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STATE OF COLORADO
MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION

In accord with the requirements below, a license to marry in Colorado may be obtained during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder, located in the county seat of each county.  The license is valid for thirty days after its issuance, and  may be used anywhere in the State.   The fee is $30.00.
 

AGE:

 

 

The age requirements for both the bride and groom are the same - for ages 18 and older, no parental consent is required.  For marriages at ages 16 and 17, consent of both parents (or parent having legal custody), or guardian, or judicial   approval is required.  For marriages at ages younger than 16, consent of parents or guardian, and judicial approval are required.
 
SAME SEX:

 

Same sex marriages are prohibited in Colorado.  Marriage licenses are only issued to male-female couples.
BLOOD TEST:

Blood tests are not required to obtain a marriage license.

APPLICATION:

 

 

 

Both the bride and groom must complete and sign the marriage license application form.  At least one of the parties must apply in person before the marriage clerk.  If only one of the parties can appear in person, the other party must compete the application and have it notarized before it can be accepted by  the marriage clerk. A couple already married, who wish to renew their marriage vows, or those who have a common law marriage may obtain a license by stating that they are married to each other.  Applicants for a marriage license need not be Colorado residents.
 
CEREMONY:

 

 

 

Couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage (C.R.S. 14-2-109).   Others who can solemnize a marriage are judges, retired judges, magistrates, public officials, Indian tribe officials and clergy.  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. (A notary public is not a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages.)
LICENSE:

 

 

The person solemnizing the marriage shall complete the marriage certificate form and forward it to the county clerk and recorder within sixty days after solemnizing.  Any person who fails to forward the marriage certificate to the county clerk and recorder's office shall be required to pay a $20 late fee and additional  five dollar late fee may be assessed for each additional day of failure up to a maximum of $50. 
PROHIBITED MARRIAGES:

 

A couple is prohibited from marrying when one of the parties is still married to another person.  This also applies for ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether the relationship is half or whole blood.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION may be  obtained from the clerk and recorder in the county in which the parties plan to obtain their license.

Colorado State Association of County Clerks and Recorders
Colorado Health Statistics and Vital Records Division
ADRS 15 (5/94)

 


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