Common-law marriage has diverse names, from "marriage in fact", "marriage by repute and habit", "informal…
Where to Apply
Where can I get a marriage license?
You can get a Colorado marriage license at any county clerk and recorder's office. No appointment necessary.
Can I get a civil union license?
The county clerk and recorder's office has issued civil union licenses to legal adults since May 1, 2013. Marriage license standards outlined in this document also apply to civil union licenses, unless otherwise stated.
Costs
How much does a marriage license cost?
The Colorado marriage license fee is standardized at $30 statewide.
Residency
Does is my residency a factor?
Your residency doesn't affect the application process.
Usage
Where can I use my marriage license?
Your Colorado marriage license is good for use anywhere in the state, but only in Colorado.
Application
What will the application ask me to detail?
The application will ask for your current, birth, and prior married name; address, date and place of birth, gender, social security number, marital status, expected ceremony date, parents' or guardians' names and residences, and when, where, and how your last marriage ended.
Attendance
What if I can't apply in person?
Only one party to a marriage can apply absentee. If that's you, your fiancé can submit your notarized absentee affidavit application and ID copy when they apply. Blank affidavit applications are available at the clerk and recorder's office.
Age Requirements
What are the age-related requirements for marriage?
Aged 18 and over?
If you're aged 18 or over, there are no age-related preconditions for marriage.
Aged 16 and 17?
If you're 16 or 17 years old, you can marry with permission from your custodial parents, a guardian, or a certified court order. Parental consent forms are available at the clerk and recorder's office.
Aged 15 and under?
If you're less than 16 years old, you can marry with a certified court order and consent from your custodial parents or guardian.
Waiting Period
When will I get my marriage license?
Your marriage license will be issued moments after you submit your application. You can marry that same day.
Expiration
How long will my marriage license be good for?
Your marriage license will remain valid for 35 days after issuance. Unused licenses should be returned to the county clerk and recorder.
Identification
What ID must I show when applying?
Bring photo identification to confirm your age, such as a driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card, or military ID card. Some clerks may accept a certified copy of your birth certificate. A few clerks may request your social security card as well.
Must I bring my birth certificate?
Minors must bring a certified copy of their birth certificate.
Blood Test
Do I have to get a blood test?
Premarital blood tests haven't been required in Colorado since July 1, 1989.
Divorced
What if my prior marriage ended in divorce or annulment?
If you've been married before, the vast majority of clerks will want to see a certified copy of your divorce decree, annulment order, or other dissolution document. Any prior cohabitation or civil union must also be dissolved to avoid a felonious bigamy charge.
Widowed
Do I have to bring evidence of my spouse's death?
If you're a widow or widower, you don't need to bring your late spouse's death certificate. Knowing the date and place of death is sufficient.
Witnesses
Should I bring witnesses to my ceremony?
Although you're not required to bring witnesses to your marriage ceremony, up to two witnesses may sign your marriage license after the ceremony.
Name Change
How do I change my name because of marriage?
Your marriage certificate empowers you to change your name as a result of marriage. You can prepare your name change forms online. Start with the SSA, then DMV and passport. Notify government and nongovernment institutions one-by-one until you're done.
License Return
When does my marriage license need to be returned?
Your marriage license must be returned to the issuing clerk and recorder within 63 days after marriage so that it may be recorded. Failure to return on time results in a $20 late fee.
Marriage Certificate
Where can I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
You can buy a certified copy of your marriage license for $1.25 from the same county clerk and recorder's office that issued and recorded your marriage license.
Common-law Marriage
Can I enter into a common-law marriage?
You can establish a new common-law marriage in Colorado as long as you're at least 18 years old.
Cousin Marriage
Can I marry my first cousin?
You are allowed to marry your first cousin.
Proxy Marriage
Can I get married by proxy?
