Marriage records in Scott County, Iowa, are available through several channels. ScottIACourt.us allows you to find public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, official documents are maintained by the Scott County Recorder — this office issues marriage licenses and registers certificates. Copies can be ordered in person at the office, by mail, or through the state's online portal. Marriage records registered since 1954 are also available at the state level through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Scott Marriage Records Search
In the state of Iowa, marriage records are maintained by the County Recorder — not the court clerk or any other department. The Scott County Recorder keeps all marriage licenses issued in the county, as well as returned and registered marriage certificates. Historical records date back to the county's inception; official registration of vital records in Iowa began on July 1, 1880.
The collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued to couples who applied in Scott County
- Marriage certificates returned after the ceremony and registered in the office
- Marriage indexes for searching by last name and date
For events that occurred before 1954, certified copies can only be obtained in the county where the marriage was registered. Records from 1954 and later are also maintained at the state level — they can be ordered through Iowa.gov.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Scott
The fees for copies of marriage records are determined by Iowa law (Iowa Code Chapter 331). Below are the typical fees charged by the Scott County Recorder.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage record | $20.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $20.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the copy cost |
At the state level, Iowa HHS charges a similar fee for certified copies of marriage records from 1954 onwards. The processing time for requests at the Recorder's office is typically one business day for in-person requests. Mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days. Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to Scott County Recorder; check with the office if credit cards are accepted.
Note: Marriage, birth, and death records for the period 1921–1941 have restricted access according to Iowa HHS rules, and records sealed by the court are not issued.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Scott
There are three main ways to order a marriage certificate from Scott County.
Online
Certified copies of marriage records from 1954 onwards can be ordered through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services portal. The state uses a third-party service to process online orders — visit the Vital Records page and select the appropriate option. An additional service fee may apply for online orders. For records prior to 1954, online ordering through the state is not available — contact the Scott County Recorder directly.
In Person
Visit the Recorder's office during business hours:
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 in the envelope:
- A written request with the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to Scott County Recorder
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (for mail return)
Mail requests are processed within 5–10 business days after receipt. If you need a record for genealogical research rather than a certified copy, contact the office — informational (non-certified) copies may be available at a different price.
Public records in Iowa are generally open for access according to Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code, but certain categories may have restrictions. If you have questions about a specific record, call the Scott County Recorder at (563) 326-8631 before submitting a request. Additional information about county court records can be found through the Iowa Judicial Branch, and public data on marriage records is available at ScottIACourt.us.