marriage license information

   

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Application For Marriage License

Applicants for a marriage license need not be Colorado residents.  Both parties must apply in person-the man and woman must complete and sign the license application form.  Affidavit applications are available when one party is not able to come directly to the office.

In 1973, Colorado adopted the Uniform Marriage Act, which stated: "A marriage between a man and a woman licensed, solominized, and registered as provided in this Article is valid in this state."  C.R.S. 90-1-4(1973).

Satisfactory proof that each party to the marriage will have attained the age of eighteen years at the time the marriage license becomes effective, or if over the age of sixteen years but has not attained the age of eighteen years, has the consent of both parents or guardian, or judicial approval if under sixteen years of age. CRS 14-2-106(I)

Only Secure and Verifiable Identity Documents will be acceptable as ID.  A "secure and verifiable document" means a document issued by a state or federal jurisdiction or recognized by the United States government and that is verifiable by federal or state law enforcement, intelligence, or homeland security agencies.  CRS 24-72.1-102(5)

Identity Documents-Verifiable. (1) A public entity that provides services shall not accept, rely upon, or utilize an identification document to provide services unless it is a secure and verifiable document. (2) A public entity that is issuing and identification card, license, permit, or official document shall not authorize acceptance of an identification document, nor shall a public official acting in an official capacity accept an identification document before issuing such documents, unless such identification document is a secure and verifiable document.  CRS 24-72.1-103.

Acceptable Forms of ID for issuance of a Marriage License

Social Security Numbers are required pursuant to CRS 14-2-105, in addition to the following:

Documents that WILL NOT be accepted to issue a Marriage License

Ceremonies

Couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage (Colorado Revised Statute 14-2-109). Marriage can also be solemnized by judges, retired judges, magistrates, public officials authorized to perform marriages, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by a religious denomination or Indian Tribe or Nation. Not anyone can solemnize a marriage. Although the couple may solemnize their own marriage, that does not mean a friend or relative can also solemnize their marriage. Clergy from out-of-state need not be registered in Colorado.

Recording the Marriage License

After the original marriage license has been signed by all parties involved, it must be returned to the County Clerk's Office who issued it within 60 days after the marriage. After this process has been completed the original marriage license will be returned to your home address for you to keep as a permanent record. For circumstances requiring documentation of your marriage license, a certified copy may be obtained from the County Clerk's Office, which issued the license for $3.00 a copy.

Licenses

The license may be issued during normal working hours of the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, Monday through Friday (except for legal holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The license may be obtained anywhere within the State of Colorado.