Our series on marriage laws continues into the Midwest with stops in Missouri and Iowa. We’ve learned quite a bit during our study of the various marriage laws affecting the 50 states of the United States. So let’s take a look at Missouri and then we’ll pause in Iowa.
Missouri
There is no residency requirement to apply for a marriage license in the state of Missouri. You will need to apply at the Recorder of Deeds office and provide valid identification and your social security numbers. Applicants under the age of 18 will need to have consent from their custodial parent. Applicants under the age of 15 need permission from a county judge and a ‘good cause’ to give approval as well as their parents’ permission.
Missouri has a 30-day waiting period after a divorce before you can apply for another marriage license. You will also need to show the date when your previous marriage ended whether by death or divorce. There is also a 3-day waiting period after you receive your marriage license, but a judge can waive that if one partner is due to deploy or there is another just cause for the couple to get married sooner.
The marriage license fee is about $50 with a dollar added for each parent giving consent. Missouri does not require any blood or other medical tests prior to applying for a marriage license. There is no option for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Cousin Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage (banned by state amendment in August of 2004)
Your marriage license will be valid for 30 days. To obtain a copy of your Missouri Marriage License:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
(573) 751-6387
Iowa
In Iowa, you do not have to be a resident to apply for a marriage license. You will need to present a valid picture identification and social security information. While Iowa does not have proxy marriage, they do make allowances for the situation where one partner can’t be present for the application. The other partner can sign the application in front of a notary before turning it back into the Recorder’s office. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old will need their parents’ consent.
If either partner was married previously, you will need to the date of the spouse’s death or final divorce decree. If the divorce occurred in the 60 days prior to the application for a marriage license, then you will need a certified copy of the signed divorce decree. There is a 3 day waiting period after your application and the license will cost you about $30. Remember, to bring cash only when going to apply. You also need one witness present when signing your marriage license.
Don’t worry about needing any medical or blood tests before applying. Common law marriages are recognized in Iowa. However, Iowa does not offer:
- Covenant Marriage Options
- Cousin Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage
Your Iowa marriage license will be valid for 6 months. To obtain a copy of your Iowa Marriage Certificate:
Iowa Department of Public Health
321 E. 12th, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans