How to Get Your Marriage License in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide
You’ve decided to elope, chosen Colorado as your location (yay), booked your travel and lodging, found your perfect vendors, and the last thing to check of your wedding to-do list is to get your Colorado Marriage License. If you're tying the knot in Colorado you’re probably aware of our simple process for tying the knot that allows you and your partner to essentially "marry yourselves” (more on that later). In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your marriage license in Colorado.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Marriage License in Colorado
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
Before you can apply for a marriage license in Colorado, make sure you meet the following requirements:
Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors aged 16 or 17 need approval.
Identification: You need to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID.
Previous Marriages: If either party has been previously married, you must provide additional documentation that the marriage legally ended (generally a divorce decree).
Step 2: Apply for the License
You can apply for your marriage license at any County Clerk and Recorder's Office in Colorado—it does NOT need to be the same county where you will be eloping. You can apply for your marriage license no more than 3 weeks before your ceremony date. Here are the key steps:
Call Ahead to the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. I always recommend couples call ahead to the office where they want to obtain their marriage license to see if the office requires an appointment or prefers that applications are submitted online vs printed and brought in the day of. While the process on the whole is the same for every office, different offices have different preferences, so calling ahead is helpful.
Visit the Clerk’s Office: Both parties must be present with identification to apply. Some counties allow you to start the application online, but you will still need to visit the office in person to complete the process.
Fill Out the Application: Provide all necessary information, including your full names, addresses, and Social Security numbers.
Pay the Fee: The marriage license fee in Colorado is approximately $30.
Step 3: Receive Your License
Since you will need to both go in person, I recommend giving yourself a day or two before your ceremony date to do this, especially if you’re traveling from out of state. Once you've completed the application and paid the fee, you'll receive your marriage license immediately. While you can sign it and turn it back in that same date, most couples will opt to take the license with them to have their photographer take photos of them, their loved ones, or pets signing the license!
Step 4: Get Married and Return Your License
Once you get married and sign the marriage license, you have 60 days to return the signed marriage license either in person or by mail. You will then receive the notarized copy in the mail that states you are legally married. One unique thing to mention about getting married in Colorado is that you do not need an officiant, witnesses, etc. to sign your license or marry you, which is called self solemnization.
Self-Solemnizing: What It Is and How It Works
What Is Self-Solemnizing?
Self-solemnizing means you can legally marry yourselves without the need for an officiant or witnesses. This option is unique to a few states, including Colorado. I love this option because if you choose to elope, it truly offers an intimate setting where you don’t need anyone else present but the two of you!
How to Self-Solemnize in Colorado
Sign the License: Both partners must sign the marriage license in the designated areas. Since no officiant is required, you’ll sign as both the officiant and the parties getting married.
Optional Witnesses: While witnesses are not required in Colorado, you can have them sign the license if you wish. You can even have your pets sign the license with their paw print (more on this below).
Return the License: After the ceremony, return the signed license to the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office for recording. This must be done within 63 days to avoid late fees.
Why Choose Self-Solemnizing?
Intimacy: Self-solemnizing allows for a private, personal ceremony.
Flexibility: You can get married anywhere, from a scenic mountain top to your backyard.
Simplicity: Eliminates the need for coordinating with an officiant and witnesses.
However, while you aren’t required to have an officiant preside over your ceremony, some couples will choose to have a local officiant or a friend / family member officiate their ceremony if guests are present just to provide a little more structure to the ceremony itself! I can provide a list of local officiants as well as guidance if you want a loved one to officiate.
Tips for Having Pets Sign Your Marriage License
You might have heard that in Colorado it’s also common (and legal) to have your pet sign as witness on your marriage license! It’s honestly one of my favorite things to capture on your wedding day. Here are some considerations if you want to have your pet sign your marriage license.
While it’s generally accepted in most counties, two counties have recently decided to no longer accept marriage licneses with paw prints: Arapahoe and Denver Counties. The good news is there are neighboring counties where you can go instead to obtain your marriage license if you pplan to have your pet sign. These include:
Choose an ink pad that won’t get ink on your pet’s paws (or your wedding attire). My favorite is this Clean Touch Ink Pad.
Be sure to practice with your pup before the actual wedding day so they (and you) feel comfortable with the process before trying it on your marriage license!
Final Marriage License Tips
While the process itself is pretty straightforward, it’s important to have a plan in place ahead of time so you leave enough time to obtain and sign your marriage license. Be sure to check with the office ahead of time for any specific requirements or additional steps. After your marriage license is recorded, you can request certified copies for legal name changes and other purposes.
Whether you choose a traditional ceremony or the unique option of self-solemnizing, Colorado’s flexible marriage laws make it easy to tie the knot without the stress. Bring on the champagne!