I’ve personally helped plan over 1,500 weddings in Colorado.
Below is everything you need to know to make your Colorado marriage easy, legal, and awesome!
Wanna make things simple?
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
You & Your fiancé
+ Beautiful Mountain Overlook
+ Wedding Officiant
+ 1 Hour Professional Photography
___________
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 40ish Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
What you need to know about getting married in Colorado…
Let's Keep it Simple
Colorado is one of the easiest places in the world to get married.
If you are…
Not Already Married
&
18+ Years Old
Simply walk into a County Clerk’s office with your partner (during business hours), fill out some paperwork (photo ID required), and sign the license.
Just like that: you’re married!
I break down all the steps in detail below!
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Need more help?
I can personally help you find the easiest place to get your marriage license, and remotely walk you through the process for $50.
(Click here)
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Let’s break it down…
Legal Disclaimer
While anyone can choose to have a symbolic wedding ceremony, each state has its own requirements regarding how to make a marriage legal. This webpage is intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions.
Who Can Get Married?
Good news: pretty much anyone can get married in Colorado (theoretically). Colorado makes it easy for residents of all 50 states to join in matrimony. Non-US Citizens can also get married in Colorado, but you will need to provide a passport. The state also allows same-sex marriages, and proxy marriages.
There are some restrictions based on age (if you’re under 18 years old), blood-relatives (cousins are okay, siblings are not), recent divorces, and current marital status (you can’t already be married!). If you fit any of these criteria, you can find more information here: checkout Denver’s website.
What’s the quickest and easiest way to get legally married in Colorado?
You’re allowed to self-solemnize in Colorado, meaning they don’t need the signature of an officiating party. All you have to do is walk into a County Clerk’s office with photo ID (appointment may be required), fill out some quick paperwork, and sign your names. There’s no blood test required, and no waiting period, so you can file it right then. Quick, easy, legal.
Where Should You Get Married?
Even more good news: Colorado is gorgeous, and it offers a wide range of locations to fit the style and preference of any wedding ceremony from mountaintops to breweries (shoot me an email and I’ll help you find the perfect spot). And of course, if you’re looking for something super simple, you can always do the classic “courthouse” wedding.
How do I get a Colorado marriage License?
Colorado marriage licenses are issued in person at any “County Clerk and Recorder’s” office throughout the state. I provide personalized guidance if you need help finding the best option, here.
Can I get a Colorado marriage license remotely?
Generally, the Colorado marriage license must be obtained in person. However, there are some County Clerk’s that allow Colorado residents to remotely apply for a marriage license via Zoom. Boulder County Clerk and Recorder is the option that most often offers this.
Can I use a marriage license from a different state in Colorado?
From some states—yes. From other states—no. Only a few states (like Texas) allow you to perform a wedding ceremony with their license in a different state. Here’s your best bet: call the government office responsible for marriage license filing in your state and ask. If they say you are not allowed to do the ceremony in a different state, simply get a Colorado marriage license when you arrive.
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in Colorado?
The cost of the marriage license is $30, Colorado does not require the signature of a judge so there is no need for a traditional “courthouse” wedding, you can simply sign the license and be married. If you do want to do the ceremony in the actual courtroom and have a judge officiate, you’ll have to pay a fee (this varies). I recommend skipping the courtroom, go to a local park to get some nice photos while you sign the license!
Can my dog sign my marriage license in Colorado?
Get excited because the answer is (usually*) yes! Since Colorado doesn’t require witness signatures, it is perfectly legal to have your dog sign with their paw print. If you want your dog to sign (which would obviously be adorable), I suggest bringing an ink pad so you can stamp their paw. The license has two “Witness” lines in the bottom left corner that can be left blank, signed by humans, or paw-printed by your doggo!
***In that last few months I have heard some reports of certain County Clerks giving people a hard time about their dog “signing” the license. However, 90% of County Clerks don’t mind. If you are set on doing this, simply call ahead and make sure!***
Can I use a Texas Marriage License in Colorado?
