Same-sex marriage in the U.S. state of Iowa became legal on April 3, 2009. Iowa’s first dealings with same-sex marriage came in 1998, after recent court cases on same-sex unions, starting in Hawaii, found that denying the right to marry to same-sex couples was incompatible with the Equal Protection Clause of the state constitutions of most states. Iowa legislators hurried to pass a local Defense of Marriage Act to prohibit marriage between gay and lesbian couples to avoid a similar court challenge.
In 2005, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of six Polk County same-sex couples and their children who were denied marriage licenses in Iowa, arguing that this denial violated the liberty and equal protection clauses in the state constitution. In 2007, the Polk County District Court ruled in favor of the couples, prompting the county to appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld the District Court’s ruling holding that there was no important governmental interest in denying citizens marriage licenses based on their sexual orientation. Licenses were originally to be available 21 days after the ruling, on April 24, but the availability of licenses was subsequently postponed until April 27 due to a Furlough day.
OFFICIANTS
(319) 509-0347 (Waukon, IA) We create (with your guidance) a ceremony that is crafted to your personality, your desires and the way you want to express your love to your partner and your guests.
(Sioux City, IA) As a Non-denominational Interfaith Minister located in the Siouxland area, I am dedicated to making your wedding ceremony unique, intimate and memorable, whether you opt for traditional elements or want to completely reinvent it!
(712) 468-2024 (Pomeroy, IA) I can perform anything from a traditional religious ceremony to a themed wedding. This is ultimately your day, and I wish to only enhance these sacred and cherished memories.
(507) 643-6607 (Winona, MN) Wedding Ceremonies ~ Vow Renewals ~ Commitment Ceremonies. Non-denominational, Interfaith, Civil. SE Minnesota, NE Iowa and Western Wisconsin. Winona, MN.
(417) 742-0590 (Willard, MO) Licensed in Missouri, Iowa, and Arkansas. Specializing in custom weddings, themed weddings, handfasting, blessed unions, traditional and non-traditional wedding ceremonies.
(260) 804-0049 (Decatur, IL) I mainly minister in OH (Toledo, Lima, etc.) , IN (Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, etc.), IL (Decatur, etc.), and IA (Davenport, etc.), though I’m available to travel any distance.
(513) 884-2618 (Cincinnati, OH) "I consider it an honor and a privilege to be invited to participate in one of the most important days of your lives!" Located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky & 28 other states.
(Des Moines, IA) I offer Traditional and Non-Denominational services, as well as Same Sex Weddings. It is my firm belief that all should enjoy the status that marriage covenants provide.I also officiate Alternative Religious Wedding Rites.
(402) 403-1560 (Omaha, NE) Whether you desire a traditional wedding or something off the beaten path, we are committed to working with you to craft a ceremony that reflects your unique values and beliefs.
Providing a unique blend of traditional elegance,to modern flare. Where quality,is top priority in personalizing your event.
(708) 710-3460 (Fair Lawn, NJ) We willingly celebrate outdoor weddings and are open to those having prior marriages. Many approach us because of our non-judgmental approach to weddings.
(563)726-3657 (Davenport, IA) I am committed to providing an individually tailored service that is personal, unique, and intimate and that leaves a lasting memory, and demonstrates the depth and strengths of your love for one.
(319) 241-6442 (Cedar Rapids, IA) We perform the ceremony you have always wanted at a reasonable cost. We will travel to your venue (mileage charged outside the Cedar Rapids, Metro area).
IOWA STATE LAWS
2011 Iowa Code
Title XV Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures
Subtitle 1 Domestic Relations
Chapter 595 Marriage
§ 595.9 Violations.
If a marriage is solemnized without procuring a license, the parties married, and all persons aiding them, are guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
[C51, §1470; R60, §2522; C73, §2192; C97, §3144; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10435; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.9]
§ 595.10 Who may solemnize.
Marriages may be solemnized by:
1. A judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or district court, including a district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, or a judicial magistrate, and including a senior judge as defined in section 602.9202, subsection 3.
2. A person ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith.
[C51, §1472; R60, §2524; C73, §2193; C97, §3145; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10436; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.10; 81 Acts, ch 188, §1]
§ 595.11 Nonstatutory solemnization forfeiture.
Marriages solemnized, with the consent of parties, in any manner other than that prescribed in this chapter, are valid; but the parties, and all persons aiding or abetting them, shall pay to the treasurer of state for deposit in the general fund of the state the sum of fifty dollars each; but this shall not apply to the person conducting the marriage ceremony, if within fifteen days after the ceremony is conducted, the person makes the required return to the county registrar.
[C51, §1474, 1475; R60, §2526, 2527; C73, §2195, 2196; C97, §3147; S13, §3147; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10437; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.11]
83 Acts, ch 185, §54, 62; 95 Acts, ch 124, §18, 26
§ 595.12 Fee and expenses.
1. A judge or magistrate authorized to solemnize a marriage under section 595.10, subsection 1, may charge a reasonable fee for officiating and making return for each marriage solemnized at a time other than regular judicial working hours. In addition the judge or magistrate may charge the parties to the marriage for expenses incurred in solemnizing the marriage. No judge or magistrate shall make any charge for solemnizing a marriage during regular judicial working hours. The supreme court shall adopt rules prescribing the maximum fee and expenses that the judge or magistrate may charge.
2. A minister authorized to solemnize a marriage under section 595.10, subsection 2, may charge a reasonable fee for each marriage solemnization and making return in an amount agreed to by the parties.
[C51, §2551; R60, §4159; C73, §3828; C97, §3152; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10438; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.12]
83 Acts, ch 151, §1
3 Acts, ch 159, §1; 87 Acts, ch 115, §69; 95 Acts, ch 92, §3
§ 595.13 Certificate return.
After the marriage has been solemnized, the officiating minister or magistrate shall attest to the marriage on the blank provided for that purpose and return the certificate of marriage within fifteen days to the county registrar who issued the marriage license.
[C51, §1473, 1476; R60, §2525, 2528; C73, §2194, 2197; C97, §3146; S13, §3146; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10439; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.13]
95 Acts, ch 124, §19, 26; 2000 Acts, ch 1140, §44; 2002 Acts, ch 1119, §189
See also §144.36 for certificate
§ 595.15 Inadequate return.
If the return of a marriage is not complete in every particular as required by the forms specified in section 144.12, the county registrar shall require the person making the same to supply the omitted information.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10441; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.15]
95 Acts, ch 124, §20, 26
§ 595.16 Spouse responsible for return.
When a marriage is consummated without the services of a cleric or magistrate, the required return of the marriage may be made to the county registrar by either spouse.
[C51, §1478; R60, §2530; C73, §2199; C97, §3149; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10442; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.16]
95 Acts, ch 124, §21, 26
§ 595.17 Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter, as they relate to procuring licenses and to the solemnizing of marriages are not applicable to members of a denomination having an unusual mode of entering the marriage relation.
[C51, §1477; R60, §2529; C73, §2198; C97, §3148; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §10443; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §595.17; 82 Acts, ch 1152, §2]
