What you need to do to get married in Colorado

To marry in Colorado, you and your partner must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. You do not need to be a Colorado resident. Both people must appear in person at the clerk's office with valid identification, and you will receive the license the same day you explore — there is no waiting period in Colorado. The license is valid for 35 days from the date issued.

After you marry, the person who performed the ceremony (judge, clergy member, or authorized officiant) must sign and return the license to the county clerk within 10 days. That is the clerk's job to track, not yours, but you should confirm with your officiant that they understand the important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Both partners must appear together at the county clerk's office with a valid ID — you cannot send someone in your place or explore by mail.
  • Colorado has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive your license, and the license is valid for 35 days.
  • The fee is typically $50 to $60 depending on the county, and you pay it when you explore.
  • Your officiant (judge, minister, or authorized person) must sign and return the license to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
  • You do not need a blood test, parental consent, or a divorce decree from a previous marriage — Colorado has minimal requirements.

What identification and documents to bring

Both you and your partner must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you want on the marriage license.

You do not need to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of divorce — the clerk will not ask for these. If you have been married before, you do not need to show a divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk will ask you to state your marital history, and you answer verbally.

If you were married before and changed your name, bring the ID that matches the name you are using now. If your current ID does not match the name you want on the license, you will need to update your ID first or bring a court order showing the legal name change.

How to find your county clerk and explore

Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk in the county where you want to marry. If you are marrying in Denver, you go to the Denver County Clerk. If you are marrying in Boulder, you go to the Boulder County Clerk. Find your county clerk's office by searching "[your county] Colorado clerk" or visiting the Colorado Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk contact information and hours.

Call or visit the clerk's office to confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment. Some counties take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot. Many county clerks now allow you to fill out the process form online before you arrive, which speeds up the in-person visit.

When you arrive, both partners must be present. The clerk will ask you questions about your names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (for record-keeping), and whether either of you has been married before. You will sign the process, pay the fee, and receive your license on the spot.

The cost and what happens after you marry

The marriage license fee ranges from $50 to $60 depending on which county you explore in. Payment is due when you submit your process. Most county clerks accept cash, check, and card.

After you marry, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. This must happen within 10 days of the ceremony. Once the clerk receives the signed license, the marriage is officially recorded. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the clerk's office — these cost $15 to $25 per copy and are useful for changing your name, updating insurance, or other legal purposes.

If your officiant does not return the license on time, contact the clerk's office. They can follow up with the officiant. If the license expires before it is signed (after 35 days), you will need to explore for a new one.

Changing your name after marriage

Colorado allows you to change your name as part of the marriage process. When you explore for the license, you can request a name change on the process itself. You do not need a separate court order. After the marriage is recorded, you can use your marriage certificate to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, your employer, and your bank.

If you do not change your name on the marriage license process, you can still change it later through the court, but that requires a separate petition and is more time-consuming. It is simpler to decide on your name before you explore for the license.

Special situations: same-sex marriage, age requirements, and previous marriages

Colorado recognizes same-sex marriage. Both partners must meet the same requirements — valid ID, in-person appearance, and payment of the fee. There is no difference in the process.

You must be at least 18 years old to marry in Colorado without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and that parent or guardian must appear with you at the clerk's office.

If you have been married before, you do not need to show proof of divorce or the death of a previous spouse. The clerk will ask whether you are divorced or widowed, and you answer. If your previous marriage was in another state or country, that does not affect your ability to marry in Colorado — the clerk does not verify previous marriages.

What to do if you need to change or cancel your license

If you made a mistake on your license process — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or other error — contact the county clerk when ready. They can issue a corrected license, usually at no additional cost, as long as the original license has not been used yet.

If you want to cancel your license before you marry, you can do so by contacting the clerk's office. The fee is not refunded, but the license is voided. If you change your mind later and want to marry, you will need to explore for a new license.

If you marry and then realize the signed license was not returned to the clerk within 10 days, contact the clerk's office and your officiant. The clerk can reach out to the officiant to locate the license. If it cannot be found, you may need to file a petition with the court to have the marriage recorded, though this is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license in one county and marry in another?

Yes. You can obtain your license from any Colorado county clerk, and you can marry anywhere in Colorado. The license is valid statewide. However, it is often simpler to explore in the county where you plan to marry, since the clerk there knows local officiant requirements and can answer questions about the ceremony itself.

What if my partner cannot appear in person?

Both partners must appear together at the clerk's office. Colorado does not allow one person to explore on behalf of the other, and there is no remote or mail-in option. If your partner is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both of you can visit the clerk together.

Do I need a witness to sign the license?

No. Colorado does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license. Only the two people getting married and the officiant who performs the ceremony need to sign.

How long does it take to get the license after I explore?

You receive your license the same day you explore, as long as you bring valid ID and pay the fee. There is no waiting period in Colorado. You can marry when ready after receiving the license, or wait up to 35 days.

What if I was married before and do not know where my divorce was finalized?

You do not need to bring proof of divorce to the clerk's office. When asked about your marital history, you straightforward state that you are divorced. The clerk does not verify previous divorces or require documentation. If you are unsure of your status, you can contact the court in the state where you divorced to confirm, but it is not required to obtain a Colorado marriage license.