marriages and give a certificate of marriage to the married couple. Within 15 days after the marriage, the minister should report the marriage to the clerk of the district court.

Information About Marriage License

Iowa marriage license is valid for 6 month from the date of issuance. One witness and that is over 18 years of age is required in Iowa while applying for the license.

Following are some rules and requirements for Iowa marriage license as per Iowa marriage laws.

Residency Requirement: It is not at all necessary to be resident of Iowa .

If Previously Married: If one is getting married after a divorce within 60 days, divorce date or spouse's death date and a copy of divorce decree are not required in Iowa.

Identification Requirement: Any picture identification is required in Iowa. If one has Social Security information is more helpful.

Any Other Test Required in Iowa: No tests are not required in Iowa for getting a marriage license.

Proxy Marriages in Iowa: No. If any one from the married couple is not be present to apply for the license, at the Recorder's Office then it can signed by the absent person in presence of Notary Public.

Cousin Marriage in Iowa: No.

Wait Period in Iowa: Three business days.

Marriage for Same-Sex Option in Iowa: No.

Marriage Fees Required in Iowa: $30+ and by cash only.

Under 18 Marriages: For those who are in between 16 to 17 years of age and applying for the marriage license, parental consent is required.

Common Law Marriage Option in Iowa: Yes.

701-73.25(425) states "A common law marriage is a social relationship between a man and a woman that meets all the necessary requisites of a marriage except that it was not solemnized, performed or witnessed by an official authorized by law to perform marriages. The necessary elements of a common law marriage are: (a) a present intent of both parties freely given to become married, (b) a public declaration by the parties or a holding out to the public that they are husband and wife, (c) continuous cohabitation together as husband and wife (this means consummation of the marriage), and (d) both parties must be capable of entering into the marriage relationship. No special time limit is necessary to establish a common law marriage."

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the Iowa county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.