Marriage records in Story County, Iowa, are available through several channels. StoryCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, the Story County Recorder & Vital Records office issues certified copies of marriage certificates. Requests can be submitted online through the Iowa state portal, in person at the recorder's office, or by mail. The state of Iowa also maintains a centralized database of vital records through the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services.
Story County Marriage Records Search
In Iowa, marriage records are maintained by the County Recorder. In Story County, this function is performed by the Recorder & Vital Records office, which is the official repository of the county's public documents. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, filed marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the early decades of the county's existence.
In addition to marriage documents, this office maintains land transactions and other public records. To search for marriage records, you need to know the names of the spouses and the approximate date of registration. Marriage records registered in Story County are stored here—if the marriage took place in another Iowa county, you should contact the recorder of that county.
Story County Recorder & Vital Records
To obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates, contact this office directly.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Story County
Fees for services related to marriage records are established according to the Iowa Code. Below are the basic rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $20.00 |
| Record search (included in the copy cost) | Included |
Payment is accepted by check or money order made payable to Story County Recorder. Processing times for mail requests are typically 5–10 business days. If the record is not found, the search fee is non-refundable. Additional service fees may apply for orders through the Iowa state portal.
Source: Story County Recorder's fee schedule according to Iowa Code Chapter 331.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Story County
There are three main ways to order a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Iowa offers a centralized online portal for ordering certified copies of vital records. Visit the Iowa Vital Records website, select the document type "Marriage," fill out the form, and pay for the order with a credit or debit card. The portal service fee is added to the base cost of the copy.
In Person
Visit the Story County Recorder's office at:
No appointment is necessary. Bring a valid photo ID. The copy is usually issued the same day.
By Mail
Send a request to the recorder's office address. Include the following in your letter:
- A completed application with the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
- A check or money order for $20.00 made payable to Story County Recorder.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
Mailing address for requests:
Processing of mail requests takes one to two weeks. If you need a marriage record registered before 1880, contact the recorder's office by phone—the availability of such early documents may be limited. Current information on forms and procedures can also be checked on the Birth, Death & Marriage Certificates page on the official Story County website.