Iowa Marriage License Information

Engaged and planning a wedding in Iowa? Don’t forget to file for your marriage license! A marriage license is the state-issued document that makes your marriage legal in the eyes of Iowa and the federal government.

In Iowa, timing your application is critical. Unlike many states, there is a waiting period for marriage licenses to be issued. Couples must wait 3 business days for their marriage license to be issued. The day the application was processed does not count towards the 3 day wait (so it’s easier to mentally call it a 4 day waiting period).

The fee for your Iowa marriage license is $35, and both partners getting married must be present to file. Look at is as an excuse to have a celebratory lunch together afterwards! In some counties you will need to bring a witness…so make sure you book a table for 3! Look up your county’s specific filing rules using our free search.