Eloping here in Colorado has become a very popular option for people who want to get married in a less complicated way than the traditional wedding. Due to its roughly 65,000 square miles of
The state of Colorado has actually made it incredibly simple to get married here. It is one of only TWO states where you can actually get married without any witnesses. It’s only us and Washington D.C. that allow it. Most states do not require an officiant and it is considered more of a preference to most. However, only Colorado and D.C. do not require at least one witness to be present and sign your marriage license.
You can even have your dog sign your license here in Colorado with his paw!! Just make sure you bring an ink pad!
Colorado has made the legal process of getting your marriage license very straight forward. So, once you know what day you’re going to elope and say your vows, you just need to plan on going to any county recorders office in the state – you do not need to get one within the same county you will be eloping and saying your vows, signing your license. As long as you are getting legally married here in the state of Colorado, you can obtain a Marriage License from any county within the state.
Here’s what you need to know:
Most counties have the availability to walk-in and apply for your marriage license. Simply show up!
However – Boulder County Clerk and recorder office does offer remote appointments via video call BUT you must be able to pick up the physical license that same day in-person at the office, so you must be in the area.
Denver County offers marriage license services by appointment only.
Some things to note:
You each need to bring a valid government issued ID. (driver license, passport, military ID)
You each need to know your Social Security number.
If either of you has previously been married, you need to be able to provide the date, city, and state where the divorce was finalized.
You do NOT need to be a Colorado resident to apply for your marriage license here.
Fees are usually around $30
The license is valid immediately upon issuing and must be used within 35 days of being issued.
After you’re married and you send the signed document back to the state, the license must be returned to the county that issued it within 63 days.
The county usually provides you with a pre-addressed envelope to send it back in, all you have to do is put the signed license in, get a stamp and send it off. They will make copies of the original and scan it into their systems, and then they will send you back your original copy.
As long as you’re of legal age, identify as a human being legally, and sign the license, those are truly the only legal requirements to get married here. On the other hand, all of the non-legal details can be incredibly hard to plan and carry out. Planning an elopement can be crazy overwhelming and its nice that the State of Colorado has made the legal side of things so easy and seamless. When it comes to all of the other little details that come with planning an ultimate elopement here in Colorado, its important to go to the right sources.
Thats where I come in! I am a native elopement here in Colorado and I absolutely love planning super unique days that reflect my clients love for nature and each other.
Lets chat more and start mapping out your special day.
