Marriage License
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). A photocopy will be taken of each person's ID.
- The $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the marriage certificate, payable at the time of the application. We accept cash, check or credit card (in person) for vital records.
- To apply by mail, contact our office at 712-755-5640 (prompt 4) or email ggreer@shelbycounty.iowa.gov, and we can send you the necessary forms or answer any questions.
There is a four-day waiting period before the license is issued and before the actual marriage may occur (not including the day you apply). The four-day waiting period begins once the application is processed. Please see the chart below.
| Date of Application | Valid Date of Certificate |
| Monday | Friday |
| Tuesday | Saturday |
| Wednesday | Sunday |
| Thursday | Monday |
| Friday | Tuesday |
After the four-day period, please come back to our office and pick up the necessary documents to get married. If the license is not picked up within six months from the date of application, the application is considered null and void. 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.).
