Rhiannon Hendricks
Getting married in Colorado requires some paperwork, but the process is relatively straightforward. Couples can obtain a marriage license from any county in Colorado, regardless of their residence or wedding venue. The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue and must be signed and returned to the issuing county within 63 days of the ceremony. This guide will outline the steps to obtaining a marriage license in Colorado, including the required documentation and fees, so you can be sure your special day is legally recognized.
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a wedding certificate in Colorado
In Colorado, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk and Recorder Office. This means that there are multiple places to get a wedding certificate across the state.
Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at their local County Clerk and Recorder Office. In some counties, such as Douglas, appointments may be scheduled 28 days in advance, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). Both applicants must be present, although some counties, including Douglas, allow one applicant to submit an absentee affidavit if they cannot be there in person. In this case, the other applicant must provide the absent party's ID.
If there are no appointments available, couples are advised to try again the following morning. The marriage license is typically valid for 35 days after being issued and must be used within this time frame.
Once the marriage has taken place, the officiant must return the completed marriage certificate to the County Clerk and Recorder's office within 63 days. This can be done by mail and includes a small fee for handling.
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How long is a wedding certificate valid for in Colorado
In Colorado, marriage licenses are valid for 35 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must occur within 35 days of the license being issued for it to be lawfully valid. Couples may apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk's office in any county in Colorado. The license is issued within 20 minutes, and there is no waiting period, meaning couples can get the license and get married on the same day.
Once the marriage license has been signed by all parties involved, it must be returned to the issuing County Clerk's office for official recording within 63 days of the ceremony. The marriage certificate must include the county and location of the marriage, the date of the marriage, the officiating party's signature and title, and the bride and groom's signatures.
To apply for a marriage license, both partners must go to a County Clerk's office on a weekday, and they may require an appointment. Both applicants must be over the age of 18 and provide proof of identification and age. The fee for a marriage license is $30, payable in cash or by debit/credit card.
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What to do after getting a wedding certificate in Colorado
Once you have obtained your wedding certificate in Colorado, there are several important steps you need to take to ensure that your marriage is officially recognized. Here is a detailed guide on what to do after receiving your wedding certificate:
Signing the Certificate
Firstly, you must sign the marriage certificate within 35 days of receiving it. This signing process must be done in Colorado, and both parties must be present to sign the document. If one of the applicants cannot be present, a Marriage License Absentee Affidavit or Civil Union Absentee Affidavit must be completed and notarized.
Returning the Certificate
After the marriage or civil union license has been signed by all parties, it must be returned to the recording office for official recording. This step must be completed within 63 days of the ceremony. The completed certificate should be sent to the appropriate County Recording Department, as specified by the County Clerk's office where you obtained the license.
Fees and Charges
There may be fees associated with obtaining certified copies of your marriage license or application. These fees vary depending on the number of copies requested and the method of delivery. Late-filing fees will also apply if the marriage certificate is not returned within 63 days (or 65 days, according to another source) of the wedding.
Name Change
If one or both parties intend to change their name after the marriage, the name change process can be initiated. The Marriage and Civil Union License Guide, which is provided along with the marriage license, includes name change guidelines to assist you in this process.
Social Security Number Update
If one or both parties decide to change their name, they should also update their Social Security Number (SSN). You can visit the Social Security Administration website or your local Social Security office to update your SSN card.
By following these steps, your marriage will be officially recognized, and you can then proceed with any further plans or name changes as a legally married couple in Colorado.
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Who can solemnize a marriage in Colorado
In Colorado, marriage licenses must be used within 35 days of being issued and returned to the issuing office for official recording within 63 days of the ceremony. The fee for a marriage license is $30.00, payable in cash or by debit/credit card.
Now, let's focus on who can solemnize a marriage in Colorado. In Colorado, there are three types of solemnization: religious, civil, or self-solemnization.
Religious Ceremonies:
For religious ceremonies, officiants must be recognized by the organization that ordained them to lawfully perform marriages in Colorado. The officiant must also sign the license.
Civil Ceremonies:
For civil ceremonies, judicial officiants must be recognized by the State of Colorado to perform marriages and must sign the license with their title. Judges, retired judges, magistrates, and public officials authorized to perform marriages can solemnize a civil marriage. Friends or relatives cannot solemnize a marriage unless they are authorized to conduct a religious or civil ceremony in Colorado.
Self-Solemnization:
Colorado is one of the few states that allow self-solemnization, where couples can legally marry themselves without an officiant or witnesses present. This option provides couples with privacy and the freedom to personalize their ceremony. To self-solemnize, couples must obtain a marriage license from any county clerk's office in Colorado and complete the necessary paperwork. The couple signs the marriage license where the officiant typically would, declaring themselves legally married.
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What to do if you are divorced and need a wedding certificate in Colorado
If you are divorced and need a wedding certificate in Colorado, you must first meet several requirements. These include:
- Providing the date your divorce was finalised and the city, state, and type of court where the divorce took place.
- Paying a fee of $30.00, in cash or via debit/credit card.
- Obtaining a marriage license from any county in Colorado. However, you must return the license to the issuing county.
- Using the license within 35 days of it being issued.
- Returning the completed marriage certificate to the issuing office within 63 days of the ceremony.
Additionally, if you are unable to appear in person when applying for the marriage license, you must complete a Marriage License Absentee Affidavit. This document must be notarised, and you will need to provide a printed copy of the valid identification used for notarisation, along with proof of age for the absent party.
It's important to note that you don't need to be a Colorado resident to apply for a marriage license in the state. Also, witnesses are not required in Colorado, but some clergy, judges, or public officials may request them.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get your wedding certificate as soon as your marriage license has been reviewed and mailed to you. You must sign the certificate in the state of Colorado and then mail it back within 63 days.
A marriage license is valid for 35 days after being issued in Colorado.
If your marriage certificate is not returned within 63 days, contact the office. The Recording Division may not have received the license from the officiating party.
You will need to complete a form and schedule an appointment for a video call for ID verification. You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a current U.S. driver's license.
