Colorado has the friendliest marriage license law in the country for couples who are eloping, and most of the stress people bring to it comes from rules that apply in other states. There is no waiting period, no blood test, no residency requirement, no witness requirement, and you do not need an officiant. The whole thing costs $30. What you do need to get right are two deadlines and the question of where to pick it up, because clerk offices in the mountain counties run on appointments and short hours.
The statewide rules
Every county clerk and recorder in Colorado issues the same license, and a license from any county is valid for a ceremony anywhere in the state. You can get it in Denver and marry in Telluride. It is only valid in Colorado, so a license from another state will not work here and a Colorado license will not work elsewhere.
Both of you appear with valid photo identification, usually a driver’s license or passport. Most offices ask you to complete an online application first and bring the confirmation number. You will be asked for your parents’ names and birthplaces, your Social Security number or an affidavit saying you do not have one, and details of any prior marriage. You do not need to be a Colorado resident or a United States citizen.
The fee is $30. Some counties bundle certified copies into the price, which is why Summit County charges $39 at the counter: the $30 license plus three certified copies at $3 each. Payment methods vary; San Miguel County takes cash or check only, El Paso County takes cash and cards but not checks. Check the county page before you go.
The license is valid the moment it is issued and must be used within 35 days. Once the ceremony is done and the certificate is signed, it must be returned to the clerk that issued it within 63 days. Several counties charge a late fee if it comes back after that; Larimer County lists $20 plus $5 a day up to $50. Mail it or use the drop box, and keep a photo of the signed certificate for your records.
If one of you cannot appear
Colorado allows an absentee affidavit. The partner who cannot be present completes the county’s marriage license absentee affidavit, has it notarized, and sends it with a copy of their identification. The partner who appears brings both. Every county we checked offers the form, though Boulder County notes that absentee applications cannot be handled through its remote video process and asks you to call. Colorado also permits marriage by proxy in narrow circumstances set out in C.R.S. 14-2-109; ask the clerk whether that applies to you. The absentee affidavit is the route almost every eloping couple uses.
Self solemnization in plain language
Under C.R.S. 14-2-109 the parties to a marriage may solemnize it themselves. That means the two of you can perform your own ceremony, sign the certificate as your own officiants, and be legally married with nobody else present. The clerk will hand you an instruction sheet showing how to fill out the certificate for a self solemnized ceremony. Jefferson County puts it bluntly: if the officiant line carries no recognized title such as pastor, minister, judge or magistrate, the county records it as a self solemnization.
The flip side matters too. A friend or relative cannot sign as your officiant just because they are important to you. Only clergy, judges, retired judges, magistrates, authorized public officials, tribal officials and the couple themselves may solemnize a Colorado marriage. If you want a friend to lead the ceremony, let them lead it and sign the certificate yourselves. Our self solemnization page covers the details, including the witness signature folklore.
Clerk offices couples actually use
Verified on each county’s own website in October 2026. Hours and appointment rules change, so click through before you drive.
| County | Office and town | How it works | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larimer | Estes Park, 1601 Brodie Ave | By appointment only; shares a vehicle licensing office, so book ahead. Fort Collins (200 W Oak St) welcomes walk ins, Loveland is by appointment. Full Larimer County guide | larimer.gov |
| Boulder | Boulder, 1750 33rd St | Online only: apply, then a video appointment for ID checks; the license is mailed. No counter service for licenses. Full Boulder County guide | bouldercounty.gov |
| Denver | Denver, Clerk and Recorder’s Office, 200 W. 14th Ave | Appointment only, booked up to 7 days ahead; virtual appointments by Teams with the license mailed, in person appointments resuming October 13, 2026. Full Denver guide | denvergov.org |
| Jefferson | Golden, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Suite 2560 | Walk ins Monday to Thursday 7:30 to 5; appointments 8 to 3. Mondays are the busiest day. Full Jefferson County guide | jeffco.us |
| El Paso | Colorado Springs, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd | No appointment needed; complete the online application first. Cash or card, no checks. Saturday mornings at the North office. Full Colorado Springs guide | elpasoco.com |
| Summit | Breckenridge, 208 E. Lincoln Ave | Non residents must book one of four daily appointment slots; $39 including three certified copies. Full Summit County guide | summitcountyco.gov |
| Eagle | Eagle, 500 Broadway Suite 101, and El Jebel | Apply online up to 90 days ahead, then book an appointment to pick up; Avon office closed in 2026 | eaglecounty.us |
| Pitkin | Aspen, 530 E Main St, Suite 104 | Apply online, then book a marriage appointment; only the two of you in the office | pitkincounty.com |
| San Miguel | Telluride, 305 W Colorado Ave | Walk in, Monday to Thursday; cash or check only, closed Fridays | sanmiguelcountyco.gov |
A practical pattern: if you are flying into Denver, Jefferson County in Golden is the easiest counter in the state for a walk in and sits on the way to every mountain region. If your ceremony is within two weeks and you want a Denver license, book an in person slot rather than a virtual one, because the city mails virtual licenses.
Timing it against your trip
The 35 day window is generous for most elopements. Get the license a day or two after you land, or pick it up on a weekday before a weekend ceremony. Remember that several mountain offices close Fridays, including Boulder, Jefferson and San Miguel, and that Summit County may send you elsewhere if its appointment slots are gone. Our region guides name the nearest offices for each area, and the planning checklist puts the license in the right order with your permit and vendor bookings.
If you live out of state, read eloping in Colorado from out of state for the airport, altitude and appointment timing that fit around a short trip.
Where the permit fits
The license is a legal document; a permit is permission to use a place. Rocky Mountain National Park, the Maroon Bells amphitheater and most state parks need a permit or reservation on top of your license. Start with the permits and legal resources index or go straight to the RMNP permit page.
