Marriage Records & Marriage Licenses

Marriage Records

Beginning July 1, 1997, certified copies of marriage certificates became available through the Recorder's Office. Each certified copy is $15.00. Those requesting certified copies must prove entitlement (immediate family) before acquiring a copy.

Marriages from 1954 to the current date are available electronically in all counties in Iowa, regardless of where the event occurred. 

When requesting a certified marriage record by mail, all completed applications must be notarized and a photocopy of the applicant's current driver's license or other government-issued picture ID is required. We also request a postal money order (or bank certified check) made payable to the Jones County Recorder and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope. All certified copies are $15 each.

Vital Record Application

If the event occurred in Jones County, and you would like us to process it, please mail your completed application to:

Jones County Recorder
500 W. Main St., Rm 116
Anamosa, IA 52205

Uncertified copies of marriage records are available in the office only, for a fee of $1.00 per record. Those out-of-county or out-of-state persons wishing to secure genealogical information will be referred to the local genealogical association. Office hours for Genealogical research are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Records from 1921 to 1941 and legal name changes are kept on the state level. The application may be brought in to the Jones County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services address in Des Moines, Iowa:

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

Applications can be found on Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Statistics website. 

Request a Record - HHS

Marriage License Application

The Marriage Application requires notarized signatures of both parties and one witness who knows both individuals. The application process includes a $35 fee to apply and a 4-day waiting period before being valid. The fee also includes a certified copy of the marriage certificate once it has been recorded. 

Waiting Period

• Apply on Monday, the license will be valid on Friday
• Apply on Tuesday, the license will be valid on Saturday
• Apply on Wednesday, the license will be valid on Sunday
• Apply on Thursday, the license will be valid on the following Monday
• Apply on Friday, the license will be valid on the following Tuesday

Please email or call the Recorder's Office at (319) 462-2477 for an application or questions.