Marriage Records & Applications

Marriage Records

Beginning July 1, 1997, certified copies of marriage certificates became available through the Recorder's Office. Each certified copy is $15. Those requesting certified copies must prove entitlement before acquiring a copy.

Marriages from 1954 to the current date are available electronically in all counties in Iowa, regardless of where the event occurred. 

When requesting a certified marriage record by mail, all completed applications must be notarized and a photocopy of the applicant's valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID is required. We also request a check, money order made payable to the Poweshiek County Recorder. All certified copies are $15 each.

Vital Record Application

If the event occurred in Poweshiek County, and you would like us to process it, please mail your completed application to:

Poweshiek County Recorder
302 E Main St
PO Box 656
Montezuma, IA 50171

Non-certified, plain paper copies of marriage records are available at no charge. For more information on genealogical requests, please contact our office at 641-623-5434.

Poweshiek County has limited records from 1921 to 1941. The application may be brought into the Poweshiek County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services:

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

To order a marriage record via phone through the IDHHS, please follow the instructions on the back of the Vital Record Application or on their website with the link below.

Request a Record

Marriage License Application

You may apply for a Marriage License at any County Recorder’s office in Iowa as long as the ceremony is performed in Iowa.

To apply for a Marriage License in the Recorder’s Office:

• The couple and one witness (must be 18 years or older) must appear in person,
• All three must present valid photo identification (driver’s license or government issued ID),
• $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. Payment methods accepted are cash, check or credit card.

There is a 3-day waiting period before the License is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. The waiting period is 3 full calendar days after the date of acceptance to the Recorders office. Please see the chart below.

Once the marriage has been performed and the Certificate of Marriage has been returned to the Recorder’s office and placed on record, a certified copy will be mailed to the couple. The couple will use this certified copy for any name change after marriage (social security information and driver’s license, etc.).

Application for License to Marry