How to Get Married in Denver
I have been known to say that Colorado is THE coolest place to get married, but if you really want to take things up a notch? Get married in Denver, Colorado.
Denver gives couples the best of both worlds, the gorgeous mountain views that Colorado is known for, paired with the culture, the restaurants and the energy that we love so much about the city. And when it comes to getting married in Colorado, the legal process is surprisingly simple.
In this guide we are going over everything you need to know about getting married in Denver. From the marriage license to the “I do” and everything in between.
How To Get Married in Denver?
Colorado is one of the easiest places in the US to get married because of the flexibility around wedding ceremonies. One of the biggest reasons? Self-solemnization.
Self-solemnization means you don’t need an officiant to legally marry you. You don’t need a witness either you can simply marry yourselves. It’s crazy how easy this is.
There are four main steps to getting legally married in Denver:
- Apply for your marriage license
- Pick up your marriage license or receive it in the mail
- Decide where and how you want to get married
- Sign and return your marriage license.
Let’s break down the details.
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License in Denver
Before you can get legally married in Denver, Colorado, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license from the Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder. You’ll want to start this process ahead of your wedding day and make sure you are up to date on the current requirements and appointment process before heading into downtown Denver.
Where to Get Your Marriage License In Denver
Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 101
Denver, CO 80202
The county clerk always recommends booking an appointment! You can schedule an appointment via the Denver County Clerk and Recorder’s website here.
What You Need to Get Your Marriage License in Denver:
- 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 2: Plan Your Ceremony
Once you have your marriage license, it’s time for the fun part, deciding what you want your wedding ceremony to look like. This is where Colorado’s marriage laws really rock.
Self Solemnization
If you want to keep things incredibly simple, you can self-solemnize. No officiant. No ceremony led by someone else. Just you and your partner, your marriage licenses and a celebration.
You can make the experience as simple or as elaborate as you want. This is an especially great option for couples who want a private elopement or don’t want their wedding day around a traditional ceremony.
✨ This is perfect for couples who want total privacy or want to keep things super simple.
Have a Friend or Family Member Lead Your Ceremony
Want your favorite person to officiate your wedding without needing them to legally marry you?
You can self-solemnize while having a friend or family member lead the ceremony! You can complete the legal portion yourselves. Or if your friend or family member does want to make it official, they can get ordained and legally marry you.
Hire an Officiant
Of course, you can also hire a professional officiant if you want to go the more traditional route. This can be helpful if you’re having a larger wedding and want someone to guide the ceremony.
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 Get Married in Denver
And now, my favorite part.
Where are you actually going to get married?
One of the best things about getting married in Denver is that you don’t necessarily need a traditional wedidng venue. You can have a courthouse elopement, exchange vows in a park, rent a private space, host an intimate wedding at a restaurant, or plan a whole wedding weekend in the city.
If You’re Eloping
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?
Somewhere with Some Meaning: Your favorite restaurant, the coffee shop you had your first date in, your favorite brewery.
For elopement inspiration check out this rooftop elopement at the Populus in downtown Denver.
If You’re Looking for a Wedding Venue
If you’re looking for space for a few more loved ones to gather, there are a ton of incredible intimate wedding venues throughout the city and surrounding area. Perfect for your epic wedding day.
From historic spaces, to hotel rooftops, to intimate restaurants, there are plenty of options for hosting a small to medium size gathering. If you’re looking for an intimate Denver wedding venue, check out my guide to five intimate wedding venues in and around Denver.
Not to mention Denver airport connects to most of the biggest airports across the country, making it the perfect location for couples who have people flying in from out of town for their wedding day.
Step 4: File Your Marriage License
Once you’ve celebrated with a ceremony and signed your license, you’ll have to make it official with the government. Make sure your marriage license is properly completed and returned.
Your Denver marriage license is only valid for 35 days after the issued date, so you will want to make sure you complete this part of the process! Once your marriage has been officially recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. This is what you’ll use to change your name and update your records.
So, getting married in Denver is really that easy?
Honestly yes, it is that easy. And that’s one of the many reasons I love Colorado weddings. You can get married in the courthouse, a restaurant, on a rooftop downtown or in the park you had your first date. And you don’t have to jump through a million hoops to make it official. That is the beauty of getting married in Denver.
If you’re planning your wedding in Denver and want to build a wedding weekend that screams you, this is your reminder, you’re allowed to create an experience that is completely unique to you.
LET’S START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING WEEKEND
