Marriage license Laws in the state of Iowa, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Iowa marriage laws before filling out the Iowa marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture identification. You need to provide Social Security information.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Witness: You need to have one witness (over 18 years of age) with you when you apply for the license.

Waiting Period: Three business day waiting period.

If Divorced: A divorce must be final and filed before applicants can apply for a license.

Fees: $30+ - cash only. Varies from County to County.

Other Tests: No other tests necessary.

Under 18: Applicants 16 or 17 years of age need to have parental consent.

Proxy Marriages: No. However, if one party can't be present at the Recorder's Office to apply for the license, the absent party can sign the application before a Notary Public.

Cousin Marriages: No.

Common Law Marriages: Yes.

Same Sex Marriages: No.

Officiants: Ministers of the gospel who are ordained by their church may perform marriages. Minister must give a certificate of marriage to the bride and to the groom. Also, the minister must report the marriage to the clerk of the district court within 15 days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 6 months.
The license can only be used within the State of Iowa.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Iowa County Recorder's Office