How to Find Iowa Marriage Records
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.
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More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate. |
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? |
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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.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
| Iowa Marriage Databases | ||||
| United States Marriages – Iowa, 1518-1996 |
($); index and images | |||
| Iowa Marriages 1809-1992 |
Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Iowa. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed; Also at American Ancestors ($) | |||
| 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 | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | |
| Can't access Ancestry? | Visit your local FamilySearch center or your local public library. | |
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |
| No marriage record for your ancestor? |
Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. |
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.
| 1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
| Church Records |
Census Records |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.
- Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
- Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
- Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.
Marriages 1880 to Present
Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
| Iowa Marriage Databases | ||||
| United States Marriages – Iowa, 1518-1996 |
($); index and images | |||
| Iowa Marriages 1809-1992 |
Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Iowa. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed; Also at American Ancestors ($) | |||
| 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 |
Census 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.
- Some microfilms may be available 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 |
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Although Iowa marriages have been recorded on both the county and state levels since 1880, some of the county records are abbreviated versions of the records and may not include names of parents and places of birth of the bride and groom. Marriages for 1921-1941 are kept at the Iowa State Dept of Health only and are not available from county registrars. |
Wiki Articles
- Learn more about U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. birth records
- How to find U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. death records
- United States Record Finder
- 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
- Iowa, Select Marriages, 1809-1992 ($) , index.
- Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992 ($), index.
- Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926 ($), index.
- Iowa, Marriage Records, 1923-1937 ($)