Colorado Marriage License Requirements | Courthouse Wedding Guide
Planning a courthouse wedding or civil ceremony in Colorado? This is your complete, verified guide to marriage license requirements — fees, waiting periods, witnesses, age requirements, and everything else you need to know to get legally married in Colorado.
Marriage License Requirements in Colorado (2025)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Fee | $30 |
| Waiting Period | None |
| License Validity | 35 days to use; completed license must be returned within 63 days of ceremony |
| Where to Apply | Any County Clerk and Recorder's office in Colorado |
| Documents Required | Valid government-issued photo ID; Social Security number; parents' legal names and birth states |
| Residency Required | Not required |
| Minimum Age (No Consent) | 18 |
| Minimum Age (With Parental Consent) | Under 18 — contact county clerk's office for specific requirements |
| Witnesses Required | Not required (self-solemnization allowed) |
| Ceremony Cost (Estimate) | $0 if self-solemnizing; varies if using officiant |
What You Need to Know About Getting Married in Colorado
🌟 Colorado allows self-solemnization — couples can legally marry themselves with no officiant and no witnesses. This is rare in the U.S. License is valid for 35 days from issue date. No waiting period. Extremely popular for elopements and mountain weddings.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Colorado Marriage License
- Gather your documents — Valid government-issued photo ID; Social Security number; parents' legal names and birth states. If previously married, bring your divorce decree or death certificate.
- Visit Any County Clerk and Recorder's office in Colorado — both parties must appear in person unless stated otherwise.
- Pay the fee — $30. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, card, money order).
- Observe the waiting period — None. Plan your application date accordingly.
- Use your license within the validity window — 35 days to use; completed license must be returned within 63 days of ceremony.
- Return the signed license — after your ceremony, your officiant (or you, if self-solemnizing) must return the completed license to the issuing office.
Plan Your Colorado Courthouse Wedding with CourthouseCloud
CourthouseCloud is built specifically for courthouse weddings and civil ceremonies. From license guidance to ceremony coordination, we make getting legally married simple, elegant, and stress-free. Start planning your Colorado courthouse wedding today →
Source: Colorado official vital records / court authority. Requirements verified May 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with your local clerk's office before your visit, as fees and rules are subject to change.