State guide
Colorado
Colorado marriage licenses are issued by county clerk and recorder offices, and the license is valid upon issuance for 35 days anywhere in Colorado. Colorado is unusual because the couple can solemnize their own marriage, and witnesses are optional rather than required. ([clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com](https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- County clerk and recorder. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2014-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Waiting period
- none; valid upon issuance. ([clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com](https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
- License valid for
- 35 days. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2014-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Witnesses
- not required; optional on county forms. ([douglasco.gov](https://www.douglasco.gov/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
- License fee
- $30 statewide total found on current official county pages and fee schedule. ([clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com](https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Colorado
Official portal to the current Colorado Revised Statutes titles, including Title 14.
Official Title 14 text containing marriage-license validity and solemnization rules.
County clerk page summarizing Colorado’s self-solemnization and witness rules.
Current county clerk page with fee, validity, and late-return information.
Large-county official page with application, branch offices, and officiant guidance.
Key facts for Colorado
- Colorado licenses are issued by county clerks and recorders. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2014-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- A Colorado marriage license is valid upon issuance for 35 days and only for use in Colorado. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2014-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Witness signatures are not required; some county materials label witnesses optional. ([douglasco.gov](https://www.douglasco.gov/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
- Colorado allows self-solemnization by the parties themselves. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Official county fee pages found a standard $30 marriage-license fee. ([clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com](https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/marriage-licenses/?utm_source=openai))
- The completed certificate must be returned within 63 days or late fees apply. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Plan the ceremony within 35 days after issuance; the license expires if unused. ([content.leg.colorado.gov](https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2014-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- If you want no officiant at all, Colorado self-solemnization is the simplest path. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- After the ceremony, return the completed license quickly; counties warn of late fees after 63 days. ([leg.colorado.gov](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-14.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?