Iowa Research-Guess who's getting hitched?

[Roo719]

Well, it looks like we might be running away to Iowa for a quickie marriage, but I've been so sick recently and bedridden--I'm not getting the information I need to plan a wedding! I thought it would be cool to let my fellow MCers in on the situation and see what perspectives y'all have...

...as for being bedridden, I fell UP a flight of stairs at home and damaged my back. Due to pain, I can only stand/walk for a few hours every six (when the pain meds kick in). However, docs are saying the damage is not as bad as they thought and recovery should be fine...sorry, tangent.

My husband and I have been together for over ten years, married in a local MCC on August 2nd, 2003. However, now with the legal recognition, we're thinking of visiting where we met (we met in Sioux Falls, South Dakota..long story, ask, maybe I'll regale the tale!) and then driving over to Iowa to finally, legally, tie the knot.

We have figured out we can get a license via online and we need to wait three days for the processing time.

My issue? How does one schedule a Justice of the Peace? I can't find any details. We're thinking, and of course, we're open, of seeing Sioux Falls then driving down to Omaha (I used to teach/live there) and getting hitched in Council Bluffs. Then afterwards, heading back to Omaha for a decent luncheon in the Old Market with friends.

But it is all up in the air, including dates and my recovery. The fun and vibes are all good so I figured I'd open it up to boards and see if there are things I'm missing or ideas from my fellowes here.

I know New York, Conn and Vermont might all be options too. We live about 13 hours from Iowa (unless the husband is driving, then it is about 38 minutes) and since we used to both live near there-well, it just seems right.

Comments? Ideas?

And, well, thanks...

Peace,
Roo

[MaryAnn in Wndrlnd]

Congratulations! I have absolutely no information on this. But I wanted to wish you a happy wedding!

[Dustysage]

Congratulations! That is wonderful news!!!

My suggestion would be to call on of the local courthouses and ask them about the process for getting married. If anyone would know, it would be them.

Hugs, congratulations, and feel better,

Dusty

[penguinsoda]

Yea!!!!

I don't have any answers either, but I want to come in and bounce with joy and happiness at the news and wish you guys all the best!!!

[PrincessY]

Sorry no info for you.... Just wishing you congratulations!!

[justjohn]

congratulations!

If you will be traveling with family or friends, you can always have one of them ordained to perform the ceremony. Then you don't have to worry about it. Online ordination can be done through the Universal Life Church. Search for online ordination.

You could also check out wedding sites like theknot.com for listings for a JotP.

Good luck!

[SusieP.]

Congrats, Roo!

[Sambo]

Hey! Congrats and Best Wishes!

[MickeyMaxx]

Excuse me, I'm getting all verklempt!

Obviously, we couldn't be more excited for the two of you!

This link is a good general info one, but in Iowa, like California, the details vary by county, so you'll need to go to the county site that applies, and get the exact details.

How To Get Married In Iowa For Same-Sex Couples - Iowa Gay Marriage

There is a three business day waiting period.

In Iowa the officiant must be an ordained and licensed clergymen or justice of the peace. The licensing part would seem to preclude a Universal Life Minister, unless they are licensed.

You need one witness who knows both of you and is at least 18 years old to get the license, and two witnesses as above to witness the wedding.

Here is the link and info from the Pottawattamie County site (that's where Council Bluffs is, right?) Looks like you can have a judge marry you on an as-available basis. And, you can have a judge perform the ceremony at a location other than the Courthouse, with prior arrangement.

Link: Pottawattamie County, Iowa

To obtain a Marriage License we do not require a blood test. The cost of a Marriage License is $35.00 we do not accept personal checks or credit cards. We do accept cash, money orders or cashiers checks. There is a 3 working day waiting period to obtain the license. The bride and the groom must be at least 18 years of age and have a photo ID, They need one witness that knows both the bride and the groom that's at least 18 years of age with a photo ID. The Iowa Marriage License requires that the ceremony take place within the state of Iowa.

Wedding Ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. (per judge availability) on the third floor of the court house, except Courthouse holidays. No appointment is necessary. On the day of the ceremony, report to the Clerk's office on the 3rd floor with your marriage license and two witnesses, age 18 or older. There is no fee for this service during regular working hours, however you are free to offer a gratuity if you like. To make an appointment for weddings at locations other than the Courthouse, you may call District Associate Judge Eveloff at 712.328.5864.

Hope you are feeling better soon. We need you to be in good shape for the wedding and the honeymoon!

Hugs, Rick and Lu

[Roo719]

Yeah, Potts County is where we are looking and hubster found this last night as well! Thanks MaxxieLou!

I can do the 11 o'clock thing. He's such the morning monkey and when we travel over time zones eastbound I get an hour of sleep without him going, "coffee, sleepy head!" and then singing, "I'm Gettin' married in the Mornin'!"

My old college friends and new friends will be in tow, or, I hope, at least stop in for lunch! We've always loved Omaha for some reason and when we were doing the long distance bit back in the late nineties, would both drive and meet there for long weekends. Makes it seem kinda fitting.

We've already had the big shindig with the MotherUnitsPrime. They got their wedding-on and we don't have to do another big ta-do, which is nice. I'm sure my mother will probably have a buffet waiting as we pass through Denver with, like, 900 of her closest friends. They won't really be there to see us; they'll be there cause Ma's cooking.

And thank you all for all the best well wishes. What's cute is I thought you all would just chime in on the Iowa part and advice about getting married. I was surprised, pleasantly so, that you all were so happy at our betrothal.

I'll keep you updated. Frankly, the sooner the better before someone decides they need some political fodder and start raising heck about the whole thing.

As for a honeymoon? That will be when I have job interviews in Florida. We'll spend our little vacation checking housing, drive times and pressing suits in the humidity.

When did I grow up?

Oy!

Thanks again, all of you.

Peace,
Roo

[knittingknerd]

Mazel! Congrats!

[Armadillo4]

Roo, congratulations!!! That's wonderful news to wake up to this morning! And best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[DisneyIPresume]

Congratulations! Sorry I don't have much information for you though.

If I can state an opinion though. I am finding it very frustrating that a state as supposedly progressive as California voted for a same-sex marriage ban when all these back-water states (my apology to those who live there) are all starting to vote for it. It's just ludicrous!

And I am sorry to hear about your back. I have back problems too, now. But it's just due to getting old which trust me is quite frustrating.

On the bright side, I guess when you come to DL you can get a GAP. I know that doesn't help, but I guess that is something to look forward to. Of course I honestly hope you are completely cured by then!

Good luck with everything!

[Aladdin]

Just to add my congratulations, too!

Morning Monkey - tee hee hee - haven't heard that before, but it does
give me some ideas for the celebration afterwards:



just have to replace the bride with groom from this topper:

[sir clinksalot]

Congrats!!!! So glad you can finally make it legal. I know in your hearts you have been married for awhile.