Recording and Marriages

Notice for Marriage, Civil Union, Domestic Partnerships, Recording Documents, and Public Trustee Customers

Remote access to recording and marriage services will be available for those who prefer to work with our office via online, mail or drop box.
In-person recording and marriage services are currently available by appointment only. To make an appointment for marriage services or to record documents, please visit the booking calendar. 

For questions regarding recording or marriage services, reach out us by phone at 311 (720-913-1311 outside Denver) or by email at recording@denvergov.org.

 

Deciding to spend the rest of your life with the one you love is an exciting step in any relationship. This page can guide you through applying for a marriage or civil union license. It also provides all the necessary paperwork to make sure your special day goes off without a hitch.

Colorado State Law requires that both parties schedule an online or in-person marriage or civil union appointment. Both parties must also be in the state of Colorado, in the same room at the same time for their appointment. Note: we will not mail the completed license to an address outside of Colorado. 

How to Apply or Register for a License:

Online

Step 1.Read the marriage license requirements

Step 2.Complete the online marriage or civil union application on the county website

Note: Be sure to complete the paperwork before scheduling an appointment. You do not need to log in or create an account to complete the application.

Step 3.Schedule an online appointment

You will receive a confirmation email containing your appointment link.

Step 4.Download the Microsoft Teams app

Note: Please make sure the free app is downloaded and installed before your scheduled appointment. Make sure you have access to the internet and a computer with internet and video chat capabilities (i.e., camera, speakers, and microphone)

Step 5.Attend your Microsoft Teams online appointment

We recommend finding your appointment link ten (10) minutes before your appointment. When joining, have your valid IDs and debit or credit card payment ready. Both parties must be in the state of Colorado and physically be in the same room.

Step 6.Your application and license will be mailed to your Colorado address via USPS

Sign the license and resend it for recording. Note: You must sign the license and application in Colorado within 35 days from the date issued and return it for recording within 63 days of marriage to avoid extra fees. For more information, please check the instructions in your packet.

Step 7.Plan ahead

Make sure you have enough time to receive your documents via mail and return your documents by the deadlines to avoid delays or additional fees.

**Please note that even if your marriage certificate is signed, it will not be recorded or considered valid if you do not submit the signed marriage certificate and application together.

For questions, please email marriages@denvergov.org.

In-Person

Step 1.Read the marriage license requirements

Step 2.Complete the online marriage or civil union application on the county website

Note: Be sure to complete the paperwork prior to scheduling an appointment. You do not need to log in or create an account to complete the application.

Step 3.Schedule an in-person appointment to come to the Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder

In-person services are available by appointment. Make an appointment using our Microsoft Bookings calendar.

The calendar opens up 7 days in advance and fills up quickly. If you can't find an appointment with our office, be sure to check back for cancellations or contact a neighboring jurisdiction  (Jefferson, Adams, Douglas, and Arapahoe County may have openings).

Our offices are on the first floor of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80202.

Step 4.Come in for your in-person appointment

Bring your partner, cash, check, or credit card payment, and valid IDs to complete the process.

Step 5.Sign the license and return it for recording

Your license certificate is valid upon the date issued and must be both signed in Colorado within 35 days from the date of issue and must be returned for recording within 63 days of marriage to avoid extra fees. For more information, please check the instructions in your packet.

Committed/Domestic Partnership

The City and County of Denver allows couples who are not married to recognize their commitment through the Committed Partnership Registry. 

The registry is open to any two partners who:

  • are unmarried, 18 years of age or older, and competent to enter into a contract;

  • are not prohibited from marrying each other under the law of this state by reason of a blood relationship or other comparable domestic partnership;

  • are sharing a common household; and

  • do not already have different partners under the provisions of the Denver Committed Partnership Ordinance, the Colorado Civil Unions Act or any other comparable domestic partnership provision.   

View the Committed Partnership requirements.(PDF, 114KB)

Step 1.Schedule a recording appointment for your committed partnership

Schedule an appointment to record documents or obtain copies. In-person services are available by appointment only. 

Visit the Office of the Clerk and Recorder and fill out a Certificate of Committed Partnership

Note: Both partners must appear together and in the room at the same time. The fee for a committed partnership certification and registry is $25. As this is a document recording, both parties are required to appear in person. 

