How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk and Recorder (county level - each of Colorado's 64 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties visit any Colorado County Clerk and Recorder's office in person (license valid statewide regardless of which county issues it)
Both parties present valid government-issued photo ID showing name and date of birth
Provide Social Security numbers for both parties; if no SSN, complete a Sworn Statement Affidavit
Complete the marriage license application
Pay the $30 fee - receive license immediately (no waiting period); can marry same day
The license must be SIGNED (ceremony completed) within 35 days of issuance; if not used within 35 days it is void
Both parties and officiant sign the completed Marriage Certificate
Return the completed Marriage Certificate and Marriage License to the issuing County Clerk within 63 days of the ceremony; may be mailed using the return envelope provided; late fees up to $50 may apply if returned late

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID); must show name and date of birth; ID in a language other than English requires certified translation
Social Security numbers for both parties (or completed Sworn Statement Affidavit if no SSN)
If previously married: date prior marriage ended (no paperwork required in most counties; must be legally divorced or widowed before applying)
If 16-17 years old: court order or parental consent required

Fee

$30 statewide (statutory fee); some counties may add convenience fees for card payments or bundle certified copies; verify payment methods with your specific county - some counties cash/check only

Waiting Period

None - license issued immediately; can marry same day LICENSE VALIDITY: Must be used (signed) within 35 days of issuance - no extensions; void after 35 days RETURN DEADLINE: Completed certificate must be returned within 63 days of the ceremony; late fees up to $50 apply

Online Option

Some counties offer online pre-application (Jefferson County, Denver, others); final process must be completed in person; check your specific county's website

Where to Go

Any Colorado County Clerk and Recorder; license valid statewide but must be returned to the issuing county

County-specific variations apply

Payment methods vary by county - some accept cash/check only; others accept cards with or without a convenience fee. Some counties require appointments (especially in peak summer wedding season); others accept walk-ins. Check your specific county's website before visiting. Some counties allow one party to apply with a notarized absentee affidavit plus ID copies for the absent party - verify with your county.

Colorado Notes

Important state-specific details

COLORADO SELF-SOLEMNIZATION: Colorado is one of very few states that allows couples to marry themselves without any officiant - the couple signs the marriage certificate directly, with no third party required. This makes Colorado extremely popular for elopements and destination weddings.
No witnesses required in Colorado (for most counties; verify with your specific county).
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may obtain a Colorado marriage license.
PROXY MARRIAGE: Colorado allows proxy marriage in limited circumstances - typically for military members deployed overseas; one party may be represented by a proxy.
Colorado recognizes common-law marriage (for marriages entered before September 1, 2006, or after with both parties meeting requirements); common-law marriages after September 1, 2006 require mutual agreement and conduct as a married couple.
Certified copies of marriage records: available from the County Clerk and Recorder who issued the license; fees typically $1.25-$20 depending on county.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Colorado Secretary of State (general info) - sos.colorado.gov; County Clerk and Recorder (varies by county)