Marriage records in Dallas County, Iowa, can be accessed through several channels. DallasIACourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Dallas County. You can also request records directly from the Dallas County Recorder's office, which serves as the local custodian of marriage documents. Records are available in person at the county courthouse, by mail, and through the state's online vital records ordering system. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services also maintains statewide marriage records from 1880 forward.
Dallas County Marriage Records Search
In Iowa, county recorders are responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records. The Dallas County Recorder's Office files and preserves all marriage licenses issued within the county, along with returned marriage certificates once a ceremony has been performed. The collection includes both current and historical records dating back to the county's earliest filings.
Under Iowa Code Chapter 595, marriage licenses are issued by the county registrar (the county recorder), and the completed marriage certificate is returned to that office for recording after the ceremony. Dallas County's records include:
- Marriage license applications
- Issued marriage licenses
- Filed marriage certificates (returned after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records
For genealogical research involving older records, the State Historical Society of Iowa holds vital records including marriages prior to statewide registration. Before 1880, only marriages, and not all vital events, were consistently recorded at the county level.
Dallas County Recorder's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dallas County
Fees for marriage record copies in Dallas County follow the schedule set by Iowa law and the county recorder's office. The table below reflects standard fees; contact the recorder's office to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage record | $20.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $20.00 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Included in copy fee |
Fees are based on Iowa Code § 331.605 and the recorder's posted fee schedule. Payment methods accepted in person typically include cash, check, or money order. Mail requests generally require a check or money order payable to the Dallas County Recorder. Processing for in-person requests is usually same-day. Mail requests may take 5–10 business days depending on volume.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office also issues certified copies of Iowa marriage records (1880–present) and may charge a separate fee schedule for state-level orders.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dallas County
There are three ways to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate from Dallas County:
Online
Iowa's statewide vital records office accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its online ordering portal. Visit the Iowa HHS Vital Records page for instructions and to access the order form. Online orders may include an additional processing or service fee charged by the vendor. Note that marriage records from 1921 to 1941 are restricted and may not be available through all channels.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Dallas County Recorder's Office during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Purpose of the request
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Dallas County Recorder:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for $20.00 per copy, payable to the Dallas County Recorder
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail your request to:
Allow 5–10 business days for processing. If you need a record for a court matter or legal proceeding, the Dallas County District Court (part of Iowa's Judicial District 5) may also have relevant filings. For questions about public records requests through the court system, contact the clerk of court directly.