{"id":371992,"date":"2019-07-19T15:05:48","date_gmt":"2019-07-19T20:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-marriage-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T21:05:59","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T02:05:59","slug":"colorado-marriage-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-marriage-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Marriage Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Marriage Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

While many couples follow a traditional path that includes asking for parental blessings, proposing, public declaration of the engagement, wedding planning, and then a ceremony and celebration, none of this is required to be legally married in Colorado.<\/p>\r\n

Planning for marriage provides a lot to think about, even if you forgo the wedding and opt to head right for the courthouse. For some engaged couples, checking in with the laws that surround Colorado marriages may not always be top of mind. However, knowing what to expect and what is required for your marriage to be legal can help the process move smoothly and quickly.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Colorado<\/h2>\r\n

Colorado marriage laws are basic, but getting a license on time can be a stumbling block if you are not prepared. The information below outlines the laws and requirements you can expect to encounter throughout the marriage process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 14 Domestic Matters:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

How to Get Married<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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To get married, you must carefully follow a few steps:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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  1. Apply for a marriage certification at your County Clerk\u2019s office<\/a><\/li>\r\n
  2. If approved, you will receive a marriage license or \u201ccertificate\u201d in the mail<\/li>\r\n
  3. Both parties must appear within 35 days to sign the license (if one party cannot be present at the ceremony, you can use an absentee application)<\/li>\r\n
  4. The license is solemnized by yourselves, a current or retired judge, court magistrate, someone licensed to officiate weddings, or officiants who are part of religious denominations or Indian nations (Section 14-2-109<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n
  5. Mail the solemnized certificate to your county clerk within 60 days (daily late fees apply after 60 days)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    You do not need to have a witness during this process. It is legal for just you and your significant other to sign the license. Also, a name change is not required at any time after the marriage, but if you do want to change your name, you will need to follow the local name change process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Legal Requirements for Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

According to Colorado Revised Statutes Title 14 Section 14-2-106<\/a>, an individual must:<\/p>\r\n

Common Law Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The state of Colorado recognizes common law marriage (Section 14-2-1095<\/a>), which is a marriage in every way except for the marriage license. Both individuals must:<\/p>\r\n