Crowley County Marriage License Requirements
Are you planning to tie the knot in the beautiful state of Colorado? Well, before you walk down the aisle, there’s an important step you need to take – obtaining a marriage license. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential details you need to know about acquiring a marriage license in Colorado.
Marriage License Application Process
To initiate the process of obtaining a marriage license in Colorado, both applicants must appear in person at the designated office. They will be required to sign the marriage application. However, if one party cannot be present due to specific reasons such as illness, out-of-state residency, or incarceration, the applying party can bring an absentee application. The absentee application form should be notarized in advance.
Required Documents
Apart from the completed application, you’ll need to provide proof of age through acceptable identification. A driver’s license issued in the United States, a passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card are some examples of valid identification. Additionally, applicants will need to provide their social security numbers. If either party does not have a social security number, they can sign an affidavit provided by the County Clerk’s office.
Absentee Application Process
If one of the parties cannot appear in person, the absentee application process comes into play. This is particularly useful for situations where one party is ill, out of the state, or incarcerated. The absentee application must be accompanied by identification for the absent party and should be notarized in advance.
Identification Requirements
The application form should include the place of birth (city and state), as well as the parents’ names and current addresses. Acceptable forms of identification include birth certificates, valid driver’s licenses (or temporaries with voided previous licenses), passports (both expired and valid), military identification, and U.S. government-issued identification containing relevant details.
Marriage Waiting Period
Unlike some states, there is no waiting period for getting married in Colorado. Once you have your marriage license, you’re good to go!
Marriage Residency Requirement
Good news for couples outside of Colorado – there is no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in the state. Anyone can apply, regardless of their place of residence.
Previous Marriages and Divorces
If either party has been divorced within the last 30 days, the final decree of divorce must be produced. If the divorce was finalized more than 30 days ago, details about the date and place of the divorce, as well as the court where it was finalized, must be provided.
Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee in Colorado is $30. This fee is payable in cash.
Proxy Marriages
In cases where one party cannot be present due to certain circumstances, such as illness, being out of state, or being incarcerated, an absentee application can be obtained.
Cousin Marriages
Colorado law permits first and second cousins to marry legally.
Common Law Marriages
Common law marriages are recognized in Colorado.
Marriage Blood Test
Unlike some other states, Colorado does not require a blood test for obtaining a marriage license.
Name Change
Obtaining a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change your name legally. For a name change, an online marriage name change kit can be used.
Marriage Age Requirements
The legal age to marry without parental consent is 18 years old. If the applicants are 16 or 17 years old, a notarized Parental Consent Form signed by both parents or legal guardians is required. Applicants under 15 years old must obtain a court order granting judicial approval.
Marriage Officiants
Couples themselves can solemnize their marriage, or it can be solemnized by judges, retired judges, magistrates, Indian tribe officials, and clergy. However, it’s important to note that while couples can solemnize their own marriage, a friend or relative cannot sign as an officiant on the marriage certificate.
Marriage Witnesses
Witnesses are not required in Colorado. Some officials may request witnesses, but it’s not a mandatory requirement.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
A marriage license in Colorado is valid for 35 days from the date of issuance. The completed marriage certificate, along with the attached license, must be returned to the County Clerk’s office for recording within 63 days after the solemnization. Late fees may apply after this period.
Recording the Marriage Certificate
Once the marriage certificate is completed and signed, it should be returned to the County Clerk’s office for recording. Late fees may apply if the certificate is not submitted within the specified timeframe.
In conclusion, if you’re planning to get married in Colorado, understanding the marriage license process is crucial. From the application process to identification requirements, and even the absence of a waiting period, Colorado offers a straightforward path to marriage. Just remember to follow the guidelines provided by the state to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a waiting period to get married in Colorado? No, there is no waiting period to get married in Colorado.
- Can I apply for a marriage license if I’m not a resident of Colorado? Yes, residency in Colorado is not a requirement to apply for a marriage license.
- Are blood tests required to obtain a marriage license in Colorado? No, Colorado does not require blood tests for marriage license applications.
- Can I change my name through a marriage license in Colorado? Obtaining a marriage license with a new name does not automatically change your name legally. You can use an online marriage name change kit for this purpose.
- Who can solemnize a marriage in Colorado? Couples can solemnize their own marriage, and officiants can include judges, retired judges, magistrates, Indian tribe officials, and clergy. However, a friend or relative cannot sign as an officiant on the marriage certificate.