Step 2.Present the completed certificate to the clerk, who will sign the certificate

A completed original certificate will be issued to you and your partner. Registration of your committed partnership creates a public record of your relationship.

Marriage and Civil Union Resources

Requirements and Procedures

How to Apply For a Marriage or Civil Union License

To apply for a license, both you and your partner must appear in person at the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, located on the first floor of the Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver.

Save time by applying online. Check out this guide(PDF, 500KB) (en español(PDF, 475KB)) to help you sail through the application process.

Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our office is closed on municipal holidays.

Questions you will be asked

  • The date that you are getting married
  • Where you are marrying (license only valid in Colorado) 
  • The exact date and location of your divorce or previous spouse's death. Both parties must be able to provide this information. If you were previously in a civil union and are marrying someone else, you must provide the name of your partner in the civil union.
  • Know your relationship if related by blood
  • The city and state where parents of both parties were born

Things to know

  • The marriage license fee is $30, payable by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). A list of fees can be found here.
  • You may marry in front of a judge, through a religious ceremony, or by self-solemnizing (this means you marry by signing the certificate yourselves) 
  • The certificate must be signed in Colorado within 35 days from the date the license was issued
  • The completed marriage certificate (and attached license) must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder for recording within 63 days after solemnization. After that date, late fees will apply
  • Blood tests are not required in Colorado, and there is no waiting period
  • Applicants need not be Colorado residents

You and your intended spouse each must present one of these valid forms of identification

  • U.S. state-issued driver's license or permit
  • U.S. state-issued ID
  • U.S. military ID
  • Passport that is bilingual or multilingual and includes English or passport with a certified English language translation if non-English

The name on the license will appear exactly as it is on the IDs provided to us.

You are required to provide a Social Security number if you have one. If one of the parties does not have a Social Security number (they are from another country or they are in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship), they are not required to have one to get married.

Please Note: Birth certificates, baptismal certificates and Foreign Consular IDs are not acceptable forms of identification for marriage or civil union licenses. A birth certificate may be used to confirm date of birth when presented along with one of the valid forms of identification listed above. 

Minors and those remarrying have additional requirements. See the accompanying section for information on remarriages. 

Ceremonies, Officials & Self Solemnization

Your marriage must be solemnized; then the marriage application and certificate must be recorded.

A marriage may be solemnized by an officiant who has been ordained or recognized by a religious denomination, a judge of a court, a retired judge, a court magistrate, a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages, a Native American tribal official or a friend or relative who is ordained.

Clergy ordained out of state do not need to be registered in Colorado to perform a wedding. 

Denver County Court maintains a list of judges(PDF, 49KB) who perform weddings during the week, on weekends, and in the evenings.

The solemnizing official will complete your marriage certificate.

Self Solemnization

You and your intended spouse may solemnize your own marriage. Neither witnesses nor officiant are required for a valid self solemnization. Proxy marriages may not be self solemnized.

Other Important Information

The marriage license and marriage certificate(PDF, 500KB) (en español(PDF, 475KB)) are two distinct instruments that appear on the single form. Please do not separate them.  The marriage certificate must be recorded no later than 63 days from the date of solemnization or late fees apply.

Filling Out the Certificate

The license and the certificate are on the same document. These should not be separated. The license gives the couple permission to marry. The certificate documents when and where the couple married. See an example(PDF, 500KB) (en español(PDF, 475KB)) of how to fill out the marriage certificate.

Complete su certificado

La licencia matrimonial y el certificado están en el mismo documento. Estos no deben ser separados. La licencia matrimonial le da permiso a la pareja para casarse. El certificado registra cuándo y dónde se casó la pareja. Vea un ejemplo(PDF, 475KB) de como llenar el certificado.  

 

Name Changes

We hope this guide(PDF, 115KB) (en español(PDF, 115KB)) helps you navigate changing your name more easily. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are helpful. They can be purchased at our office or through the mail. Certified copies cost $1.25 each.

Widowed or Divorced?