Yes you can! Texas is one of the only states that allows you to use their marriage license in another state.
Is a wedding officiant required Colorado?
No, Colorado does not require a wedding officiant to sign the marriage license. You and your partner can simply sign the license yourself (this is known as “Self-Solemnizing”).
Can I use my Colorado marriage license in a different state?
No. A Colorado marriage license must be signed in the state.
I’m a Colorado resident getting married in another state, what do I do?
You’ll need to apply for a marriage license in the state where you’re having the ceremony. Keep in mind that requirements vary by state, so your best bet is to Google the state’s requirements. Or, if all else fails, just give the local County Clerk a call.
Can my friend officiate the wedding?
Yes, they can! It’s quick, easy, and perfectly legal for anyone to get ordained and officiate a wedding in Colorado. If they need some help, check out my, “Wedding Officiant Coaching” services!
Does the Colorado’s marriage license have a waiting period?
The Colorado marriage license does NOT have a waiting period, which means you can get the license, and get married in the same day.
How long is the Colorado marriage license valid for?
Once you get the license, it must be signed within 35 days and filed within 63 days.
How long do I have to file the Colorado marriage license after the ceremony?
Once the license is signed, you must file it within 63 days. You file the license by returning it to the issuing county clerk in person or via mail.
How long does it take to get a Colorado marriage license?
Expect to be walking out of the Clerk’s office, with marriage license in hand, after about 20 minutes. But keep in mind: some county clerks do require you to make an appointment!
What documents do I need?
The primary thing you need is a driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID from both parties. You will also be asked to provide a social security number if you have one, but it’s not required. You may also be asked for the city and state where your parents were born. If either party has been widowed, or divorced, you’ll need to provide the: Date, City/State, and (divorce only) Type of Court.
You may also need supporting documentation for special cases such as: recent divorces, widowed, non-citizens, etc. More info on Denver’s County Clerk page.
Does Colorado require a blood test to get married?
No, a blood test is not required to get married in the state of Colorado.
How much does a Colorado marriage license cost?
It costs $30, remember some County Clerks only accept cash!
Do I have to do anything online prior?
Some counties require paperwork, or an appointment, to be made online.
What are “certified copies”?
When you file a marriage license in the state of Colorado, you have the option to purchase additional certified copies of your license for $3 each. I recommend getting three certified copies. These certified copies can be used to send off to agencies when you go to change your name, adjust your insurance, update bank accounts, etc. so that you don’t risk losing your original.
Does it matter which County Clerk I go to?
A marriage license can be obtained at any County Clerk’s office in Colorado, and can can be used in any other county in Colorado. But it must be filed (in person or by mail) with the County Clerk that issued it.
What if I’m widowed or divorced?
You may need to provide some extra information when you apply. Details here.
Is an officiant (Judge / Minister) signature required?
No, it is not. In the state of Colorado, the couple can choose to solemnize their own marriage. This means the couple may put their own signature on the officiant line to make the marriage legal.
Are witnesses required?
Colorado does not require any witnesses for a legal marriage, but there are two witness signature lines on the bottom left of the marriage license. You can leave these blank, or have a friend sign for fun.
What is the difference between the marriage certificate and marriage license?
In Colorado the “Marriage License” and “Marriage Certificate” are the same thing, and simply refer to the top and bottom sections of the document.
Do you sign the marriage license with your maiden name?
Each Colorado County Clerk’s office differs, some will have you sign with your current legal signature, while others will have you sign with your new married name. Ask your county clerk to specify when you get your license. The Breckenridge County Clerk (for example) will ask you to sign with your to-be married name.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license?
Every County Clerk’s office in Colorado will have a different policy. Some allow “walk-ins” while others require an appointment to be made online. Inquire directly with your County Clerk for details.
Can you get a marriage license on the weekends in Colorado?
