Marriage FAQ's
Marriage License FAQ’s
Marriage licenses are available from the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s office located in Bodo at 98 Everett Street Ste C Durango, Monday through Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm.
How do I obtain a marriage license?
To receive a license you both need to come into the Clerk’s office a fill out an application. You will need to provide United States government issue identification, such as a valid driver’s license or Passport and you will need to know your social security numbers. It is also helpful to know what state both sets of parents currently reside and both mothers’ maiden names.
Is there a waiting period?
No. There is no mandatory waiting period between obtaining the license and getting married. The marriage license will be issued to you the same day you fill out the application. It is a first come, first serve basis.
If my future spouse is unable to make it into the office, can I still obtain a license?
Yes. Please contact the Clerk’s office (970) 382-6281 or 382-6283 and ask for an Absentee Affidavit Application for a Marriage License or click the link below. The affidavit must be completed by the individual who cannot come into the office. This form must be notarized and must be accompanied by a copy of the absent individuals driver’s license and social security card. The present party will submit this information when applying for a marriage license.
If my future spouse is out of the state or country and is unable to make it to Colorado to solemnize the marriage, can I still obtain a license?
Yes. Please contact the Clerk’s office (970) 382-6281 or 382-6283 and ask for an Authorization of Marriage by Proxy form or click the link below. This Proxy form must be completed by the individual who cannot make it into the state of Colorado. This form must be notarized and must be accompanied by an Absentee Affidavit. The present party along with a third party proxy, designated on the proxy form, will submit this information when applying for a marriage license. Reference C.R.S 14-2-109(2).
If my future spouse or I do not have a social security number, can we still obtain a license?
Yes. You must complete an Affidavit of no Social Security Number. This document must be notarized and must accompany the individual when applying for a marriage license. You can pick up this form at the Clerk’s office or click the link below. You must be able to provide valid United States government issued identification, such as a driver’s license along with this Affidavit.
Note: If you are a non citizen with a Passport you do NOT need this affidavit to apply for a marriage license. Your Passport is the only identification needed.
No Social Security Number Affidavit
If I am under age 18, can I still get a marriage license?
If you are under 18, you will need to provide a parental consent form. You can pick up this form at the Clerk’s office or click on the link below.
If you are under 16, you will need to obtain a court order to be eligible for a marriage license. (970) 247-2304
How much is a marriage license?
A marriage license is $30.00 cash or check.
Is a blood test required to get married in Colorado?
No. Blood tests are not required in the state of Colorado.
When is the earliest I can come in to obtain a license?
You must use the license within 30 days after it is issued. So if you are getting married June 5th than you want to come in no earlier than May 5th.
Can I get a marriage license in Colorado and get married in another state?
No. You must obtain a license in the state you plan to marry. Marriage licenses issued through this office can only be used in the state of Colorado.
If I have been previously married, what information is required?
You will need to know the state you were divorced in as wells as the date (DD/MM/YEAR) your divorce was finalized. You do not need to provide your divorce papers.
How do we actually “get married”?
There are three ways to marry in this state:
Judge or a Magistrate (970) 247-2304. You will need to make your own arrangements.
A person of the cloth such as a Deacon, Minister, Priest, etc. You will need to make your own arrangements.
Self marriage. You can perform the ceremony yourselves by signing the marriage license as the officiant as well as the bride and groom.
Does Colorado recognize Common Law marriages?
Yes and is 1 of 12 states to do so. Please contact the Clerk’s office (970) 382-6281 or 382-6283 and ask for a Common Law Marriage Affidavit or click the link below. This Affidavit must be notarized and must be filed as a public record in the Clerk's office (recording fees apply). For more information please click the Common Law Marriage Information sheet below.
Common Law Marriage Information Sheet
Contact information:
Weddings in the Courthouse
Judge Minot (970) 247-2004
Judge Dickinson (970) 247-2304
Judge Lyman (970) 247-2304
Weddings outside the Courthouse
Judge Linda Boulder (970) 385-5798
Judge Diane Krass (970) 259-4377
Magistrate Monte Mohr (970) 259-5102
River House Bed & Breakfast
Crystal Carrell (970) 247-4775
Chessa Gill- Minister (970) 259-7133
Cheri Kelly- Officiant (970) 749-6901