If you are widowed or divorced (or your civil union has been dissolved) and wish to apply for a new marriage license, you must provide the exact date (month, day and year) and location of your spouse's/partner's death or of your divorce. If you were in a civil union with another person, you must have dissolved that civil union to marry a different person. You will need to provide the name of the person on the marriage application.

If you are divorced you also must provide:

  • the location (city and state) of your divorce;
  • the type (district, superior, circuit, etc.) of court in which your divorce proceeding occurred; and
  • a certified copy of your divorce decree if your divorce was final within 30 days preceding the date you apply for a marriage license.
  • A copy of your divorce decree can be obtained at the Office of Vital Record

PLEASE NOTE:  If you obtained a Civil Union License and wish to be married, please apply online for a marriage license. Bring your application and IDs into the office and pay $30 for your license.

Common Law Marriage

Colorado recognizes common law marriage as legal and binding. However, cohabitation alone does not constitute common law marriage. For more information on common law marriage or to get a sample Affidavit of Common Law Marriage, see the State of Colorado website concerning marriage law.

 A common law marriage cannot be terminated except by court dissolution (divorce) or death.

Prohibited Marriages & Civil Unions

Prohibited Marriages

The following marriages are prohibited in the State of Colorado:

  • A marriage entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of either of the parties, unless the earlier marriage is a currently valid marriage between the two applicant parties.

  • A marriage between an ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood.

Marriage between first cousins, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood, is permitted in Colorado.

Prohibited Civil Unions

The following civil unions are prohibited in the State of Colorado:

  • A civil union where one or both partners are minors (under the age of 18).

  • A civil union entered into prior to the termination of a marriage or civil union of either of the parties, unless the earlier marriage or civil union is currently valid between the two applicant parties.

  • A civil union between an ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood.  

Civil union between first cousins, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood, is permitted in Colorado.

Absentee Marriages & Civil Unions

If either you or your partner cannot appear at the Clerk and Recorder's office in person to apply for your marriage or civil union license, the absent party must complete an absentee affidavit and have it notarized. The notarized absentee affidavit must be used within 30 days from the date it was notarized.
 
The party appearing in person must present, on the behalf of the absent partner:

  • the completed and notarized absentee affidavit, and
  • a clear and legible photocopy of a valid form of identification of the absent intended spouse (faxes not accepted)
  • the identification of the absent intended spouse must have the month, day and year of birth 
  • If the absent party does not have a social security number, an affidavit to accompany the marriage license form must be completed and notarized.
  • The absent party's name written on the forms must match exactly to the ID provided.

The absentee application and affidavit to accompany marriage license may be found on the forms page.

Recording a Marriage or Civil Union

The completed license and certificate must be returned to the Office of the Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the ceremony for recording.

Please do not separate the certificate from the license. You may use the return envelope given to you at the time of application or return the certificate in person.

Recording enters your license and certificate into the official record. After recording, the original form will be returned to you by mail at the return address you supplied at the time of application.

There is no fee for recording your license and certificate.  However, if you return your civil union certificate for recording later than 63 days after certification, late fees will apply.  Please see our fees page for more information.

Proxy Marriage

A proxy marriage license may be granted to an absent person who is:

  • A member of the armed forces of the United States who is stationed in another country or in another state in support of combat or military operation; or
  • A government contractor, or an employee of a government contractor, working or in support of US military operations in another country or in another state

Requirements for applying for a marriage license for a proxy marriage are:

  • One party is a resident of Colorado;
  • One party appears in person to apply for the marriage license and pays the required fees;
  • The signatures of both parties to the proxy marriage are required, and the party present shall sign the marriage license application and provide an absentee affidavit form containing the notarized signature of the absent party, along with proper identification  documents required for a marriage license for the absent party; and
  • Both parties (and the proxy) are 18 years of age or older.
  • The proxy for the absent spouse must be the person named on the Power of Attorney form, must have a valid ID and must be present to apply for the marriage license.

Self-solemnization is not allowed in a marriage by proxy.

You must have a notarized Marriage Ceremony Proxy Power of Attorney form(PDF, 121KB). The spouse who can be present and the proxy must both present a valid ID when applying for the license.

