Colorado wedding location
Back to map

West Marriage Guide

Colorado Marriage Laws

General wedding officiant guidance for marriage licenses, ceremony requirements, witnesses, and returning the signed license.

Rocky Mountain National Park, an iconic place in Colorado

Image source: Rocky Mountain National Park via Wikimedia Commons

License Office

County clerk or local marriage license office

License Validity

Varies by state or issuing county

Waiting Period

Check with the issuing office

Return Deadline

Return deadline varies by state or county

Detailed Colorado Wedding Law Notes

These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.

Requirements for the Couple

  • Minimum Age: 18 years (16+ with guardian consent)
  • Residency: Not Required
  • Minimum Kin Distance: First Cousins
  • Marriage Equality: Yes

Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16+ with guardian consent. Residency is not required, and first cousins may marry.

Marriage License Requirements

  • License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
  • Validity: Any County in Colorado
  • Cost: $30
  • Accepted ID: Photo ID or Birth Certificate
  • Proof of Divorce: Not Required
  • Blood Test: Not Required

Only one member of the couple must apply in person at the Clerk and Recorder’s office with valid ID. Licenses are valid statewide, and the fee is $30.

Marriage License Facts

  • Ceremony Type: Religious
  • Waiting Period: None
  • License Validity: 35 Days
  • Submission Deadline: Within 65 Days

Couples should obtain a “religious” license for Ministries of Love ceremonies. There is no waiting period, and licenses can be used immediately.

Requirements for the Minister

  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Residency: Not Required
  • Documents Required: None
  • Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
  • Registration Office: Clerk and Recorder’s Office
  • Submission Deadline: After Ceremony

Ministers must be 18+ and can be ordained through Ministries of Love. No residency or pre-registration is required.

Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage By Proxy: Allowed (Military Only)
  • Minister Presence: Required
  • Number of Witnesses: None
  • Witness Age: Not Applicable
  • Consent Required: Yes
  • Pronouncement Required: Yes

Proxy marriages are allowed only for active military members under specific conditions. No witnesses are required.

Final Steps

  • Officiant Title: Minister
  • Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
  • Address: Minister’s Home Address
  • Minimum Age: 18 years (16+ with guardian consent)
  • Residency: Not Required
  • Minimum Kin Distance: First Cousins
  • Marriage Equality: Yes
  • License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
  • Validity: Any County in Colorado
  • Cost: $30
  • Accepted ID: Photo ID or Birth Certificate
  • Proof of Divorce: Not Required
  • Blood Test: Not Required
  • Ceremony Type: Religious
  • Waiting Period: None
  • License Validity: 35 Days
  • Submission Deadline: Within 65 Days
  • Documents Required: None
  • Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
  • Registration Office: Clerk and Recorder’s Office
  • Marriage By Proxy: Allowed (Military Only)
  • Minister Presence: Required
  • Number of Witnesses: None
  • Witness Age: Not Applicable
  • Consent Required: Yes
  • Pronouncement Required: Yes

Ensure the marriage license is completed accurately and signed by all parties. Submit it to the Clerk and Recorder’s office within 65 days.

Wedding Ceremony Requirements

Witnesses

Witness requirements vary by state

Ceremony

The couple and officiant should be present unless the state specifically allows another process

Requirements for the Officiant

Ordained ministers should verify any local registration rules before the ceremony

OrdainedPro recommends that every officiant confirm local requirements before the ceremony date, especially if the wedding is in a county or state where the officiant has not performed before.

This page is general information and not legal advice. Marriage laws and county filing processes can change. Always verify requirements with the issuing clerk, recorder, probate court, or local marriage office before performing a ceremony.