Where to explore and What You Need to Bring

You get a Colorado marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. You do not explore online or through the state — you must go in person to the clerk's office in that specific county. If you are marrying in Denver, you go to the Denver County Clerk. If you are marrying in Boulder County, you go to the Boulder County Clerk's office.

Bring both partners' government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need to bring your Social Security numbers — the clerk will ask for them, and you will provide them on the process form. If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you are under 18, you need written consent from a parent or guardian, and that parent or guardian must be present at the clerk's office.

There is no waiting period in Colorado. You can marry the same day you receive your license, or any day after that, up to 35 days from the date the license is issued. After 35 days, the license expires and is no longer valid.

Key Takeaways

  • explore in person at the county clerk's office in the county where you will marry, not at the state level.
  • Bring both partners' photo ID, Social Security numbers, and any divorce decrees or death certificates if either partner was previously married.
  • Colorado has no waiting period, so you can marry when ready after receiving your license.
  • Your license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue; after that it expires and cannot be used.
  • The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $30 to $50.

The process Form and What It Asks

The clerk will give you an process form to fill out together. The form asks for each partner's full legal name, date of birth, current address, and Social Security number. It also asks whether either of you has been married before, and if so, how that marriage ended (divorce, death, or annulment) and the date it ended.

The form includes a section for the officiant — the person who will perform the ceremony. You can name a specific person (a minister, judge, or other authorized person), or you can leave this blank and add the officiant's name later. Colorado allows many types of officiants: clergy members, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. Some couples also use a friend or family member who has been ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church, though you should confirm with your county clerk that online ordination is accepted in your county.

You do not need to know your officiant's name when you explore. You can fill in that information later, as long as the officiant signs the license before you marry.

Fees and Processing Time

The fee for a marriage license in Colorado varies by county. Most counties charge between $30 and $50. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call your county clerk's office ahead of time to confirm the exact fee and what forms of payment they take.

Processing is when ready. You walk in, fill out the form, pay the fee, and walk out with your license in hand — usually within 30 minutes. There is no background check, no waiting period, and no approval process. As long as you meet the basic requirements (you are 18 or older, or have parental consent; you are not already married; you are not marrying a close relative), the clerk will issue the license on the spot.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

You must be at least 18 years old to marry in Colorado without permission. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry only with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and that parent or guardian must appear in person at the clerk's office with you. Colorado does not allow marriage under age 16 under any circumstances.

The written consent form is provided by the county clerk. A parent or guardian must sign it in front of the clerk. You cannot bring a pre-signed form; the signature must happen at the clerk's office during your process visit.

Who Cannot Marry in Colorado

Colorado law prohibits marriage between certain relatives. You cannot marry your parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew — whether the relationship is by blood or by adoption. You also cannot marry your first cousin once removed (your parent's first cousin).

You cannot marry someone who is already married to someone else. If you were previously married, your prior marriage must have ended by divorce, death, or annulment. The clerk will ask for proof — a divorce decree or death certificate — and will check the records to confirm the prior marriage is dissolved.

You cannot marry someone of the same sex if one of you is under 18, even with parental consent. However, if both partners are 18 or older, Colorado recognizes same-sex marriage with no restrictions.

What Happens After You Receive Your License

Once you have your license, you need to find an officiant to perform the ceremony. The officiant can be a religious leader, a judge, a justice of the peace, or another person authorized by Colorado law. Some officiants are affiliated with churches or courthouses; others are independent. You can search online for "marriage officiant near me" or ask your county clerk for a list of local officiants.

The officiant will sign your license during the ceremony. Both you and your partner must also sign it. After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the county clerk's office — usually within a few days. Once the clerk records it, your marriage is official.

Do not lose your unsigned license before the ceremony. If it is lost or damaged, you will need to return to the clerk's office and request a replacement, which may involve another fee.

County-Specific Differences and Hours

While Colorado state law is the same everywhere, each county clerk's office sets its own hours and may have slightly different procedures. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Some accept walk-ins only; others require you to call ahead or book an appointment online.

Before you go, visit your county clerk's website or call the office directly. Ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, what payment methods they accept, and whether they have any local forms or requirements beyond the state process. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married the same day I get my license?

Yes. Colorado has no waiting period. You can marry when ready after the clerk issues your license, or any day within the 35-day validity period. Some couples get their license and marry the same afternoon.

What if I do not know who will perform the ceremony yet?

You can leave the officiant's name blank on the process. Fill it in later, as long as the officiant signs the license before or during the ceremony. The officiant's name must be on the license before you marry, but you do not need to decide on an officiant before you explore.

Do I need a witness to sign the license?

No. Colorado does not require witnesses. Only you, your partner, and the officiant need to sign the license.

What if my divorce from a previous marriage is not final yet?

You cannot marry until your prior divorce is final. The clerk will ask for a copy of the divorce decree, which proves the divorce is complete. If your divorce is pending, you will need to wait until it is finalized before you can obtain a marriage license.

Can I marry someone from another country?

Yes, as long as they meet Colorado's requirements: they are 18 or older (or have parental consent), they are not already married, and they are not a close relative. They will need a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring any immigration documents they have, and call your county clerk ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.