Most Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Licenses... Where can I obtain a marriage license? The license may be applied for during business hours at the Clerk's Office, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. We ask that you try to arrive before 4:00 so we have enough time to complete the application / licensing process. The license is valid for 30 days and there is no waiting period. The license may be used anywhere in the State of Colorado.
How much does it cost to obtain a marriage license? $30.00
What information is required to fill out the application? Requested information for each party includes: name, address, date and place of birth, social security number and name and address of the parents. If either applicant is divorced: the date, place and type of court; if widowed: the date and place of death. Both the bride and groom must complete and sign the marriage license application form. Applicants do not have to be residents of the State of Colorado.
How old does someone have to be before they can get married? Every applicant must provide proof of date of birth. A driver's license, birth certificate and passport are acceptable.
18 and older - No parental consent is required.
16 & 17 - need consent of:
- or parent who has legal custody or decision-making responsibility concerning such matters or with whom the child is living
Under 16 - need consent of:
- or parent who has legal custody or decision-making responsibility concerning such matters or with whom the child is living
Is a blood test required? None required.
Who is prohibited from getting legally married? Per State Statute 14-2-110...
(a) a marriage entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of one of the parties, except a currently valid marriage between the parties; (b) a marriage between an ancestor and a descendant or between a brother and a sister, whether the relationship is by the half or the whole blood; (c) a marriage between an uncle and a niece or between an aunt and a nephew, whether the relationship is by the half or the whole blood, except as to marriage permitted by the established customs of aboriginal cultures. (2) Children born of a prohibited marriage are legitimate. and same-sex couples, per statute 14-2-104... (b) It is only between one man and one woman. Are witnesses required? Witnesses are not required in the State of Colorado; however anyone can sign as a witness on your license if you wish.
Who can perform and legally solemnize a marriage? Technically anyone can perform a ceremony however, NO ONE ELSE CAN SOLEMNIZE A MARRIAGE, EXCEPT FOR:
- clergy (in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination). Clergy from out-of-state need not be registered in Colorado.
- a judge of a court
- a court magistrate
- a retired judge of a court
- a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages
- Indian tribe officials (in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any Indian nation or tribe)
- the parties to the marriage - Couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage. If you wish to solemnize your own marriage, you will be responsible for acquiring, completing and returning the marriage certificate to the Clerk and Recorder's office.
What is required after the ceremony? The person solemnizing the marriage shall complete the marriage certificate form and return it to the County Clerk & Recorder within sixty days after solemnizing.
How do I change my name? Please read our name change guidelines document How do I obtain a regular or certified copy of my marriage license?Click here for more information.
Further questions? Please contact our office 970.920.5180 (#2 at menu prompt) or email janet.haas@co.pitkin.co.us |