What Are Iowa Marriage Records?

Marriage records are more than mere formalities, they offer a glimpse into Iowa's history. Chronicling unions that have shaped families and communities for generations, authorities have diligently recorded and preserved them at the state level since 1880.

Marriage records in Iowa typically take the form of marriage licenses and certificates, each serving a unique role in the marriage process as outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 595.

A marriage license is the first step, a legal document granting permission for a couple to marry, issued before the wedding ceremony. In contrast, a marriage certificate is the final validation issued after the ceremony to confirm the union has been legally formalized.

These records provide a wealth of information, including the couple's names, the date and location of the ceremony, and the officiant's details. More than just legal documentation, marriage records are indispensable for proving marital status, conducting genealogical research, navigating legal matters like name changes and inheritance claims, and more.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

The availability of marriage records, including marriage certificates in Iowa, is governed by both privacy considerations and the principles outlined in the Iowa Open Records Law. Under this law, public access to government records is encouraged to promote transparency, but certain records, such as marriage certificates, are subject to restrictions based on their age.

Marriage records in Iowa become public records once they are 75 years old, which means anyone can have access to them without restriction. However, records that are less than 75 years old remain private and can only be accessed by specific eligible parties, including:

• The individuals named on the record (the spouses)
• Immediate family members, such as parents, children, or siblings
• Legal representatives with appropriate authorization

The Iowa Open Records Law ensures that older records, which are no longer sensitive, are accessible to the public for historical and genealogical research. At the same time, the restriction of more recent records upholds the privacy of the individuals involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Iowa?

In Iowa, marriage records are maintained by two primary organizations: the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and county recorder offices.

The Bureau of Health Statistics, which is under the HHS, holds marriage records. These records can be requested by telephone, through mail, online, or in person. Certified copies of vital records can be requested through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor. Payment can be made using a major credit or debit card. Note that additional fees apply for this service.

Meanwhile, county recorders or county registrar offices are responsible for marriage records at the local level, but they do not maintain physical records of marriages that occurred between 1921 and 1941.

When searching for or requesting a marriage record in Iowa, the following information is generally required:

• The full names of the individuals involved
• The approximate date or year of the marriage
• The county or location where the marriage took place

For records restricted due to the 75-year confidentiality rule, proof of eligibility (such as a photo ID or legal authorization) may be necessary.

The general steps for requesting a marriage record in Iowa are as follows:

• Determine whether to request the record through the HHS or a county recorder.
• Complete the application form with the necessary details, including names, dates, and locations.
• Provide proof of eligibility for restricted records, if applicable.
• Submit the completed form by mail, online, or in person, depending on the agency's preferred method.
• Pay the fee to obtain marriage records.
• Receive the record after processing.

For more information, individuals can call the Bureau of Health Statistics at (515) 281-4944 or email vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Iowa can be requested in two formats: certified copies and informational copies.

Certified copies are legal documents used for official purposes, such as changing names, verifying marital status, or settling legal matters. Access to certified copies is restricted to eligible individuals, including the couple named on the record, their immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives.

Informational copies, on the other hand, are non-certified and cannot be used for legal purposes. These copies are primarily used for personal reference or genealogical research.

Marriage certificates can be requested through local county recorder officesor the HHS (Department of Health and Human Services). County recorder offices typically process requests in person or by mail during regular business hours, excluding legal holidays. Marriage records not held at the county level must be obtained directly from the HHS.

The standard fee for obtaining a marriage certificate in Iowa is $15, with payment options varying by method. Accepted methods may include cash, checks, money orders, or credit cards.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Similar to marriage certificates, marriage licenses are kept by the Iowa HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) and county recorder offices.

However, under Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 144.43, marriage records, including licenses, are not available for public viewing if the records are less than 75 years old. Vital records can only be inspected as a legal right when they are held by the county registrar.

The process for obtaining copies of marriage licenses is similar to that of requesting marriage certificates.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Other resources online are available for searching Iowa marriage records.

The State Historical Society of Iowa holds marriage records older than 75 years. The institution works with platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry to provide online access to these records. FamilySearch is free to use from home, but Ancestry requires a subscription. Both platforms are available for free at the State Historical Society of Iowa's research centers.

Genealogical societies in Iowa can also offer online access to marriage records through searchable databases. These records can be useful for individuals tracing their family history, as they provide key details about when and where a marriage occurred.