In order to get married by proxy, both of you must be legal adults, and either of you must be a Colorado resident serving overseas in the U.S. armed forces. You must designate on a power of attorney form who will be your stand-in at the ceremony.
The Ceremony
Can I get married in a civil ceremony?
The county clerk and recorder can direct you to judges and magistrates who are authorized to preside over your civil marriage or civil union.
Can we perform our own ceremony?
Colorado law allows you to self-solemnize your marriage ceremony without a judge or officiant present.
Vow Renewal
Can I get a marriage license to renew my vows?
Your vow renewal can be formally recognized by submitting a regular marriage license application. When applying, specify "married" or "married to each other" as your current marital status.
Hello, my name is Lauryn I live in New Mexico and wanted to do a proxy marriage my fiance is currently incarcerated? Can we do a proxy marriage in Colorado or not so much?
Hi Lauryn. Marriage-by-proxy in Colorado is reserved for members of the U.S. military stationed overseas. Furthermore, at least one party to the proposed marriage must live in Colorado.
Hi .. what I need for married 5 July ? The documents ?
Hi Jason. Bring ID, such as a driver's license. If you're divorced, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.
I wanna marry my fiance that is not an American citizen is this a problem or no in Colorado?
Hi Jacob. U.S. citizenship isn't a requirement to get married in Colorado.
Can we have someone at the courthouse marry us?
Hi Chasity. Contact the county clerk and recorder for a referral.
Hello, I want to get married in Colorado but my fiancé is not a US citizen, he is a German citizen. Does he need to bring a certified copy of his birth certificate, that is translated to English with an Apostille, or only his passport? Thank you.
If he's at least 18 years old, his passport alone is enough.
Do I need the signature of a judge or notary after the ceremony, or just my signature and that of my new spouse?
Not if you and your spouse plan to self-solemnize your own marriage ceremony. If that's the case, you'll act as your own officiant.
Hi… can we obtain a marriage license and be married on the same day by a Judge ….
Hi Sylvia. Possible, but not guaranteed, as you'll have to schedule both separately. You may want to get your judge chosen well before you get your marriage license.
Hi, I am from Texas and I am wondering if I need to get my marriage license here before I come to Colorado, or if we can do that there. Also Covid restrictions on marriage licenses? I called my county clerk in Texas and they told me they are not issuing licenses due to Covid.
Hi Russell. You must apply in Colorado, not Texas.
I want to do a destination out side the US. Can my US pastor perform the wedding then file in Colorado where I live?
Hi Ruben. Your marriage must take place in Colorado. If you're referring to something else, please clarify.
I live in Iowa, If we marry in CO will we still be recognized as married in Iowa?
Hi Chelsea. Iowa will recognize any valid out-of-state marriage. So, yes, your Colorado marriage will be seen as legit back home.
Would this also apply of we are from Kentucky getting married in Colorado and self solemnize?
HI Sam. Yes, it would be recognized.
Hello my fiancé wanted to get married at the court house. What do I need to bring? And if he is divorced what do he need to bring. As for my I have my green card what else I need to bring? And how long do it take to get married after the paper work is file?
Make sure you have your appointment booked well in advance.
Identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
A certified copy of his divorce decree.
Good enough.
That's determined by the courthouse schedule and your appointment time. The ceremony itself is quick. A few minutes.
Hello, my fiance is divorced and does not have a copy of the divorce decree. Can we get a copy from the county clerk at the same time we are there to apply for our marriage license?
Hi Arica. First, contact the county clerk to make sure they'll ask for it or waive its presentation. Not all clerks ask to see this. If it's required, you'll have to order a certified copy from the district court or Colorado Department of Health.
Hello! My fiancé and I will be getting married in May 2022. In what time would be a good time for us to file a marriage license? We're planning to go on a cruise for our honeymoon (a day after the ceremony), and since we're a young couple (19 and 20, at the time of wedding), we would need a copy of the marriage license.
Within 35 days of your date of marriage.
