Denver Courthouse

wedding guide

Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Courthouse Wedding in Denver

So you’re ditching the big wedding.

I see you. And I’m here for that.

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LOVE IS LOVE
BLACK LIVES MATTER
SCIENCE IS REAL
TRANS LIVES MATTER
WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

this is important a.f. to me:

but wait

how to get married at the Denver Courthouse

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Return your marriage license

Choose how you want to get married

Decide which location is best for you and bae.

Get your Marriage License Here

If you're dreaming of an intimate, meaningful elopement at the Denver courthouse, you're in the right place. Whether you’re skipping the big wedding altogether or just want to keep things simple and focused on your love, a courthouse ceremony is a beautiful, low-pressure way to get married. As a Denver courthouse wedding photographer who’s been part of dozens of these days, I’ve got you covered with all the logistics, options, and tips you need.

(More on all of this below!)

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

Step 2: Choose How You Want to Get Married at the Courthouse

There are two main ways to get married at the courthouse in Denver:

1. Self-Solemnize
No judge, no officiant—just you two and a pen. Colorado is one of the few states that allows couples to marry themselves legally. You can do this in the building, outside on the courthouse steps, or at a nearby park. Just sign the license and boom: married.

✨ This is perfect for couples who want total privacy or want to keep things super simple.

2. Ceremony with a Judge
Some judges at the Denver City and County Building will perform civil ceremonies in their chambers or designated rooms, but you must schedule this ahead of time. Availability can be limited, so call early if this is the route you want to take. Take a look at some Magistrates who may be available

Step 3: Decide Where You Want to Say Your Vows

Even if you're keeping it official inside the courthouse, you’ve got options for where to make it beautiful and photo-worthy:

Outside the Denver City & County Building: Iconic columns, grand steps, and wide open space—great for photos and gathering a few guests.

Civic Center Park: Just across the street, this space has mountain views, city skyline backdrops, and lush greenery.

Capitol Hill Alleyways & Architecture: Moody, editorial backdrops for a more modern photojournalistic vibe.

Your Airbnb, favorite coffee shop, or local bar: Who says you can’t do something personal before or after?
Before you can get legally married in Colorado, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license from the Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder.

Then you'll need to book an appointment to pick up your license: Appointments are recommended and can be made online through the Denver County Clerk’s website here.

Where:
Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202

What you’ll need:
  • Valid ID for both partners (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • $30 fee (cash, check, or card)
  • You don’t need a witness or officiant—Colorado allows self-solemnization!


Step 4: File Your Marriage License

Once it’s signed, return your license (in person or by mail) to the same office you got it from. You’ll get a certified copy by request, which is what you’ll use to change your name or update records.

Denver County Court

This courthouse is the type of courthouse that comes to mind when you're thinking Courthouse Elopement. Classic vibes with tall columns, big windows, and surrounded by gardens.

If you're looking for a high-end editorial look for your courthouse wedding, this is the location you want.

1437 Bannock St. Denver, CO 80202

Perfect for the couple who values their photographs and setting the vibes HIGH.

Byron White United States Courthouse

In the heart of Denver stands the Byron White Courthouse—serving up classic architectural vibes with an idyllic staircase, grand columns, and a cityscape all around.

If you're looking for city vibes nearby amazing hotels + restaurants, this is the location for you and bae.

1823 Stout St, Denver, CO 80257

Perfect for the couple looking for NYC vibes right here in Denver.

Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse

If you're more of the artsy couple, this courthouse is the most modern of the courthouse options. Surrounded by art, sculptures, and city views. The architecture is centered around beautiful window work and the juxtaposition to the sculpture outside.

520 W. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204

Perfect for the couple who wants to celebrate at the Denver Art Museum afterward.

See photo pacakges

Denver courthouse wedding locations

  • 2 Hours
  • Additional Hours $350
  • Logistics coordination 
  • Styling assistance
  • High Quality Photos
  • 24 Hour Sneaks
  • Simplified High-end experience
  • 4 Week turnaround time

$600 due to reserve your date. Remaining due 2 weeks before your wedding date. This package is not available Saturdays or Sundays.

Denver courthouse photography package

Book your day

$1,500

Is our marriage legal if we don't live in colorado?

Yes! Colorado Marriage is recognized as legal everywhere as long as you return your signed license!

Will our time together include photos around the city?

YES! We will have time for your ceremony + about 45 mins of other photos. I help couples come up with a game plan depending on the vibes they're going for.


What are the next steps?

Fill out my contact form. This form will allow me more insight to guide you through this process! Then an optional initial consult call is scheduled to answer any questions you may have. After this, a contract will be sent as well as an online invoice where you can make the 40% retainer payment & continue making payments until 2 weeks before your wedding day.



Where can we read more reviews?

I collect all reviews on Google. Read them here.





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