The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder (in Colorado Springs) is one of the only options in the state that allows you to secure the marriage license on a Saturday.
Where can I get a marriage license in Estes Park, Colorado?
The Larimer County Clerk & Recorder has an office in Estes Park, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where can I get a marriage license in Breckenridge?
The Summit County Clerk and Recorder has an office in downtown Breckenridge that issues marriage licenses, the next closest option is the Park County Clerk and Recorder located 30 minutes drive away.
Where can I get a marriage license in Denver?
The Denver County Clerk and Recorder has an office in downtown that issues marriage licenses, however I do NOT recommend using them, they tend to be overwhelmed and unreliable. “Jefferson County” located just west of Denver tends to be reliable and easy to work with.
Where can I get a marriage license in Colorado Springs?
The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder is the government office that issues marriage licenses in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have two different locations, so choose whichever is closest to you!
How Do I Get Legally Married in Colorado?
It’s easy! You need to apply for the marriage license, you need to fill out the marriage license, and you need to file the marriage license. Let’s break it down…
Step 1 - Get Your Marriage License
Go to a County Clerks office in Colorado on a weekday (may require an appointment). You fill out some paperwork, they give you the license (within 20 minutes!). There is a County Clerk’s office in EVERY county, so you have plenty of options.
Want help?
I can help!
(click here)
Step 2 - Sign and Complete Your Marriage License
This can be done with an officiant (such as a minister) or by the couple themselves. You do NOT need the signature of a wedding officiant or a judge, and you do NOT need any witnesses to sign.
Step 3 - File That Thang
Bring it back in person to where you got it from, or mail it back!
Step 4 - Celebrate
Pop bottles!
Step 1 - Get Your Marriage License
In Colorado (and most of the United States), the marriage license is applied for and picked up at your local County Clerk’s office. If you’re getting married in Colorado, you should get your marriage license in Colorado—even if you’re not a resident. This is because all US states recognize each others’ marriage licenses, but most do not allow you to use their license in a different state. For example, a Colorado-resident couple can go to Nebraska, get a Nebraska marriage license, get married, and return to Colorado legally married. However, a Colorado-resident couple CANNOT get a Colorado marriage license and use it at a wedding in Nebraska.
To get a marriage license in Colorado, both partners need to go into a County Clerk’s office on a weekday and fill out some paperwork (may require an appointment). This process is very simple and only takes about 20 minutes.
Step 2 - Sign and Complete Your License
Once you have your marriage license, you’ll sign and fill out the details like date, location, etc. The officiant is usually responsible for filling this out. But again, Colorado does not require you to have the signature of an officiant—or witnesses! If you don’t have an officiant, ask the County Clerk how it should be filled out when you pick it up.
Again, the exact process for filling out the license varies by county. If you have any questions, the government employee who issues the license is the expert—have them explain exactly what is required of the officiant and couple when it comes to filling it out.
Step 3- File That Thang
Filing your marriage license is pretty straightforward; just bring it back in person or mail it in to the County Clerk who issued it. Make sure to get certified copies. These cost $1.25 each, and I recommend getting three. You’ll need this document for a number of legal actions regarding marriage and name changes, and having a few will make life easier.
Step 4 - Celebrate!
If you bring in your license in-person, it gets filed immediately. Otherwise, it’ll take a few weeks if you mail it. But once you have your certified copies, you're able to start changing names, legally calling each other husband and wife, and all that good stuff.
If that isn’t reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is :)
Ready to Start Planning?
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
You & Your fiancé
+ Beautiful Mountain Overlook
+ Wedding Officiant
+ Professional Photographer
___________
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 40ish Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Iver Marjerison
Owner / Lead Planner
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
Not Legal Advice
While anyone can choose to have a symbolic wedding ceremony, each state has its own requirements regarding how to make a marriage legal. Microweddings LLC cannot guarantee that you will be able to legally get married.
The information that Microweddings LLC has provided, is intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. This information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on this information. Microweddings LLC disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this information to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.
