Getting married is an exciting and significant milestone in anyone’s life. In Colorado, the process of tying the knot involves understanding and fulfilling specific legal requirements. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about getting married in Colorado, breaking down each step in simple terms to ensure clarity and ease of comprehension.
Understanding Marriage Laws in Colorado
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand that Colorado recognizes both civil and religious marriages. Civil marriages are conducted by authorized officiants and are legally binding, while religious marriages performed by clergy or religious figures are also recognized as long as they meet certain legal criteria.
Basic Legal Requirements
Age Requirement: In Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are between 16 and 17 years old, you can get married with parental consent and approval from the court. Minors under 16 cannot marry under any circumstances.
Waiting Period: Colorado does not impose a waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and the ceremony. Once you have your license, you can get married immediately.
Residency: There is no residency requirement to get married in Colorado. Whether you are a resident or not, you can obtain a marriage license and get married here.
Identification: Both parties must provide valid photo identification when applying for a marriage license. Acceptable forms of ID include drivers’ licenses, passports, and other government-issued identification cards.
Marriage License Fee: As of the latest information available, the fee for a marriage license in Colorado is $30. This fee may vary slightly depending on the county where you apply, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local county clerk for the most accurate fee.
Proxy Marriages: Colorado does not permit proxy marriages, meaning both parties must be physically present when applying for the license and during the ceremony.
Applying for a Marriage License
To get married in Colorado, you need to follow these steps to obtain a marriage license:
Visit the County Clerk’s Office: You and your partner must appear together at the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. You can find contact information and operating hours for each county clerk’s office online.
Complete the Application: When you arrive at the county clerk’s office, you will need to complete a marriage license application form. Both parties must provide their full names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and current addresses.
Provide Identification: Present your valid photo identification to the county clerk. Make sure your ID is current and has not expired.
Pay the Fee: Pay the marriage license fee, which is typically $30. Payment methods vary by county, but most accept cash, credit/debit cards, and sometimes checks.
Receive Your License: Once your application is processed and the fee is paid, you will receive your marriage license on the spot. The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue, giving you plenty of time to plan and execute your wedding within that period.
Planning Your Wedding Ceremony
After obtaining your marriage license, you can plan your wedding ceremony according to your preferences. Here are some key points to consider:
Officiant: Your ceremony must be performed by an officiant who is authorized to solemnize marriages in Colorado. This could be a judge, a religious leader, or a licensed officiant. It’s crucial to verify the officiant’s credentials beforehand to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Ceremony Location: You can choose any location for your wedding ceremony, whether it’s a church, a park, a banquet hall, or even your backyard. Some locations may require permits, especially if they are public spaces, so be sure to check the regulations in advance.
Witnesses: Colorado requires at least one witness to sign the marriage license after the ceremony. There is no maximum number of witnesses, so feel free to invite as many friends and family members as you like to share in your special moment.
Officiant’s Responsibilities: The officiant is responsible for completing the marriage ceremony, signing the marriage license, and ensuring that both parties and at least one witness also sign the document. The signed license must then be returned to the county clerk’s office for recording within 63 days of the ceremony.
After the Ceremony
Once your wedding ceremony is over, there are a few post-ceremony tasks to take care of:
Return the License: The officiant or either party to the marriage must return the signed marriage license to the county clerk’s office within 63 days. This is crucial for your marriage to be officially recorded and for you to receive your certified copy of the marriage certificate.
Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate: After the license is recorded, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office. This document serves as official proof of your marriage and is often required for various legal purposes, such as changing your last name, updating your status on official documents, and more.
Name Change: If you wish to change your last name after getting married, you will need to follow the name change procedures in Colorado. This typically involves submitting a petition for a name change along with your certified marriage certificate to the court in the county where you were married.
Special Considerations
While the basic requirements for getting married in Colorado are straightforward, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind:
Common Law Marriage: Colorado recognizes common law marriage under certain conditions. To establish a common law marriage, you must have cohabited continuously and openly with your partner for at least nine months, and you must hold each other out as husband and wife to others. However, common law marriages established after July 1, 2013, are not recognized in Colorado.
Previous Marriages: If either party was previously married, they must provide proof of the termination of that previous marriage, such as a divorce decree or a death certificate of the former spouse. Without this proof, they cannot legally marry again in Colorado.
Military Personnel: If either party is in the military, additional documentation may be required. Active-duty military personnel should bring their military ID and orders, if applicable. Retired military personnel may need to provide their DD-214 form or other proof of discharge.
International Marriages: If one or both parties are not U.S. citizens, additional requirements may apply. It’s advisable to check with the U.S. Department of State and the county clerk’s office for specific guidelines regarding international marriages in Colorado.
Conclusion
Getting married in Colorado is a relatively straightforward process as long as you meet the legal requirements and follow the necessary steps. By understanding the age requirements, obtaining a marriage license, planning your ceremony, and fulfilling post-ceremony obligations, you can ensure that your marriage is legally recognized and off to a strong start. Remember to verify all details with your local county clerk’s office, as requirements may vary slightly from county to county. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable wedding day in the beautiful state of Colorado.
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