Colorado law states that marriage licenses are issued to one man and one woman. Ceremonies must take place in Colorado. Colorado licenses are not valid outside the State of Colorado although the marriage certificate is. Blood tests are not required in the State of Colorado. The license may be used immediately or within 30 days of the date it was obtained, and it may be used anywhere in the State of Colorado only. There is no waiting period to use the license after it is issued to the couple. The fee for a license is $30, and certified copies are $1.25. Licenses should be returned to the Clerk & Recorder’s office within 60 days after the ceremony. Failure to return within 60 days is subject to a fine.
Age
- Age requirements for both bride and groom are the same.
- For ages 18 and over, no parental consent is required.
- For ages 16 and 17, consent of both parents, or the parent or guardian having legal custody, is required.
- For ages under 16, consent of parents or guardian and judicial approval are required.
- Proof of age is required to obtain a marriage license
Application
- Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license and both must sign the application.
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Place of birth
- Your social security number (if you have no social security number, then you must complete an affidavit at the time of application)
- You do not have to be a US citizen to obtain a marriage license
- Names and addresses of parents
Marital status
- if divorced, the date and the court where the final decree was issued must be provided
- If widowed, then the date you were widowed.
Ceremony
A marriage may be solemnized by:
- Judge or retired judge
- Magistrate
- Indian tribe official
- Clergy (out-of-state clergy need not be registered in Colorado)
- Couples may solemnize their own ceremony
- Only the above listed persons can solemnize a couple's vows
- Witnesses are not required in the State of Colorado
Obtaining a copy of your Marriage License