DES MOINES – Monday, Iowa becomes the third state in the nation to allow same-sex couples the legal right to marry, behind Massachussetts and Connecticut. The state also will recognize same-sex couples married in other states Monday. Vermont’s same-sex marriage law will take effect in September.

The following are a few details about the state’s marriage process:

* Marriage requirements: Two people, over 18, not already legally married, not closely related and

legally competent to enter into a civil contract.

* License: Applicants must show proof of identity, pay $35 fee, and have a witness sign the application. Three-day waiting period before wedding may be performed, although this may be waived by judge.

* Ceremony: Must be in Iowa, with both parties, an officiate (judge or leader of a religious faith) and two witnesses present.

* If a same-sex couple have been legally married elsewhere, their marriage is valid in Iowa as of Monday. It is not yet clear if civil unions from another state or registered domestic partnerships will be  recognized in Iowa.

*For a divorce, one party must have been a resident of Iowa for at least one year.

More information about seme-sex marriage throughout the country can be found at Lamda Legal.