Marriage in each county of Colorado is governed by state law. Although some differences exist in each county when applying for a license, the basic rules are the same:
WHO CANNOT MARRY
Those who are still married to someone else, unless you are marrying the same person again, i.e., renewing your vows.
Marriage between an ancestor, descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and uncle, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood is prohibited, (except marriages permitted by the established customs of aboriginal cultures.)
SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Same-sex marriages are prohibited in Colorado. Some cities, including Denver and Boulder, allow registration of committed partnerships. The cost is $25. For details, visit these websites:
For Denver,
For Boulder,
WHO CAN MARRY
– First cousins can marry
– Anyone age 18 or over
– For marriages at ages 16 and 17, both parents must consent, or the legal guardian who has sole, legal custody of the underaged marriage party (proof of custody required).
– For marriages of parties under 16, consent of both parents or the legal guardian is required, plus judicial approval.
WHO CAN MARRY YOU
A marriage may be solemnized by a judge of a court, retired judge, court magistrate, public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages, American Indian tribe officials, clergy (clergy from out-of-state do not need to be registered in Colorado) and YOU. Couples can solemnize their own marriage, but are required to acquire, complete and return the marriage certificate to the county clerk.
WHAT YOU NEED
– Identification with proof of age
– Your current address, and the current addresses of both parties’ parents
– If previously married, the dates and locations of previous spouse’s death or divorce
– $10
WHAT YOU DON’T NEED
– Blood tests or witnesses. Neither are required in the state of Colorado.
– To wait. Licenses can be used any time from issuance up to the 30 days after issuance.
WHERE YOU CAN GET MARRIED
– A license obtained in any Colorado county is valid anywhere in Colorado.
– A marriage license is valid for 30 days. If you get married in a different county from where the license was obtained, the license must be returned to the issuing county’s clerk for recording within 60 days. (Failure to return the license within 60 days may subject you to a fine.)
BEWARE
There are some differences between what various counties require for a marriage license. For example, Denver does not accept birth certificates as a valid form of identification. Denver also only accepts cash for the license fee. Some counties accept checks. Check with the county office in advance for requirements.
Information on obtaining marriage licenses is on these websites:
PITKIN COUNTY (Aspen):
EAGLE COUNTY (Vail):
SUMMIT COUNTY (Keystone and Breckenridge):
DENVER COUNTY:
…
Colorado counties with the most marriage licenses issued last year:
El Paso 5,221
Denver 4,195
Jefferson 3,404
Arapahoe 3,134
Larimer 2,421
Mountain counties with the most marriage licenses issued last year:
Eagle (Vail) – 549
Summit (Breckenridge) – 499
Pitkin (Aspen) – 342
Busiest months for marriages last year:
Statewide:
July 4,234
June 4,054
August 3,998
September 3,744
In busiest counties (El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Larimer):
July 2,223
August 2,184
June 2,058
September. 2,032
In busiest mountain counties (Eagle, Summit, Pitkin):
July 194
September 190
August 180
June 155
– Compiled by Regina L. Avila of the Denver Post Research Library
