Iowa marriage license: cost and requirements
In Iowa you must wait 3 days after applying, the fee is $35 and you need 2 witnesses at the ceremony.
Iowa summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- $35 (includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate); non-refundable.
- Waiting period
- 3 calendar days after the application is accepted (the day of the application does not count). A district judge can waive it in an emergency; if granted, an extra $5 is paid.
- Validity
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses present at the ceremony, of legal age and able to sign a contract.
How much is a marriage license in Iowa?
$35 (includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate); non-refundable.
Premarital course discount: Not provided for in the statute (Iowa Code ch. 595).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Identification satisfactory to the notary when signing the application, preferably U.S. government ID. U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Minimum age: 18. At 16 to 17, with written parental consent approved by a district judge (Iowa Code § 595.2).
- Other requirements: The application includes a sworn statement from a competent, disinterested person (Affidavit of Competent and Disinterested Person). The officiant returns the certificate within 15 days. If the license is not picked up within 6 months of the application, the application is void.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County Registrar / Recorder.
Where it is valid: Only for weddings inside Iowa; the county of the license does not have to be the county of the ceremony.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 3 calendar days after the application is accepted (the day of the application does not count). A district judge can waive it in an emergency; if granted, an extra $5 is paid.
- Validity: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses present at the ceremony, of legal age and able to sign a contract.
- Who can officiate: Justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or district judges (including magistrates and senior judges), or a person ordained or designated as a leader of their religious faith (Iowa Code § 595.10).
Can you marry by proxy?
No: ceremonies by proxy, by phone or by electronic means are not valid; everyone must be in the same place.
Iowa counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Iowa county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
How to get a marriage license in Iowa
- Confirm where to apply: County Registrar / Recorder.
- Gather your ID: Identification satisfactory to the notary when signing the application, preferably U.S. government ID. U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Get your payment ready: $35 (includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate); non-refundable.
- Count the waiting period: 3 calendar days after the application is accepted (the day of the application does not count). A district judge can waive it in an emergency; if granted, an extra $5 is paid.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Iowa marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Only for weddings inside Iowa; the county of the license does not have to be the county of the ceremony.
What is the minimum age to marry in Iowa?
18. At 16 to 17, with written parental consent approved by a district judge (Iowa Code § 595.2).
Who can officiate a wedding in Iowa?
Justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or district judges (including magistrates and senior judges), or a person ordained or designated as a leader of their religious faith (Iowa Code § 595.10).
Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?
Not provided for in the statute (Iowa Code ch. 595).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Iowa Legislature, Iowa Code 2026, chapter 595 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics (Marriage Instructions, updated Jul 1, 2026) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.