How to Find Iowa Marriage Records

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Finding Iowa Marriage Records

Settlements in Iowa began in 1832 and were included in the Michigan Territory (1834), Wisconsin Territory (1836), and finally the Illinois Territory in 1838. Illinois became a state in 1846. Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?		Marriage Records Choose a time period: Before 1880 1880 to Present Marriage year unknown

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1880

Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.

• Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992 Index only.
• Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992 ($) , index.
• Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992, ($), index.
• Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926, ($), index.
• Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934 — index and images
• Iowa Marriages to 1850 Abstracts ($)
• Iowa, Marriages, 1851-1900 Index only ($)
• Iowa, Marriage Records, 1923-1937 ($)

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index

Illinois Marriage Database - Index Only
	Iowa Marriages 1809-1992	Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Iowa. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
	Iowa County Marriages 1838-1934	Free; Name indexes for county marriages in Iowa. Not all counties are complete - additional records will be added as they are available.

Ancestry Databases
Ancestry, Iowa Marriages to 1850	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription
Ancestry,Iowa Marriages 1851-1900	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription

Can't access Ancestry?	Visit your local Family History Center or your local public library.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?	Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?	Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in	2. Then search
Church Records Newspapers Military Records Obituaries	Census Records Cemetery Records Death Records Bible Records

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

• Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
• Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
• For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1880 to Present

Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.

• Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992 Index only.
• Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992 ($) , index.
• Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992, ($), index.
• Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926, ($), index.
• Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934 — index and images
• Iowa Marriages to 1850 Abstracts ($)
• Iowa, Marriages, 1851-1900 Index only ($)
• Iowa, Marriage Records, 1923-1937 ($)

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index

Illinois Marriage Database - Index Only
	Iowa Marriages 1809-1992	Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Iowa. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
	Iowa County Marriages 1838-1934	Free; Name indexes for county marriages in Iowa. Not all counties are complete - additional records will be added as they are available.

Can't find your ancestor in the online index?	Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?	Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in	2. Then search
Church Records Newspapers Military Records Obituaries	Census Records Cemetery Records Death Records Bible Records

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

• Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
• Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
• For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

If you are unable to find your ancestor in one of the above indexes, you may request a search at the Iowa State Department of Health.

To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred		From IA Dept. of Health State office
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state	County websites can be more difficult to use	Expedited service on VitalChek	May be more expensive than ordering from the county

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

• Learn more about U.S. marriage records
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• How to find U.S. marriage records
• How to find U.S. death records
• United States Record Selection Table
• United States, How to Use Marriage Records
• United States Marriage Records
• United States Vital Records
• U.S. Vital Records Overview
• Locating United States Vital Records

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