How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado
To get legally married in Colorado, you must apply for a marriage license at a county Clerk & Recorder’s office. In El Paso County, the license costs $30, is valid for 35 days, and must be returned within 63 days after the ceremony. You’ll need valid ID, proof of age, and both partners (or one with an absentee affidavit) to apply. Colorado allows self-solemnization, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses.
Step 1: Know the Basic Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet Colorado’s marriage license requirements:
- Age: Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- If you are 16 or 17, you’ll need a court order for approval.
- Under 16 is not permitted to marry in Colorado.
- Residency: You do not need to be a Colorado resident. Couples from out of state can apply.
- Marital status: You cannot be currently married. Divorces must be final before applying.
- Prohibited relationships: Marriages between close relatives (siblings, parents, uncles/aunts, nieces/nephews) are not allowed. First cousins, however, may legally marry in Colorado.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS to these requirements. The original or certified court order must be presented at the time of applying for a marriage license.
Step 2: Gather the Right Documents
When you apply, bring the following:
- Valid photo ID (one of the following):
- State driver’s license or ID card
- Passport
- Military cards
- Birth certificate (with certified English translation if not in English)
If previously married:
- If either party has been divorced, he or she must recite the date the divorce was finalized, city and state divorce took place, and the type of court. A divorce decree is not needed to complete the marriage application.
If one party cannot appear:
- Complete an Absentee Affidavit (notarized) and bring it with the applying partner.
Please not that these are NOT valid forms of ID:
- City and county detention center ID cards
- Novelty ID cards
- Souvenir birth certificates (issued by hospitals)
Step 3: Complete the Application
Apply online first through the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder website. This saves time when you arrive in person.
Both partners must appear in person at a Clerk & Recorder office, unless one has an Absentee Affidavit.
Step 4: Visit the Clerk & Recorder’s Office
You do not need an appointment. Walk-in during business hours:
Main Office (Colorado Springs):
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
North Office (Union Town Center):
- Saturday hours, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring your IDs, completed application, and $30 payment.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
- Marriage license fee: $30
- Accepted payment: Cash, credit card, or debit card
Step 6: Use the License
Validity: The license is good for 35 days from issuance.
Ceremony flexibility: Colorado allows:
- Religious or civil ceremonies
- Judges, magistrates, or clergy as officiants
- Self-solemnization (you can marry yourselves with no officiant or witnesses required)
This makes Colorado one of the easiest states for couples who want a simple, no-fuss ceremony.
Step 7: Return the License
After the ceremony:
The completed license must be returned to the Clerk & Recorder’s Office within 63 days.
It can be mailed or dropped off in person.
Late submissions may be charged a $20 fee, plus $5 for every additional day after which may be assessed for each late day up to a MAXIMUM of $50.00.
You may return completed marriage license to:
El Paso County Recording Department
P.O. Box 2007
Colorado Springs, CO 80901-2007
Marriage licenses must include the county and location where the marriage took place, the date of the marriage, the officiating party’s signature and title and the bride and groom’s signatures.
Pet paw prints are no longer allowed in the witness section of marriage licenses, as it creates issues with the copy and scanning machines.
Pro Tip: Before mailing your license, take a clear photo of the completed document. If it gets lost in the mail, you’ll have a record of the details to make the replacement process easier.
Step 8: Get Certified Copies
Once your license is recorded, you can request certified copies for:
- Changing your name with Social Security and DMV
- Updating insurance, banking, or tax documents
Certified copy fee: $1.25 per copy (varies by county).
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Apply early, but not too early: Remember your license expires in 35 days.
- Don’t forget the Absentee Affidavit if one partner can’t be present.
- No witnesses are legally required, but you can still include them if you’d like a signature for sentimental reasons.
- Colorado does not require blood tests or waiting periods. You can marry the same day you get your license.
FAQs
How much does a marriage license cost in Colorado?
$30 in El Paso County and most counties statewide.
Do we need to be Colorado residents?
No. Couples from out of state can apply and marry in Colorado.
Can we marry ourselves in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado allows self-solemnization. No officiant or witnesses are required.
How long is the license valid?
35 days from issuance.
What if we miss the 63-day return deadline?
You may pay a late fee of $20, plus $5 per day after.
Can same-sex couples apply?
Yes. Colorado law recognizes same-sex marriages equally.
Can a pet or child “sign” the license?
No. Paw prints or novelty witness marks are no longer accepted.
Marriage in Colorado with Complete Weddings + Events
Getting a marriage license in Colorado is simple compared to many states. With no residency requirement, no waiting period, and the option to self-solemnize, it’s a flexible and couple-friendly process. As long as you bring the right documents, pay the $30 fee, and return the license on time, you’ll be set.
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