My fiance and I both live in CO. We plan a private self soleminization in another state on vacation. Can we apply for CO license or do we have to apply for that states license?
Hi Melissa. Apply in the state where your marriage takes place. Keep in mind, not all states allow self-solemnization.
Hi Im planning on getting married in December, my fiancé is a U.S. Marine and we would would like to do it before leave has to go back to base since all our family in here. The only problem is that I don’t have a passport or any kind of ID just my birth certificate. would that be a problem?
Hi Gaby. Contact the county clerk ahead of time to see if they'll accept a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Hello, can we get married in Colorado if one of us lives in Colorado, but the other lives out-of-state? We both have out-of-state ID cards but will both be present when applying for marriage.
You can get married in Colorado. Where you live is a non-factor.
Hi Marie, as long as you'll be getting married in Colorado, your ID's must be valid and not expired. Otherwise, it's okay if your IDs are out of state.
Hello we wanted to perform our own wedding ceremony but are unsure of how to come up with the marriage certificate in the state of CO since no third party is officiating the marriage.
Please advise. It is very clear how to get the license but not clear how and where to get the marriage certificate if we marry the same day and have to provide for county records.
Hi Akanksha. The certificate of marriage form will come attached to your marriage license. You'll return both the license and certificate to the issuing county clerk and recorder.
After they've recorded it, you can purchase certified copies of your marriage certificate. You should be able to purchase them in advance when applying for your license.
So I have a couple questions me and my husband see each other as common law married but we have no paperwork stating that way are common not married like bills or taxes.
My husband is under guardianship of his mother right now and is starting the process of terminating the guardianship.
His mother hasn't filed the paperwork we were just wondering if she would be able to stop us from getting married and if we were to get married if Colorado is one of the states that terminates a guardianship by marriage.
When you fill out the marriage license application you both must acknowledge on the legal affidavit that neither applicant is under the care of a legal guardian. If you are, their permission is required.
Yes, she can petition the court to dissolve the marriage.
Can we apply for a marriage license and get married (as self-officiant) on the same day?
Hi Mélissa. Yes, you can get your marriage license and hold your ceremony on the same day.
Hello, my fiance is coming from Michigan to California to help me gather my stuff to move to Michigan with him. On the way, we planned to stop in Colorado and get married.
Is it possible to visit there to get married and then mail in the license as it states above later when in Michigan? Also, it says the license is only valid in Colorado, does that mean in Michigan we aren't considered married?
Sure, but make sure you return your marriage license within 63 days after your marriage ceremony to avoid a $20 late fee.
It means a Colorado marriage license is only valid for use to get married in Colorado. You can't use a non-Colorado license to marry in Colorado. Your marriage will be valid throughout the United States.
Hello I am a Colorado resident and my fiancé is incarcerated in Kansas. How would I go about obtaining a marriage license?
Hi Jennefer. Contact the prison administrator or warden to make arrangements.
I am new to Colorado and planning to get married in September 2022, this is a 2nd marriage for both me and my fiancee. Do we both need to have divorce papers with us to get the marriage license? Are appointments required to get the marriage license?
Hi Andrea. You'll want to bring your divorce papers. Appointments may be required, depending on the county office. If you list the county I may be able to provide appointment specifics.
Hi! I am getting married outside of Breckenridge on October 15th. I was wondering can I make an appointment to get a marriage license the day prior?
We are coming from out of state and I know our officiant said we need to apply for a license in Colorado. Thank you!
Yes, but no earlier than three weeks from your application day.
Hello! Me and my fiance want to get married and hopefully do it on May 21st. Do we go to the clerk and recording office first to apply for license? And do that a couple weeks prior? Then where do we go to get it certified on may 21st? I am just confused on this process. Thanks for any help.
Confirm if the office you attend to apply in requires an appointment. If you want a courthouse wedding, inquire if that must be scheduled in advance. You may be able to accomplish both on a walk-in basis.
