Marriage records in Dubuque County, Iowa, can be accessed through several channels. DubuqueCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Dubuque County Recorder's Office, which serves as the issuing authority for marriage licenses and certificates. Records are available in person at the Recorder's Office, by mail, and — for state-level certified copies — through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services online ordering system.
Dubuque County Marriage Records Search
The Dubuque County Recorder's Office maintains marriage records for the county. Under Iowa law, the county recorder issues marriage licenses, records returned marriage certificates, and preserves these documents as part of the county's vital records collection. The office holds marriage licenses issued in Dubuque County, filed marriage certificates, and historical marriage records. Official registration of vital events in Iowa began on July 1, 1880, though county-level marriage license records may exist from earlier periods. For historical research predating state registration, the State Historical Society of Iowa maintains indexes and records at both the county and state levels.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Dubuque County
Fees for marriage record copies in Dubuque County follow Iowa Code Chapter 331. The table below reflects standard county recorder fees for vital record copies in Iowa.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $15.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $15.00 |
If you order a state-certified copy through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, fees and processing times may differ. Contact the Recorder's Office directly at (563) 589-4434 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before submitting a request.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Dubuque County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Dubuque County:
Online
The Dubuque County state-certified vital records page explains that certified copies of marriage certificates may be obtained from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services by telephone, in person, or through an online ordering system. Visit the Iowa HHS Vital Records portal to place an order for a state-issued certified copy.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Dubuque County Recorder's Office during regular business hours:
Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can typically process requests while you wait.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Recorder's Office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- Payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Dubuque County Recorder
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Processing times for mail requests vary. Allow at least one to two weeks for delivery. Contact the office at (563) 589-4434 if you need to confirm your request was received or to ask about current turnaround times.