Commercial record retrieval services, such as RecordsFinder, also enable users to search a broad range of public records, including marriage records. Although RecordsFinder does not supply certified copies, it allows access to essential information, including names, dates, and locations of marriages in Iowa.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage in which the record is kept private and not made available to the public. Couples may opt for this arrangement to safeguard personal information, avoid unwanted attention, or keep their marital status private.

Iowa does not recognize or offer confidential marriages as a distinct legal category. In the state, all marriages are public records, except for certain restrictions based on the age of the record.

If certain details within a marriage record are sealed or restricted by law, accessing those specific details may require a court order. To gain access, the individual must submit a petition to the relevant court and provide a legitimate reason and legal grounds for the request.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Iowa, marriage is recognized as a civil contract between two individuals who meet certain legal criteria. To be eligible, both parties must be legally competent to enter into a civil contract, must not be married to anyone else or each other, and must not be closely related by blood or as first cousins.

Couples must fulfill various state requirements and guidelines to apply for a marriage license in Iowa. The following outlines the key eligibility criteria:

Identification Requirements

Both individuals applying for a marriage license in Iowa and at least one witness must present valid identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license and government-issued IDs displaying the applicant's full name and date of birth.

Age Requirements

In Iowa, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry.

Applicants aged 16 to 17 can still apply for a marriage license, but they must present a completed Consent to Marriage form approved by a district court judge in the county where they are applying. Marriage is not allowed for anyone under the age of 16 in Iowa.

Residency Requirement

Applicants are not required to live in Iowa to apply for a marriage license. However, the document can only be used within the state.

License Validity

A marriage license is valid as soon as it is issued and does not have an expiration date. However, the completed paperwork must be collected from the county registrar within six months of issuance. If the paperwork is not picked up within this period, it will no longer be valid.

A lost marriage license requires a new application and a corresponding fee for a replacement.

Waiting Period

There is a three-day waiting period from the time the county recorder accepts the marriage license application until the marriage can take place. However, couples may request a waiver of this waiting period from a district judge within the county's judicial district.

The waiver can be granted in cases of emergency or other extraordinary circumstances. To apply for the waiver, couples can obtain an Application for Waiver of 3-Day Waiting Period form from the county registrar. If the waiver is granted, the registrar will charge a $5 fee in line with IAC section 595.4.

Officiants and Witnesses

In Iowa, the marriage ceremony can be performed by a judge, religious officiant, or other authorized individual. At least one witness of legal age must be present for the ceremony.

Blood Test Requirement

Iowa does not require a blood test as part of the marriage license application process.

Proxy Marriage

Iowa does not permit proxy marriages, which would allow one or both parties to be absent from the ceremony. Both individuals must be present in person to apply for the marriage license and to be married.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

A mistake on an Iowa marriage certificate, such as a misspelled name or incorrect date, can be corrected. Only the bride or groom listed on the certificate can initiate the correction process.

If the error is identified within the first year after the marriage license is issued, the request must be made to the county registrar who issued the marriage license. The request should include supporting evidence of the error, and the county registrar will forward the request to the state registrar for review.

The process cannot be used to change the legal names of either spouse after marriage.

The correction process is outlined in IAC rule 641-99.11.

Are Marriage Records Under the Iowa Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

Iowa's Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), also known as Safe at Home, is designed to protect individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. It also safeguards those at risk or fearing for their safety or that of others in their household.

The program offers participants a substitute address so that their real address remains confidential and not visible in public records, including marriage records such as marriage certificates. Under Iowa law, personal details of those enrolled in the program are shielded from public access to help maintain their privacy and safety.

The Safe at Home program offers essential services that support participants' privacy and security:

• A substitute address for all official communications
• Mail forwarding, which ensures first-class, legal, certified, and government-related mail is redirected to a confidential address
• Confidential voter registration and the option to vote absentee without disclosing their actual address

Iowa Marriage Statistics and Trends

Trends across the U.S. reveal evolving patterns in both marriage and cohabitation. About 53% of adults are married, a figure that has steadily decreased since 1995.

Meanwhile, cohabitation has become more prevalent, with 59% of adults aged 18-44 having lived with a partner at some point. A decade ago, cohabitation rates were lower at 54%, and marriage rates were higher at 60%.

In Iowa, the state's marriage statistics and trends reveal the following:

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