How Do I...

...get married in Colorado?

Colorado recognizes both ceremonial and common law marriages.

The marriage ceremony may be performed by

  • a judge
  • a retired judge
  • a magistrate
  • any public official authorized to perform marriages
  • any person recognized as authorized to perform marriages by
    • any religious denomination
    • any Indian nation
    • any Indian tribe

Note: Friends or relatives may only perform the ceremony if they are in the list above.

If one or both parties are under age 18, contact a county clerk and recorder’s office for details on consent you must have. Once you have the proper consent, you will need to follow the same directions as when both parties are over age 18.

Marriage licenses in Colorado are available at various locations. The $30.00 fee MUST BE PAID IN CASH, and is valid for 30 days. Both parties need to be be present and must sign at the time of filing for a marriage license, and must present valid ID and proof of age.

If either party is divorced, the county will require the date and place of the divorce. The divorce MUST BE FINAL. Widows or widowers need to supply the date and place of death of their former spouse.

The legal age without parental consent is 18 for both persons. For marriages of age 16-17, consent of BOTH parents or parent having legal custody (or guardian or judicial approval) is required.

Blood tests are not required in the state of Colorado.

The license must be used within 30 days of the date of issue, and used only in the State of Colorado. License must be recorded within 60 days of marriage date or a fine will be imposed when recorded.

It is best to obtain a copy of your marriage license (or your marriage license application,) to carry with you as proof of marriage for changing your name on your State ID, Driver's License, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and Social Security card. It is best to get your driver's license updated first, as many offices will require documentation and a state ID with your new name before processing a change request.

Marriage licenses can be obtained at any of the following locations:



200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO
970-498-7860 ~ M-F 8:00 - 5:00

205 E. 6th Street, 1st Floor, Loveland, CO
970-679-4526 ~ M-F 8-5

1601 Brodie Ave, Estes Park, CO
970-577-2027 ~ M-F 8-4:30

1402 N. 17th Ave, Greeley, CO
970-304-6530

330 Park Avenue, Fort Lupton, CO
303-857-4635

4209 Weld County Road 24 1/2, Longmont
720-652-4201