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 $15.00. Those requesting certified copies must prove entitlement (immediate family) 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 picture ID is required. We also request a check, postal money order (or bank certified check) made payable to the Marion County Recorder, and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope. All certified copies are $15 each.

Vital Record Application

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

Marion County Recorder
214 E Main Street
Knoxville, IA 50138

Non-certified copies of marriage records are available for a fee of $5.00 per record. For more information on genealogical requests, please contact our office at (641) 828-2211.

Marion County has limited records from 1921 to 1941. The application may be brought into the Marion County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) address in Des Moines, Iowa:

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

To order a marriage record via phone through the IDPH, 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. Marriage Applications are accepted in Marion County by appointment only.

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. Cash or check only accepted for vital records.

Marriage Application

There is a waiting period before the License is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. 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.).