Colorado Marriage License Guide: How to Get Married in Colorado
- Bobak Radbin
- Jul 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 17
If you’re planning an elopement or wedding anywhere in Colorado, one of the very first things you’ll need is a Colorado marriage license. Colorado is one of the easiest states in the country to get legally married, which is exactly why it’s such a popular destination for elopements.
This Colorado marriage license guide explains how the process works statewide, what stays consistent across all counties, and how it fits seamlessly into real elopement days like Halle and Clay’s Garden of the Gods elopement in Colorado Springs.
How a Colorado Marriage License Works (Statewide Rules)
Colorado marriage license laws are set at the state level, meaning the core rules are the same no matter which county you apply in.
Both partners must apply together in person at a county clerk and recorder’s office.
You’ll need a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. If either partner has been previously married, you only need to know the date your last marriage ended. Divorce paperwork is not required.
The marriage license fee is $30 statewide.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in Colorado is that there is no waiting period. Your license is valid immediately, which makes Colorado ideal for elopements and destination weddings.
A Colorado marriage license is valid for 35 days from the date it is issued and can be used anywhere in the state.
County Differences You Should Know About
While the rules are consistent statewide, counties manage their own offices and appointment systems.
For example, couples eloping in Colorado Springs will apply through El Paso County, while couples eloping in places like Breckenridge, Estes Park, or Telluride will apply through their respective counties.
Some counties require appointments, others allow walk-ins depending on the season, and office hours can vary slightly.
The key thing to know is this:
You can obtain your marriage license in any Colorado county and legally get married anywhere in Colorado.
That flexibility is one of the reasons eloping here is so simple.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most flexible states in the country when it comes to officiating a wedding.
You can have a judge, clergy member, or ordained officiant perform the ceremony. You can also have a friend or family member officiate if they are legally ordained.
Colorado also allows couples to self-solemnize, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses. This is a huge reason Colorado is so popular for intimate elopements.
Halle and Clay chose to keep their ceremony deeply personal and centered entirely on their connection, which is exactly why self-solemnization resonates so strongly with couples eloping in Colorado.
Signing and Returning Your Colorado Marriage License
After your ceremony, the marriage license must be completed and returned to the county clerk’s office that issued it.
If you self-solemnize, you will sign the license yourselves. If you have an officiant, they will complete their section.
The completed license must be returned within 63 days of the ceremony.
Once processed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes, insurance, and legal documentation.
Why Colorado Is One of the Best States to Elope
Colorado offers an unmatched combination of legal simplicity and natural beauty.
From red rock formations to alpine lakes and mountain peaks, couples can create a wedding day that feels adventurous, meaningful, and entirely their own.
If you’re still exploring locations, you can find inspiration in my guide to Best Places to Elope in Colorado or dive deeper into planning with my full Colorado Elopement Guide.
A Real Garden of the Gods Elopement
Halle and Clay’s Garden of the Gods elopement in Colorado Springs is a perfect example of how simple and meaningful getting married in Colorado can be.
They focused on what mattered most: being present, sharing vows surrounded by nature, and celebrating their commitment without pressure or expectations. As the light moved across the red rocks, their ceremony felt intimate, joyful, and deeply personal.
Halle later shared this review, word for word:
“Absolutely loved our time taking pictures with Bobak. It was so enjoyable, fun, and the perfect scenery. Very personable and made the experience so much more fun than just taking pictures!” – Halle
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