THRILLED YOU’RE HERE! I’m so excited to share everything you need to know about getting married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!


How do you get married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?


Here’s your checklist:


  1. Pick Up a Marriage License Application from the Linn County Recorder’s Office.
  2. Complete the Application with a Witness
  3. Both parties and a witness (18 years or older who knows both parties) must sign the application in the presence of a notary.
  4. You can have the application notarized at the Recorder’s Office.
  5. Submit and notarize the Application along with the $35 fee to the Linn County Recorder’s Office.
  6. Pay the $35 Marriage License Fee payable by check, money order, cash, or credit card (if paying in person).
  7. Wait for the License
  8. Schedule Your Ceremony
  9. Return the Marriage Certificate
  10. Congrats! You're married!


Notes:


Address:

Linn County Recorder

935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404


Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1406, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1406


You can submit the application in person, by mail, or drop it off in the white dropbox in front of the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center.


Waive the Waiting Period (Optional)

  • To waive the three-day waiting period, apply for a waiver at the Clerk of Court’s Office located at 51 3rd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA.
  • Once a judge has approved the waiver, you must submit it along with your marriage application to the Linn County Recorder's Office.
  • The Clerk of Court only performs courthouse marriages on Mondays. Call the Civil Division at 319-398-3411 to schedule your ceremony.
  • If you’re planning a private ceremony, find an authorized officiant to perform it.
  • After your marriage, the signed certificate of marriage needs to be returned to the Recorder’s Office.
  • The Recorder will issue a certified copy, which can be used to update your driver’s license, social security information, and other records.

Getting married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa


You can choose between:


Courthouse Wedding:

  • Requirements: Marriage license, both partners, and any witnesses.
  • Ceremony Fee: There is no fee for courthouse weddings performed by the Clerk of Court.


Officiant Wedding:

  • Find an authorized officiant to perform the ceremony at a location of your choice.
  • Ensure the officiant returns the signed license to the Recorder’s Office after the ceremony.

After the Ceremony


Return the Marriage Certificate

  • Your officiant must return the signed certificate to the Linn County Recorder’s Office.
  • You will receive a certified copy, typically the same day if submitted in person.


Get Your Certified Copies

  • Certified copies are necessary for legal name changes and updating other important documents.

Frequently asked questions


How long is a marriage license valid in Iowa?

A marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.


Can you get married the same day apply for a license in Iowa?

No, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period unless you obtain a waiver from the Clerk of Court.


What's the cost of a marriage license in Cedar Rapids?

The cost is $35, payable by check, money order, cash, or credit card.


How can I change my last name after marriage?

Use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with the Social Security Administration, Iowa DOT, and other legal documents.

935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404