Getting Married in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Planning to tie the knot in Colorado? Congratulations!

One of the best things about getting married here is the flexibility. In Colorado, you can obtain your marriage license from any county, regardless of where your ceremony will take place. This flexibility can save you time and make your wedding planning a little easier—especially if you’re traveling to your wedding destination.

Tips for Getting Your Marriage License in Colorado

  • Choose the most convenient county
    For example, if you’re flying into Denver International Airport and heading to Estes Park, it might be easier to stop at a county clerk’s office along your route rather than waiting until you reach your destination.

  • Avoid high-demand counties
    Popular wedding destinations like Summit County often have limited appointment availability. Instead, consider stopping by a less busy office, like Clear Creek County in Georgetown, on your way. Just make sure to avoid their lunchtime hours, as smaller offices may have limited staff available.

County Clerk Offices nearest to (or on the way) to popular wedding destinations!

What You Need to Know About County Clerk Offices

Each county in Colorado has its own rules and procedures, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the county you choose. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Appointments vs. Walk-ins: Some offices require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins.
  • Hours of Operation: Hours and open days vary by county. Double-check the schedule to avoid surprises.
  • Documentation: Be prepared to provide valid identification and any other documents required by the county.

Helpful Resources for Your Colorado Wedding

To make things easier, we’ve created a FREE Google document with links to county recorder websites and additional information to help you plan. Access it by clicking the link below!

Access the Google Document

THE THREE STEPS TO GETTING MARRIED IN COLORADO

CO Statute 14-2-105-109. Marriage license and marriage certificate.

STEP ONE: GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

(1) The executive director of the department of public health and environment shall prescribe the form for an application for a marriage license, which must include the following information:
(a) Name, sex, address, last four digits of the social security number, and date and place of birth of each party to the proposed marriage, which proof of identity and date of birth may be by a birth certificate, a driver’s license, a passport, or other comparable evidence;
(b) If either party has previously been married, such party’s married name and the date, place, and court in which the marriage was dissolved or declared invalid or the date and place of death of the former spouse;
(b.5) If either party has previously been a partner in a civil union and, if so, the name of the other partner in the civil union, or the date, place, and court in which the civil union was dissolved or declared invalid, or the date and place of death of the former partner in the civil union;
(c) Name and address of the parents or guardian of each party;
(d) Whether the parties are related to each other and, if so, their relationship, or, if the parties are currently married to each other, a statement to that effect.

STEP TWO: SOLEMNIZE THE WEDDING

A marriage may be solemnized by:

  • a judge of a court, by a court magistrate, by a retired judge of a court, by a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages,
  • by the parties to the marriage,
  • or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination or Indian nation or tribe.

STEP THREE: REGISTER THE CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE

Either the person solemnizing the marriage or … a party to the marriage shall complete the marriage certificate form and forward it to the county clerk and recorder within sixty-three days after the solemnization.