Get A Colorado Marriage License: The Easiest Step-By-Step
Once your license is signed and recorded with the County Clerk, it’s legal! Photo: Grace Gatto
Hi there, I’m Lisa Hunter - I’ve been officiating weddings in Colorado since 2013 and have signed more than 1,000 (yes, really!) marriage licenses.
This page has the answer to every question about getting legally married in Colorado, plus an easy step-by-step to guide you from start to finish.
First, the #1 piece of advice that I tell all my couples:
Because County Clerks’ rules and regulations can change at any time, and rules can vary between counties, use this guide as a helpful overview, choose a County Clerk and then always visit their website since they are the final authority on your license’s rules.
Photo: Colorado Photographer Squad
QUICK FACTS & FAQ’s
Here are answers to all the common Colorado marriage license questions…
Where do I get my license? Which County Clerk do I go to?
You can get your license at any County Clerk in Colorado and use it to get married in any county in Colorado, you just have to make sure to return it to the clerk you got it from. For the County Clerk nearest you, google “map of Colorado Counties” to get a visual sense, then use my list of all Colorado clerks (at the end of this page) to visit their website.
How much is a marriage license in Colorado?
The cost of a Colorado marriage license is $30.
Can you get married on the same day in Colorado?
You can get married on the same day that you obtain your license or within 35 days of obtaining the license.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Colorado?
Make an appointment or walk-in at the closest County Clerk and they’ll make your license on the spot. You can use the license immediately.
What do you need for a marriage license in Colorado?
To get a Colorado marriage license, you’ll need to go together to the County Clerk, pay $30 and show your ID like a driver’s license or birth certificate, plus there are other forms of ID accepted - call the County Clerk to find out the I.D. they accept.
If one of you is not able to be there in person, there is by-proxy paperwork that you can fill out. There are also a few County Clerks who offer online appointments.
Can anyone marry you in Colorado?
Colorado is one of the easiest states to get married because most anyone can marry you: a friend or family member can get ordained online and officiate… or you can “self-solemnize” by signing the license yourselves… or a professional officiant or judge or other official (see each Clerk’s list of qualified people) can marry you.
What makes you legally married in Colorado?
You’re legally married in Colorado when your marriage license is signed, has been returned to the county clerk within 63 days of signing it, and the county clerk has recorded it, which makes it the finalized marriage certificate.
Can you get married in Colorado without witnesses?
You can get married in Colorado without witnesses. You do need to have an officiant, qualified official or ordained friend/relative sign, or self-solemnize with your own signatures, but no one additional is needed. However, there are two lines for witness signatures if you’d like anyone to witness for posterity.
Can my dog sign my Colorado marriage license?
Yes, your dog can “sign” your marriage license as a witness with a paw print, but heads-up that some County Clerks do not allow this. Make sure to call ahead to verify that you’re using a County Clerk that allows it.
Can you get married in Colorado if you are from out of state?
Yes, you can get a marriage license in Colorado even if you’re from out of state, and a signed Colorado marriage certificate recorded by a Colorado County Clerk is valid in any of the 50 states.
Can you get married in Colorado if you’re from outside the U.S?
Yes, you can get married in Colorado even if you’re from another country. Pick a County Clerk, contact them and ask what you need to bring, plus also check with your own country for what you need to do to make it valid there.
How can I get a Colorado marriage license online?
To get a Colorado marriage license online, find one of just a few County Clerks who offer online appointments. Check websites to see who lists online appointments as an option. *Some clerks also require that in order to have an online appointment, you need a Colorado address for them to mail you the license.
SPECIAL NOTE: Whether you’re having a classic wedding or an elopement, you’ll obtain the same marriage license paperwork in Colorado.
The Easiest Step-By-Step To Get Your Marriage License In Colorado
Photo: Tayler CarlisleHundreds of my couples have used these steps from my comprehensive Marriage License How-To’s document to successfully obtain and record their license…
Give yourself time
I recommend to get your license at the very latest the day before your date (e.g. getting married on Saturday, then get your license at the latest on Friday), or you can get your license up to 35 days before your date and when you sign it (after that it expires).
Schedule a marriage license appointment with a County Clerk
Most clerks have online scheduling calendars, and some allow walk-ins. In Colorado, you can get a license at any County Clerk and get married in any county, so pick the clerk nearest you.
Double-check everything
I always tell my couples to call the clerk to confirm the I.D. they want you to bring, and all other rules, since rules can change and they can differ from clerk to clerk.
Fill out the marriage license application
These are typically on the clerk’s website, or you’ll fill one out in person.
Have your appointment
Fill out the clerk’s online application, go to your appointment with $30 and the appropriate I.D. and they will issue your license right there on the spot.
Bring the license on your wedding day
The clerk includes instructions to sign with an officiant or by self-solemnizing. Follow those instructions, or if you have an officiant, they’ll guide you.
Record your license
Give the license to your officiant to mail to the County Clerk who will record it, then they’ll mail the recorded certificate to your home address. Or, take the it back to the clerk yourselves, and if they’re not too busy, they’ll record it right on the spot. Once it’s recorded, it’s LEGAL!
Other Local Tips That Are Great To Know
Photo: Colorado Photographer SquadHaving a friend or family member officiate
The minimum requirement in Colorado is that they be ordained by an online ordination organization (find these with a quick Google), and that they sign your license with an official title like “Reverend” or “Minister”. Ask the ordaining organization for the title to use. Colorado County Clerks don’t typically ask for paperwork confirming ordination, they just require that the officiant signs with an official title, but always double-check since different clerks can have different rules.
Same sex marriage
Same sex marriage is supported here in Colorado and there are even some County Clerks who have licenses with a rainbow border if you want one. How cool is that?
How to get a certified copy of a Colorado marriage license
When you get your license, you can pay ahead for certified copies of the marriage certificate - these are $1.25 per copy and are used for various legal purposes, like changing your name, spousal benefits and more. When the clerk receives your signed license, they’ll record it and mail you or give you (if in person) the official marriage certificate and certified copies.
Divorced, widowed or dissolved marriage
If you’ve been divorced or have dissolved a marriage, you’ll need to provide the date and location of recording - but always check with the County Clerk about what paperwork you’ll need to provide because requirements can vary from clerk to clerk.
BONUS INSIDER TIP:
Some Colorado licenses have pretty gold foil seals
Some of the County Clerks have licenses with gold foil stamps on them rather than just a black stamp. The ones with gold foil are especially pretty!
A couple signs a license with a gold foil seal. Photo: Alchemy Creative
List Of All Colorado County Clerks & Their Websites
Google “map of Colorado counties” to see what which counties are nearest to you. You can obtain a Colorado marriage license in any county and use it to get married in any county. Just return the license to the clerk you obtained it from in order to have it legally recorded.
And since you’re getting married in Colorado, I invite you to check out my:
Wedding Officiant Services
Colorado Elopement & Micro Wedding Packages
Hey, it’s Officiant Lisa! Check out my wedding officiant services if you’re getting married at a venue, or my elopement packages if you’re eloping or having a micro wedding. There’s also my Heart & Soul Officiant Kit if you’re having a friend or family member officiate for you.
Selfie with Chad & Nick just after they signed their license ❤️
Or reach out to me now using the handy form below.
I’ll send info about working with me, plus we can hop on a call to see if we’re a fit.
Can’t wait to get to know you!