Marriage license

BabyRN2006

When do I need to be doing this? FI is needed to get his BC from Arkansas, so when is the latest I can possibly do it before the wedding? thanks!

klovesd

We went about a month ahead of time. I'm not sure how soon before the wedding you can get it. I wouldn't wait more than 2 weeks before though!

turtle1573

We only had a three day waiting period, but I wouldn't wait too long in case something happens and they make a mistake.  Also, be sure to double check everything when you get it back.  A friend of mine didn't double check hers when she got married in June and it turned out they'd made a mistake and left her maiden name as her new married name.  Luckily it was their mistake or else she would have had to go through the hassle of legally changing her name again. 

turtle1573

Hey Janelle, I totally didn't catch this before, but your FI shouldn't need his birth certificate.  Just your IDs and a witness over 18. 

BabyRN2006

Really? My mom told us we needed our birth certificates. That would make things much easier if we dont!

harpjen

If you go to the Iowa resources page on here, you can find which county you will be registering in, it gives you all the information you need! For example, in Polk County, IDs and a witness of 18 with their ID is all you need. They also tell you how much a marriage license will cost--it is different for different counties--in Polk County it is $35. Good luck and hope this helps!

Lemons653

We got our actual license the day we turned in our paperwork (in Polk County), but as stated above there is a 3 day waiting period before it's valid.