Colorado Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Colorado: $30 license fee, None waiting period, 35 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk and Recorder.
Colorado Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Colorado?
A marriage license in Colorado costs $30. This is the standard fee charged by the County Clerk and Recorder when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Colorado's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Colorado does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk and Recorder
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk and Recorder in any Colorado county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $30 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Colorado issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Colorado: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and religious leaders. Judges, magistrates, and public officials authorized by law. Colorado also allows self-solemnizing marriages, meaning no officiant is needed at all.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk and Recorder (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Colorado law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Colorado
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Colorado counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk and Recorder.
Out-of-state couples
Colorado has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk and Recorder with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Colorado following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Colorado on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Self-uniting option
Colorado allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is required. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and religious leaders. Judges, magistrates, and public officials authorized by law. Colorado also allows self-solemnizing marriages, meaning no officiant is needed at all.
Common law marriage
Colorado recognizes common law marriage. Couples can establish a legal marriage by living together as spouses, presenting themselves publicly as married, and intending to be married, without a license or ceremony in some cases.
Important Colorado Notes
Who Can Officiate in Colorado
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and religious leaders. Judges, magistrates, and public officials authorized by law. Colorado also allows self-solemnizing marriages, meaning no officiant is needed at all.
Good to Know
Colorado is one of the few states that recognizes common law marriage and allows self-solemnizing (self-uniting) marriages. Couples can legally marry themselves without any officiant or witnesses.
Colorado Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Colorado drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Clerk and Recorder
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $30 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
First dance
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Colorado Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Colorado marriage license costs $30. The fee is paid at the County Clerk and Recorder when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Colorado has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Colorado marriage license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Colorado accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Clerk and Recorder.
No. Colorado does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Colorado does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk and Recorder as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Colorado a popular destination wedding state.
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