On April 3, 2009 the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that laws banning gay and lesbian couples the right to marry violated their constitutional right to equality. Several weeks later, gay and lesbian couples from Iowa or anywhere in the United States were able to legally marry in Iowa.

Any person 18 years or older may marry the person of their choice in Iowa. You can apply in person or through the mail for your license. There is a $35 fee to apply for a marriage license in Winneshiek County. There is a three-day waiting period after receiving your license. Sometimes, this can be waived for a fee. You may be married in the Courthouse at no cost when court is in session. You will need to speak directly with a court magistrate to arrange the ceremony. Any clergy person or justice of the peace may perform your ceremony (they do not need to be an Iowa resident).

To request a marriage license application, contact the Winneshiek County Court Recorder’s office at 563-382-3486.

This website is independently run.  It is not sponsored by Winneshiek County or the state of Iowa.

To support marriage equality and other gay rights efforts in Iowa, contact One Iowa, the statewide Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Advocacy organization. Click here to visit their website.