A step by step list to get legally married in Colorado
You’ve decided to get married- Yay! Now you need to know what steps you need to take, and in what order, to get legally married in Colorado.
Colorado requires a MARRIAGE LICENSE from the County Clerk, no Witnesses, and no Officiant (you can self-solomonize if you Choose).
The process
- First, both partners must go down to a County Clerk anywhere in Colorado with your legal IDs to obtain a marriage license which will run you approximately $35. (Check HERE for locations throughout Arizona)
- You do NOT need to be a Colorado resident to apply for a marriage license.
- You DO both need to be present in Colorado to obtain your marriage license.
- There is no waiting period to obtain a license, so you can get married immediately after leaving the clerks office, or anytime up to 35 days after the license is issued.
- You do not need an officiant, but you can choose to have one if you would like to.
- Once your license is signed, you just mail it in to the clerk’s office (I highly recommend sending with a tracking number) and they will send the official sealed document to the address you listed when applying for your license within 60 days to avoid late filing fees.
Now that I’m legally married, what do I do next?
Once you have done all the steps to get legally married in Colorado, and you have received your certified copy of your marriage certificate back from the court, what you do next depends on your personal legal and financial situation.
Changing your Name
If either of you are changing your last name, then you will need to take your marriage license, ID, and social security card down to the Social Security Office nearest to you to apply for a new social security card. Once you receive your new card, you can take it to have your state ID or DL changed, followed by any other IDs like passports, travel ID cards etc.
Legal and Financial Accounts
When it comes to legal and financial accounts, it is always best to consult with your financial advisor and/ or accountant. Every couple’s situation will be different based on what assets both spouses have, whether there are children or other familial obligations, and a number of other factors that a professional can advise you on for your specific circumstances.
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
