How to Get a Colorado Marriage License

I last updated this blog on November 27, 2024.

Colorado is the best state to get married in because it’s friggin EASY. 

We have something called self-solemnization, which means you can marry yourself without an officiant or witnesses. Before that though, you’ll need to pick up your marriage license in Colorado. A county issues the document, which basically says you and your partner are allowed to get married. You need to have that for any kind of marriage ceremony, even an elopement. 

Let me break down how to get a Colorado marriage license for you.

How to Get a Colorado Marriage License 101

Most counties, like Denver, will let you complete the marriage license process in-person or online via Microsoft Teams. If you do it online, you HAVE to be in the state of Colorado for your virtual appointment. Because of that, I honestly think it’s easier to just go in person. Make sure you include time to visit a County Clerk’s office ahead of your elopement day!

Here’s how the Colorado marriage license process works.

1. Pick the county in Colorado where you want to get your license from.
   1. Pro tip: Denver County is usually hella busy, so I recommend picking one nearby to avoid a long wait. I’d look at Jefferson, Adams, Douglas, or Arapahoe County for openings.
   2. Important! Arapahoe and Denver County do NOT allow your dog to sign with their paw print. If you’re wondering why the hell that would ever be a thing, pause here and go read more about self-solemnization.
2. Read the marriage license requirements and complete any paperwork the county requires ahead of time. Each county is a little different, so just Google “*Insert County Here* marriage license” to read up on their process.
3. Schedule an appointment. These slots can fill up FAST, so make sure you research how early they release upcoming appointment dates. Denver County opens their schedule seven days in advance, but other counties do 21 days before. My general rule of thumb is to just call the county you want to apply in and ask about appointments.
4. Go in for your appointment with your partner. A marriage license will cost you $30, so make sure you have a payment method with you and your IDs. In and out will take no more than 30 minutes!
5. Sign the marriage license after you say, “I do” and mail it back to the county it was issued in. You can also just drop it off at the courthouse before leaving town.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get a Colorado Marriage License

• Can my dog actually sign my marriage license?
  • Hellllll yes! Because Colorado doesn’t require witnesses, your fur baby can absolutely sign. Bring an ink pad with on your elopement day and we can stamp their paw. Important! Arapahoe and Denver County do NOT allow paw prints.

• Does it matter which County Clerk I go to?
  • No! You can get married in any county, regardless of where your license is from. BUT, after your elopement you need to send the license back or drop it off to whatever county you got it from so they can file it. Getting your marriage license from the county where you’re getting married generally saves a lot of time. If you plan to have your fur baby sign your  license, Arapahoe and Denver County do NOT allow it, so you’ll want to pick a different County Clerk.
    
• What if I married someone before?
  • No biggie, you may just need to provide some more info when you apply. More on that here toward the bottom of the page. Remember, each county is different, so make sure you do your research first.
    
• Do I need an officiant’s signature?
  • Nope! Remember, you can self-solemnize here, which means you and bae will sign your names on the officiant line to make it legal.
    
• Do we need witnesses?
  • Also no. You’ll see two witness lines on your marriage license, but they’re totally optional. You can leave them blank or have someone (like your super cool photographer) sign them – up to you!
    
• Is there a waiting period to get my license?
  • Nope. The day you go in for your appointment is the same day you’ll have it in your possession.

• Can you pick up my marriage license for me?
  • Sorry boo, but no I can’t. This is basically the only part of the wedding planning process I can’t help with. The County Clerk needs you and bae to show up and confirm it’s a consensual marriage. I am always happy to explain the process though!

• Is my marriage legal even though I don’t live in Colorado?
  • Yes! Your marriage license is recognized everywhere.

Of course, your photographer should also be a big resource for you. I’ve helped all of my couples through the process and am always happy to answer questions if you need me.

Bae and I are ready to make it official!