How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado

Obtaining a marriage license is an important step in making your marriage legal. Following are guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in Colorado.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage license application
• Photo identification or certified copies of birth certificates
• Pen
• Cash

1. Apply for your marriage license in person at any county courthouse. A marriage license may be issued in any county and used in any county in the State of Colorado. Residency is not required.

2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, state-issued birth certificate or passport are acceptable forms of identification for this purpose.

3. Fill out the application. Applicants may also be asked to provide Social Security numbers for both applicants.

4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is no waiting period and the marriage license is valid for 30 days from date of issuance.

Tips & Warnings

• If either applicant has been married previously, bring the certified document that ended his or her last marriage, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.
• As of August 1993, a couple themselves can solemnize their own marriage.
• Blood tests are not required in Colorado.
• At least one of the parties must apply in person with the marriage clerk. If one party cannot appear due to illness, is out of state or incarcerated, he or she must obtain an absentee application from the clerk and recorder's office. The party applying must bring the absentee application along with identification for the absent party. Absentee applications must be notarized.
• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.