Courthouse Main Entrance closed for remodeling starting September 3rd until further notice - The public will need to use the door on the Southwest corner of the courthouse.

Apply for a Marriage License

Find helpful forms and resources for obtaining your marriage license.

You may apply for a marriage license at any County Recorder’s office in Iowa as long as the ceremony is performed in Iowa. 

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). 
  • The $35.00 fee includes a certified copy of the marriage certificate, payable at the time of the application. We accept cash or credit cards (in person) for marriage licenses. There is a fee for card transactions.
  • To apply by mail, contact our office at 641-421-3056 or email webrecorder@cgcounty.org, and we can send you the necessary forms or answer any questions.

There is a four-day waiting period before the license is issued and before the actual marriage may occur. The four-day waiting period begins once the application is processed. Please see the chart below.

  Date of Application   Valid Date of Certificate
  Monday   Friday
  Tuesday   Saturday
  Wednesday   Sunday
  Thursday   Monday
  Friday   Tuesday

After the four-day period, please come back to our office and pick up the necessary documents to get married. If the license is not picked up within six months from the date of application, the application is considered null and void. 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.).

State of Iowa Marriage Instructions

County Courthouse

220 N. Washington Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
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Courthouse Hours

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays
Department Hours May Vary