The office where you obtained your marriage license can provide you certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Is it 35 business days before it expires? Or 35 days total?
Hi Sylvia. It's 35 days total (i.e., calendar days).
If I am divorced, but my ex-husband passed away 3.5 years ago, do I still need to bring a certified copy of the divorce decree?… or death certificate? My son is the best man; he is 14 years old, will he be able to sign as a witness?
You don't need to bring the death certificate. But bring the divorce decree to be safe.
Yes, that's fine.
Hi! I'm trying to marry my fiance but his dad isn't on board, him mom is though. He is 17 turning 18 soon and I am turning 17 this year, can we get married without his parents consent?
Hi Sarah. You'll need to obtain a court order to marry if parental consent isn't given.
Hello, my fiance and I are living in Arizona, but getting married in Colorado where she is from on a Saturday. Is there a way for us to get a marriage license over the phone or by video chat before we get there?
Hi McKay. Do you plan to apply in a specific county?
Hi! We are a foreign couple, living in Europe, thinking of getting married in Colorado and have our two weeks long honeymoon there right after the ceremony.
Reading the infomation and comments I assume there is no obstacles to marry for non-US citizens. My question would be how long after the wedding can we get the marriage certificate? So let’s say we get the license, have our ceremony the same day, and take the documents back to the issuing clerk and recorder. How long will it take to them to issue the certificate?
Is it immediately or takes some time? If we stay only two weeks in Colorado, is it enough time to get the papers or is it possible to have them send it to elsewhere? Thanks for the answer
Correct.
You can make arrangements with the clerk for same-day or next-day issuance.
My daughter has recently moved to MO where her fiancé resides. However, they are getting married 7/23 in Estes. Do they apply for a license in MO or in CO? Thank you!
There's an Estes in Colorado and Missouri, so I'm not sure which you're referencing. If you're talking Estes, Missouri, then your daughter should apply in Missouri. Otherwise, apply in Colorado.
I'm in Adams county. Do I need an appointment for the license or can I walk in? Thank you Janet
Hi Janet. You'll have to make in appointment in Adams County.
Hi, We are non-US citizen couple, living in Canada. We are planning to get married in Colorado. Please advise the requirement to register and legally married in Colorado.
Hi Alfrets. The requirements to marry in Colorado is the same for U.S. citizens and noncitizens. Just make sure you bring photo ID. If you're divorced or widowed, bring certified copies of your divorce decree or prior spouse's death certificate.
My son and his fiancee live in Tennessee and want to get married in Colorado with a mountain scenery. Can any one give me direction on what they need to do to prepare and book a small venue/minister for a private ceremony for just them and their 4 yr old daughter. Nothing fancy or expensive, just beautiful!
Hi Karen. Just search for "Colorado officiants" and you'll find someone for hire. Try to winnow down the search perimeter to someone close to the venue area. They may also contact the venue owner for referrals or recommendations.
Hi there, My fiancé is out of state so we will be using the absentee affidavit. I filled out the online application, but did not see a place to attach the affidavit and copy of his ID. Do I just bring it with me when I go into the clerk's office? Thanks!
Yes, the original or photocopy.
Hello, I plan to get married here in Colorado, I am a resident but my fiancée will be coming into the USA on a K1 fiancée visa. She will not have a green card, or a Social Security number upon arrival. I believe that for her to get the SSN, she needs to marry me first. Is a SSN absolutely required before marriage here? If so, how do we work with that?
The SSN is not required to get married in Colorado.
How much is the fee to have a magistrate perform the marriage at the court house?
Hi Holiday. You'll have to contact the courthouse. The magistrate sets their own fees.
Can I get married without a photo ID? If so, what documents do I need?
Hi Mary. You'll have to contact the county clerk to see if they'll accept alternative ID, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate.
My husband and I got married three weeks ago and our officiant mailed in the signed license right after. How long should it take for us to receive it back? Thanks!
