How To Obtain Your Colorado Marriage License

We get it - when planning for your wedding, there’s a lot to think about! It’s easy to get lost in the details and overlook some of the big picture items, such as obtaining your Colorado marriage license. Indeed, Colorado is a beautiful state to be married, with its majestic mountains and open blue skies; there are few places more romantic to say your vows. However, our beautiful state has a few more requirements that can sometimes make acquiring your license a little tricky. Luckily for you, this step-by-step guide breaks down the process of acquiring a Colorado marriage license so you can rest easy on your big day.

Figure out your timeline.

First, it is important to know that you can only get your Colorado marriage license within 35 days of your ceremony. Make sure to plan some time to get it in the four weeks beforehand.

Fill out an online application. 

You can begin the process by filling out an application online. This will significantly speed up your processing time when you appear for an appointment in the recording office. All online fields must be filled to be submitted; after submission, there is an issuance of a transaction number to be brought to the in-person appointment.

Schedule an in-person appointment

This is one aspect that makes Colorado slightly different from other states. You are required to appear in-person at a government office. Appointments must be made in advance, and slots can fill up quickly, so we recommend checking this ahead of time and planning accordingly. You can make your appointment at any county clerk’s office, no matter where you live; you don’t even have to be a Colorado resident, making Colorado an ideal location for destination weddings. Just be sure to monitor your timing, as there are certain deadlines you must adhere to.

Get your marriage license.

When you arrive at your scheduled appointment with your partner, make sure to bring:

• Valid identification with proof of age
  • Birth Certificate, State issued Driver's License or ID, Military ID, Alien Registration Card, Passport, VISA, Certificate of Naturalization, Department of Corrections ID, and Inmate ID
  • All these forms of ID must be current/valid and include a date of birth to verify that the applicant is of legal age to enter a marriage.
• Payment of $30
  • Check with the Clerk and Recorder’s office for acceptable payment types.
• Proof of Divorce or Death of Previous Spouse
  • If you have been divorced or widowed, you will have to fill out some additional information.

Be sure to go online or call in-office to check the requirements and confirm the procedure. That way, you are fully prepared to receive your marriage license to sign on your wedding day.

Sign the License and Return for Recording 

Once your ceremony is complete, sign your license and send it back via mail, or use a Clerk and Recorder drop box to return your license for recording. To avoid any late fees, the license must be returned to the same office you received it from within 63 days of marriage. And just like that, you’re done!

Some things to know.

You can marry in front of a judge, through a religious ceremony, or by self-solemnization, which is when you sign the certificate yourself. Blood tests are not required in Colorado, and there is also no waiting period. With this information, obtaining and signing your marriage license will be the least of your worries so you can simply sit back, relax, and celebrate with your partner!

And for all those wondering... YES! Your pup can sign your marriage license! It is 100% legal in the state of Colorado to have your dog sign the marriage license as a witness with a paw print!