Frequently asked questions about Marriage by Proxy

Q. What documents can I use to prove Colorado residency?

A. Colorado driver’s license, lease agreement, utility bill, or a voter registration card are all acceptable forms of ID. Only one of these documents is necessary.

Q. What documents can I use to prove active duty military status and deployment?

A. Your Orders (a copy of the written document) will be proof. Still have questions? Please email marriages@denvergov.org.

Marriage of Minors

You must be 18 years of age or older to marry in Colorado, with the following exception:

· A person who is 16 or 17 years of age may obtain a marriage license if a juvenile court determines that the underage party is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage would serve the underage party's best interests. Prior to making a determination, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the underage party to investigate the underage party's circumstances and best interests and to file a report with the court stating the issuance of a marriage license is in the underage party's best interests.

· A person under the age of 16 is prohibited from obtaining a marriage license.

For additional information please refer to HB19-1316.

Designated Beneficiaries

A Designated Beneficiary Agreement is a contract between two people ensuring certain rights and financial protections based upon the completed document. To be legally enforceable it must be properly recorded by the Clerk and Recorder.

Designated Beneficiary Agreements become effective once the completed, signed and notarized form is received by the Clerk and Recorder’s office in a county where at least one of the parties resides.

Bring your completed and notarized Designated Beneficiary Agreement to the Recording department in the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver. The recording fee is listed on the Fees page.

Revocation

Designated Beneficiary Agreements may be revoked. The revocation form may be found on the Forms page. Entering into a marriage or civil union will automatically revoke a pre-existing designated beneficiary agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the appointment date I want is taken?

We understand that there are many reasons why you want to reserve a specific day, whether it is significant to your relationship or simply a day that works for both parties. However, slots can fill up quickly. Because of this, we recommend that you check back for availability, as cancellations can occur. 

How do I terminate a committed partnership?

A committed partnership is terminated by:

  • the marriage or death of either partner;
  • both partners filing with the Denver Clerk and Recorder a Certificate of Termination of Committed Partnership; or
  • either partner filing the termination certificate with the Clerk and Recorder and sending a copy thereof to the other partner by registered mail, return receipt requested.

A committed partnership must be terminated in person. In-person services are available by appointment only. Please make an appointment to record documents or obtain copies here.

What does committed partnership registration do?

Registering as committed partners creates a public record of your relationship. It also provides evidence that your relationship meets the requirements for a partnership defined by the D.R.M.C. §28-200 Committed Partnership Ordinance. An employer or other party may or may not offer committed partnership benefits based on this registry.

What it does not do is constitute marriage under the laws of the State of Colorado nor change your legal rights with your partner. Registration does not affect your property, contract, inheritance, custody, or benefit rights nor any other legal entitlements. It does not provide for name changes. To provide for such rights, committed partners may need to execute medical and/or general powers of attorney, wills, and/or other legal instruments.

For more information, we recommend consulting your attorney.

Contactus

 

Paul Lopez


Paul D. López
Clerk and Recorder

Office of the Clerk and Recorder

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed during city holidays
Call: 311 (720-913-1311 outside Denver)
Hearing Impaired only (TTY): 720-913-8497
201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80202
clerkandrecorder@denvergov.org
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Notice regarding online services:

The Denver Clerk and Recorder’s office permits parties to a prospective marriage or proposed civil union to satisfy certain requirements without appearing in person. 

Pursuant to sections 14-2-106.5(3) and 14-15-110.5(3) of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the County Clerk and Recorder and all applicable staff have completed the training and curricula developed by the human trafficking council for persons who work in or who frequent places where human trafficking victims are likely to appear, and the office is in full compliance with these two sections .

More information

City holidays

Our office is closed for city holidays. Appointments are not available on these dates.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
 Monday, January 17, 2022

Presidents' Day
 Monday, February 21, 2022

César Chávez Day
 Monday, March 28, 2022 (observed)

Memorial Day
 Monday, May 30, 2022

Independence Day
 Monday, July 4, 2022

Labor Day
 Monday, September 5, 2022

Veterans Day
 Friday, November 11, 2022

Thanksgiving Day
 Thursday, November 24, 2022

Christmas Day
 Monday, December 26, 2022

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