Fremont County
Marriage License Requirements
Getting married is a joyous occasion, filled with love, excitement, and the promise of a beautiful future together. If you’re planning to tie the knot in the picturesque state of Colorado, understanding the marriage license process is a crucial step. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential details you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in Colorado.
Application Process
Appearing in Person
To apply for a marriage license in Colorado, both applicants must appear in person. This ensures the authenticity of the application and signifies the commitment of both parties to the marriage.
Absentee Application
In some cases where one party cannot be present due to illness, being out of state, or incarceration, an absentee application can be used. However, the party applying on behalf of the absent individual must bring the absentee application along with proper identification for verification.
Marriage License Fee
A marriage license fee of $30.00 is required. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the license.
Identification Requirements
Valid identification that proves your age is essential. Accepted forms of ID include a Driver’s License issued in the United States, Passport, Military ID, or State-issued ID Card.
Social Security Number
If you or your partner do not possess a social security number, you must sign an affidavit provided by the County Clerk’s office during the application process.
Providing Personal Details
Applicants are required to provide details about their place of birth (city and state) and their parents’ names and current addresses. This information helps establish your identity for the marriage license.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
The following forms of identification are acceptable when applying for a marriage license in Colorado:
- Birth Certificate
- Valid Driver’s License (or temporary issued with voided previous license)
- Passport (both expired and valid)
- Valid state identification card (or temporary issued with voided previous ID)
- Military identification
- Alien Registration Card (Green card)
- Any U.S. government-issued identification containing a photo, date of birth, issue date, and expiration date
Waiting Period and Residency Requirement
Fortunately, there is no waiting period for getting married in Colorado. Additionally, applicants do not need to be Colorado residents to obtain a marriage license in the state.
Previous Marriages
If either party has recently finalized a divorce within 30 days of applying for the marriage license, the final decree must be presented. If the divorce was finalized more than 30 days ago, you need to provide information about the date, place, and court of the divorce.
Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee in Colorado is a modest $30.00. This fee covers the essential administrative costs involved in processing the license.
Proxy Marriages
Colorado allows for proxy marriages in cases where one party is unable to be physically present due to illness, being out of the state, or incarceration. This provision ensures that even under special circumstances, couples can legally unite.
Cousin Marriages and Common Law Marriages
Interestingly, Colorado permits first and second cousins to marry legally. Furthermore, the state recognizes common law marriages, granting legal recognition to couples who meet specific criteria.
Marriage Blood Test and Name Change
Unlike some states, Colorado does not require a blood test for marriage license applicants. Keep in mind that obtaining a marriage license with your new name doesn’t automatically change your name; you’ll need to follow proper procedures for a name change.
Marriage Age Requirements
In Colorado, the legal age for marriage without parental consent is 18 years. For individuals aged 16 or 17, a written and notarized Parental Consent Form signed by both parents, the parent with legal custody, or the legal guardian is mandatory. Applicants under 15 years of age must obtain a court order for judicial approval, following the aforementioned requirements.
Marriage Officiants
While couples can solemnize their own marriage in Colorado, certain individuals are authorized to officiate ceremonies. These include judges, retired judges, magistrates, Indian tribe officials, and clergy. It’s important to note that while couples can officiate their own marriage, a friend or relative cannot sign as an officiant on the marriage certificate.
Marriage Witnesses
Unlike some states, Colorado does not require witnesses for your marriage ceremony. However, some officiants may request witnesses, so it’s wise to discuss this with your chosen officiant in advance.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
A marriage license in Colorado remains 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 of the marriage. Failure to comply within this timeframe may result in late fees.
Obtaining a Copy of the Marriage License
After your wedding ceremony, you can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This can be done by visiting their office or requesting it by mail.
In conclusion, navigating the process of obtaining a marriage license in Colorado is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the proper procedures to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized. With the information provided in this guide, you can confidently take the first steps toward a happily ever after.
FAQs
- Is there a waiting period for getting married in Colorado?
- No, there is no waiting period for marriage in Colorado.
- Can I apply for a marriage license if I’m not a Colorado resident?
- Yes, Colorado does not have a residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license.
- What if one party cannot appear in person due to illness or being out of state?
- An absentee application can be used in such cases, provided it’s accompanied by proper identification and notarized in advance.
- Can cousins marry legally in Colorado?
- Yes, both first and second cousins can legally marry in Colorado.
- Are witnesses required for the marriage ceremony?
- No, witnesses are not required, although some officiants may request them.
