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Marriage records can be looked up for many reasons. Some people want to find out if someone that they are dating has been married previously before they pursue anything further with them. Other people want to find marriage records of family members, ancestors and other people in order to add to an account of genealogy. Whatever reason known to you, looking for Iowa marriage records can be done through research online or through archives and libraries.
The Iowa Department of Public Health and Bureau of Health Statistics allow people to request marriage licenses by writing a request. Through the department of health for Iowa, people can request commemorative marriage certificates for either a gift or as a keepsake. This would be great for those that are searching for marriage records for genealogy purposes. The application in order to obtain these certificates must be completed and a $35 fee must be payable to the department of health. Regular Iowa marriage records require a fee of $15 for a state record and will help toward the cost of researching. You can pay by check, money order or cash and it must be included with the application. Like any vital record that is ordered, names, dates and other information that you can provide will be placed on the application.
Through the Iowa Gen Web Project, looking up marriage records between certain dates can help you determine which county clerk's office to get a hold of. All 82 counties in Iowa are listed in the county vital records table which is meant to be a quick reference to people looking for vital records in the state. The counties are listed alphabetically and include dates of the marriage records. For example, through the county of Calhoun, you can find marriage records between 1857 and 1928. The great thing about the listed table is that there is an additional link for each county to click on. There are also lists of names of spouses that have gotten married in the county to search through between specific dates such as 1856 through to 1884.
For other ways to find Iowa marriage records, you can do a search through online search engines. One search engine which is popular through genealogy and performing people searches is Google. Through this search engine you can type in the name or names of the couple that you want to find a marriage record for. The results come up quickly and you can bypass links to sites that do not pertain to what you are searching for. Often time, marriage record web sites will show up to purchase certified copies, including the vital records for Iowa.
If you don't succeed the first time around when searching for marriage records, you can usually try again through county web sites, search engines and also by going to Iowa libraries who have archival areas for research. With all research, you may not find what you are looking for. Many places online will have contact information to a skilled researcher who will help you find the marriage record you are looking for. Keep trying to achieve your end result.
In order to obtain an Iowa marriage record, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
Download the Iowa Application for Search for a vital record. Step 2.
Carefully read the instructions on the form. Then fill out the form as completely as possible. Include the full name of the bride and groom, as well as the date and place of the event. You will need to indicate your relationship to the parties on the record, as well as the purpose for your request.
Step 3.
Submit your application by mail, or bring it in person, to the address below. Be sure to include a check or money order for $15 to cover the search fee.
You can obtain more information and assistance from the following department:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Vital Records
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
About Iowa Marriage Records
The State of Iowa began recording all state vital records, such as marriage records, beginning on July 1, 1880. Statewide searches for marriage records are available through the state registrar, but also in the County Recorder's Office, where all original marriage records are maintained.
Can Original Iowa Marriage Records be Obtained Through the Bureau of Vital Statistics?
Original marriage records are maintained in the county where the marriage record was filed. However, one may begin a search for a marriage record through the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Records
Online Access to Iowa Marriage Records
Iowa has partnered with VitalCheck.com to allow persons to search for marriage records online. There is an extra fee to take advantage of this service. Also, there are limited marriage records from the 1800s collected in various databases located on the Iowa Marriage Records section of GeneologyLinks.net.
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