Marriage Records & Applications

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 valid driver's license or other government-issued picture ID is required. We also request a check, postal money order (or bank certified check) made payable to the Lucas County Recorder, and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope. All certified copies are $15 each.

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

Lucas County Recorder
916 Braden Ave
Chariton, IA 50049

Non-certified copies of marriage records are available for a fee of $5.00 per record. For more information on genealogical requests, please contact our office at 641-774-4512.

Lucas County has limited records from 1921 to 1941. The application may be brought into the Lucas County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Health & Human Services address in Des Moines, Iowa:

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

To order a marriage record via phone through the Iowa Health & Human Services, please follow the instructions on the back of the Vital Record Application or on their website with the link below.

Iowa Health & Human Services: How to request a certified record

Records Request

• Use this form for birth, death, or marriage record if you know the record originated in Iowa.  If applying directly to the Lucas County Recorder, please MAIL completed original, notarized request form with a photo copy of your i.d. and $15 payable to the Lucas County Recorder. Our address is 916 Braden Ave, Chariton, IA  50049.

Marriage License Application

You may apply for a Marriage License at any County Recorder’s office in Iowa if the ceremony is performed in Iowa. Marriage Applications are accepted from 8 am to 3:30 pm, no appointment is necessary.

To apply for a Marriage License in the Recorder’s Office:

• The couple and one witness (must be 18 years or older) must appear in person,
• All three must present valid photo identification (driver’s license or government-issued ID),
• $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. Cash or check only accepted for vital records.

There is a 3-day waiting period before the License is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. The waiting period is 3 full calendar days after the date of acceptance to the Recorders office. Please see the chart below.

Once the marriage has been performed and the Certificate of Marriage has been returned to the Recorder’s office and placed on record, a certified copy will be mailed to the couple. The couple will use this certified copy for any name change after marriage (social security information and driver’s license, etc.).