Colorado marriage license: cost and requirements

How much is a marriage license in Colorado?

$30 (includes recording; El Paso and Archuleta counties).

What do you need to get the license?

• ID: Valid photo ID with a legible date of birth (passport, driver's license, military ID, birth certificate with a certified translation if not in English). Consular cards are not valid. The last 4 digits of the Social Security number are requested.
• Minimum age: 18. Since August 2, 2019, 16 to 17 only with juvenile court permission. Under 16: no.
• Other requirements: No blood test since 1989. Marriage between cousins is allowed. If only one person can attend, the absent person signs a notarized sworn statement (Absentee Affidavit). Some counties charge a surcharge for returning the license late.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

County Clerk and Recorder of any Colorado county.

Where it is valid: In any Colorado county; it is recorded in the county where it was purchased. Licenses from other states are not valid in Colorado.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

• Waiting period: No waiting period: the license is valid from the moment it is issued and can be used right away.
• Validity: 35 days from issuance. After the wedding, you have 63 days to return the signed license to the county that issued it.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

• Witnesses: No witnesses are required (some officiants may ask for them).
• Who can officiate: Judges and magistrates, religious authorities, or the couple themselves (self-solemnization): no officiant is required.

Colorado counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Colorado county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

Other counties couples often look up

We haven't verified these counties yet. The Colorado rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.

• Adams County (Thornton)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Arapahoe County (Aurora)State rule No guide of its own yet.
• Denver CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
• El Paso County (Colorado Springs)State rule No guide of its own yet.

How to get a marriage license in Colorado

1. Confirm where to apply: County Clerk and Recorder of any Colorado county.
2. Gather your ID: Valid photo ID with a legible date of birth (passport, driver's license, military ID, birth certificate with a certified translation if not in English). Consular cards are not valid. The last 4 digits of the Social Security number are requested.
3. Get your payment ready: $30 (includes recording; El Paso and Archuleta counties).
4. Count the waiting period: No waiting period: the license is valid from the moment it is issued and can be used right away.
5. Marry within the validity period: 35 days from issuance. After the wedding, you have 63 days to return the signed license to the county that issued it.
6. Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and review date

1. El Paso County Clerk and Recorder (Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
2. Archuleta County Clerk & Recorder (Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
3. Jefferson County, Colorado (Wedding and Civil Union Ceremonies) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.