Getting a Marriage License in Colorado
Where to apply for a marriage license in Colorado, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Licenses are issued by the county clerk and recorder. Both parties complete and sign the application, and at least one party appears before the clerk (both may appear remotely where allowed). C.R.S. §§ 14-2-106, 14-2-107
| Getting a marriage license | Licenses are issued by the county clerk and recorder. Both parties complete and sign the application, and at least one party appears before the clerk (both may appear remotely where allowed). The clerk needs satisfactory proof of each party's age and that the marriage is not prohibited. The fee is set by statute in parts: a $7 license fee, a $20 fee for the Colorado domestic abuse program fund, and an added amount set under the vital statistics law. The license statutes do not set a waiting period. The license is valid only in Colorado and for 35 days after it is issued; after that it is void. Statutes are from the Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 edition. Source: C.R.S. §§ 14-2-106, 14-2-107 |
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| Minimum marriage age | Both parties must be 18, except that a 16- or 17-year-old may marry with judicial approval. The juvenile court, after reasonable efforts to notify the parents or guardians, appoints a guardian ad litem to investigate and may order the clerk to issue a license only if it finds the minor is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage is in the minor's best interest; pregnancy alone does not establish best interest. A marriage in violation of the age rule is voidable. A 2026 bill to eliminate the under-18 exception (SB 26-048) did not become law: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb26-048 Source: C.R.S. §§ 14-2-106(1), 14-2-108 |
Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Colorado
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Colorado
- Establishing Paternity in Colorado
- Changing Your Name in Colorado
- Child Custody Laws in Colorado
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Colorado
- Divorce Records in Colorado
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Colorado
- How to File for Divorce in Colorado
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Colorado
- All Colorado divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Colorado?
Licenses are issued by the county clerk and recorder. Both parties complete and sign the application, and at least one party appears before the clerk (both may appear remotely where allowed). The clerk needs satisfactory proof of each party's age and that the marriage is not prohibited. The fee is set by statute in parts: a $7 license fee, a $20 fee for the Colorado domestic abuse program fund, and an added amount set under the vital statistics law. The license statutes do not set a waiting period. The license is valid only in Colorado and for 35 days after it is issued; after that it is void.
What is the legal age to get married in Colorado?
Both parties must be 18, except that a 16- or 17-year-old may marry with judicial approval. The juvenile court, after reasonable efforts to notify the parents or guardians, appoints a guardian ad litem to investigate and may order the clerk to issue a license only if it finds the minor is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage is in the minor's best interest; pregnancy alone does not establish best interest. A marriage in violation of the age rule is voidable.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.