How to Apply For a Marriage License in Colorado

Colorful Colorado is quite possibly the best place for a destination wedding. While the Rocky Mountain National Park is the most famous park in the state, there are hundreds of other state and federal protected lands throughout the region. As a winter playground, the mountain resort towns are perfect for an all-white event. As a superb summer recreational destination, the colors are plentiful and climate is temperate. Summer and fall are breathtaking. Before heading down the aisle, head to the county clerk to pick up your marriage license no more than 30 days before the ceremony.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Identification
• Social Security Card
• Cash

1. Collect one picture ID, certified birth certificate and social security card for both the bride and groom.
2. Gather certified final divorce decrees if either or both parties have been married previously. Alternatively, a certificate of death of a previous spouse should be obtained.
3. Visit the Web site under the Resources section to find the location of the marriage license issuing office in the county where the ceremony will take place.
4. Call for hours and directions to the office you wish to apply.
5. Head to the county office with bride, groom, documentation (including premarital certificate) and at least $10 cash within 30 days of the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• First cousin marriages are permitted.
• Minors 16 or 17 years old may marry with the consent of parents or guardian. Minors under 17 years old may marry with approval of a family court judge and consent of parents or guardian.
• Common law marriages are permitted, but both partners must be 18 years or older.
• Both the bride and the groom must be present to apply for and sign the marriage license except in the case of proxy marriages.
• Proxy marriages are permitted if one party is unable to attend due to illness, incarceration or due to being part of the armed forces. A notarized absentee application and photo identification is required to apply for the license.
• Same sex marriages are forbidden.
• Colorado marriage licenses are valid for 30 days.