How to Officiate a Wedding in Iowa

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Iowa?

Iowa has clean, broad language — “persons ordained or designated as leaders of their religious faith” can officiate. No registration required. There’s a 3-day waiting period and one important quirk: the marriage license is only valid in the county where it was issued.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — Iowa doesn’t require minister registration. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here without jumping through extra hoops.

Statute: Iowa Code § 595.10 — persons ordained or designated as leaders of their religious faith can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $35
Waiting period 3 days (5 days in Jasper County)
License valid for Does not expire (but only valid in issuing county)
Return deadline 15 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2 adults

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local County Recorder — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at their County Recorder’s office. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. There’s a 3-day waiting period. Important: The license is only valid in the county where it was issued — make sure the ceremony happens in that county.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and 2 witnesses. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Recorder within 15 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

Iowa Tips

  • Very clean, broad statutory language — FSM-friendly
  • License is only valid in the issuing county — the ceremony MUST happen in the same county where the license was obtained
  • 3-day waiting period (5 days in Jasper County) — plan ahead
  • 2 witnesses required — have the couple arrange these in advance
  • License doesn’t expire, but the application voids after 6 months if not issued
  • No registration required, though some counties may ask for credentials

County-Specific Info

  • Polk County — serving Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale…

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local County Recorder before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Recorder.