That depends on if you preordered a copy. Once the county clerk and recorder registers your certificate, they're mail you your certificate. It shouldn't take long. If you haven't gotten it around two weeks after recording, you may want to call the office to inquire.
What happens if you don’t receive a marriage license back within the 63 day time frame? For example, gets lost in mail, or you forget, or you thought you sent it…
Surely this type of thing happens? And would this be a reason to have at least one witness? If this happened and we had a witness(es) would it matter?
You can contact the clerk and recorder's office about recording a delayed marriage certificate.
To confirm the marriage took place if contested.
Your officiant's input may be enough to get your marriage recorded. The witness may offer additional vertification if necessary.
Hello me and my fiancé are from Texas. We’re getting married in Colorado Springs CO 80919. We are having a church ceremony an hour after we have our “civil” marriage. However, what if we self solemnize, and our signature is there only?
Would that work to provide to the priest to marry us? Or how would that work?
Hi Miriam. If you self-solemnize, the second ceremony officiated by your priest would be an unofficial ceremony. Your priest wouldn't handle any part of your marriage license.
Hello, my fiance and I are from Texas and are planning on going to Colorado at the end of this month, Feb 2023, to get married. We are looking at one of El Paso County office. Do we need to apply for the license first online? Or can we just walk in and get married the same day?
Hi Gracie. You can apply online for El Paso County. You can also walk in.
My fiancé is not a US citizen. Are we eligible for marriage in CO if she has overstayed a tourist visa?
Hi Jake. AFAIK, Colorado statutes don't reference visas. There is a photo ID requirement. If photo ID is going to be a problem, you can contact the county and recorder's office to see if they'll accept alternative credentials, such as a birth certificate.
Can we just apply for the certificate and sign it and send it in without a ceremony?
Hi Rosemary. "Ceremony" doesn't have much meaning. As long as you say "I do" and sign your certificate, you're married. The ceremony can occur with anywhere with just the two of you. If you don't want an officiant, then you can self-solemnize and sign the license yourselves.
How do I fill out marriage license?
Hi Amy. The county clerk may have an online portal that accepts applications. If not, apply in person.
Hi my sister and her boyfriend want to get married here in Colorado but they are both UK citizens. How could I make that possible for them as the visit me each year as I live here? Would it be valid once they return to England? Please advise me on what i need to help them, thank you.
At best, you could pick up the application from the county clerk and recorder's office. But they must fill it out and file it themselves.
A certified copy of their Colorado marriage certificate will be recognized in England.
Hello,
My partner and I want to elope essentially. I know we do not need an officiant, but do we still need two witnesses?
Also, where can I obtain a certified copy of my dissolution from a past marriage?
Marriage ceremony witnesses are not required in Colorado, whether you self-solemnize or hire a third-party officiant.
You can obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree from the court where your marriage was finalized.
Hello. My fiancé and I are getting married next year on May 31, 2024 in New Mexico. We live in Colorado, so not sure how it works as far as after we get the marriage license here in Colorado and getting married out of state? Do we sign the marriage license we get it here in Colorado or do we wait to sign after our ceremony?
Hi Sarah. Since your marriage will take place in New Mexico, you should get your marriage license from New Mexico, not Colorado.
So could we go a few days before our wedding to get the marriage license in New Mexico? Do we sign it there or not till after our wedding? The thing is my uncle is gonna marry us and he isn't licensed so that is why I am asking about signing it before wedding ceremony or after?
Hi Sarah. Your uncle doesn't have to be licensed to perform your wedding.
Hello,
I would like to get married and my fiancé is currently incarcerated in the Colorado DOC. Can my fiancé apply for a marriage license in absentia?
Also, I am a transgender female. Would I have to go with a civil union rather than a marriage?
Hi Dani. The warden or prison admin will make the arrangements for you and your fiancé. You can pursue either a civil union license or marriage license.