How to request a commemorative marriage certificate

The Iowa Department of Public Health is pleased to offer Iowa-born citizens the opportunity to obtain commemorative certificates of marriage. The commemorative marriage certificate makes a memorable keepsake or gift.

This parchment certificate features a gold foil border, image of the state capital of Iowa, and calligraphy print of the individual’s personal information. Gold embossed State and Iowa Department of Public Health seals make it a valid certified copy and legal document.  Each certificate is signed by both the Governor of Iowa and the State Registrar.  Its 8-1/2” x 11” size is suitable for framing.

Certificates are delivered in protective envelopes within 30 days of application.  All applicants must meet the same qualifying direct-and-tangible interest standards (i.e., immediate family) as for any certified birth certificate request.  Submit each fully completed application form with $35 (check or money order) to:

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

Application

The information on the form must be completed in order to make application for the Iowa commemorative birth certificate. Registration of births in Iowa officially began July 1, 1880.  The original records of all births registered in Iowa are maintained in the Office of Health Statistics, Iowa Department of Public Health. 

The $35 fee for the commemorative birth certificate includes the search for the record and one commemorative certificate. If the record is not located, the applicant will receive a notification of the record search results and a $20 refund, with $15 retained in this office to cover the cost of the search as required by statute.

Each additional commemorative certificate for the same record is $35 and can be ordered on the same application form.

·         Commemorative Marriage Certificate Application Form