How to Perform a Marriage in Black Hawk County

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, you know it's an exciting opportunity. However, it can also be a bit intimidating. That's why we've put together this guide on officiating weddings in Black Hawk County! We'll go over everything you need to know, from how to get ordained, to how to contact your local wedding registrar, and what, exactly, you'll need from us.

1. How to Become a Minister in Black Hawk County

If you haven't already, you'll want to get ordained as a ULC minister by clicking the button below. Get Ordained™ offers ordination through Universal Life Church within moments and completely free of charge. All you have to do is sign up, fill out a short form, and you'll be a legally ordained minister, able to officiate weddings and more. Sign up today!

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Important Info for Ministers in Black Hawk County

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: Sometimes
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Black Hawk County Marriage Requirements

Once you're ordained, the next thing you'll want to do is contact the office in Black Hawk County that handles marriage licenses. You'll want to tell them that you're an ordained minister officiating a wedding, and ask what documentation they want to see from you in order to officiate a wedding. You can find the Black Hawk County office's contact information below.

Office Address:: 316 East 5th Street #208
Waterloo, IA 50703
Office Phone Number:: (319) 833-3012
Office Website:: Black Hawk County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Black Hawk County?

If you're ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church, you can! Many couples are choosing to both cut costs and personalize their event by enlisting a close family friend or loved one to officiate their ceremony.

The couple could ask anyone, but they've asked you to forever be a part of their love story! Consider it a great honor. It's important to note that not everyone knows that this is even an option. If you know someone who has an upcoming wedding, you might consider asking who is performing their ceremony, and let them know that you're available if needed. Who knows, you might just get a reputation as a go-to officiant!

Average Cost of a Wedding in Black Hawk County:: $23,400

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Black Hawk County

The office in Black Hawk County will be able to tell you what you'll need to pick up from our online store in order to perform a wedding. One of the most popular options for ministers in Black Hawk County is the Classic Wedding Kit!

Now you can get to the fun part: officiating the wedding itself. Whether it's your first time performing a wedding, or you just need to refresh your memory, we suggest taking a look at our wedding training center, which is full of all the resources you'll need to give the couple the wedding they deserve.

5. How Black Hawk County Marriage Licenses Work

With the ceremony complete, the last - and most important - responsibility remains: Signing and returning the marriage license. A marriage license in Black Hawk County does not expire, so don't delay. Keep in mind that once the marriage license has been obtained, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the wedding ceremony can happen. Also note that the marriage license must be returned to the office that issued it within the time limit given after it has been signed.

Remember, this is a legal document! Take your time to ensure that it's been filled out properly before it is returned to the issuing office. If you need in-depth instructions on how to fill it out, take a look at our marriage license training page for assistance.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 3 Days
Marriage License Valid For:: Never Expires
Return Within:: 15 Days

6. Performing a Wedding in Black Hawk County

For couples planning to hold a wedding in Black Hawk County, which includes the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area, there's plenty of options for a venue. There are a number of historical locations in Waterloo and Cedar Falls that folks can reserve or they can plan something along the Cedar River which runs through the county. Cedar Falls is also home to the University of Northern Iowa which contributes to the county's higher percentage of 20-24 year old residents during the school year.

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Black Hawk County

Since most of the county is on the Cedar River flood plain, you'll want to have a contingency plan in case the area gets hit by a large storm, which is most likely to occur from spring to summer.

You know the ins and outs of officiating weddings in Black Hawk County now, but don't forget to sign up as a ULC minister for free by clicking the button below!