Colorado is one of the easiest and most beautiful places in the United States to get married. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on top of a mountain, beside an alpine lake, or surrounded by golden aspens, Colorado offers endless possibilities for adventurous couples.
One of the biggest reasons couples choose Colorado is its unique marriage laws. You can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses, giving you complete freedom to create an intimate ceremony that’s truly about the two of you.
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve spent countless days exploring this state and helping couples plan intentional wedding days from Rocky Mountain National Park to the San Juan Mountains. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan your Colorado elopement.
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Requirements & Get Your Marriage License
Getting legally married in Colorado is surprisingly simple. You don’t have to be a Colorado resident, which is one of the many reasons couples travel from all over the country to elope here.
To obtain your Colorado marriage license, you’ll need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Both partners present during the application process
- Payment for the marriage license fee (typically $30)
You can obtain your marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Colorado, and it can be used anywhere within the state.
Many counties also allow you to begin the application online before your appointment, which can save time when you arrive. I usually recommend picking up your marriage license a day or two before your elopement rather than trying to squeeze it into your wedding day. It’s one less thing to think about so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Step 2: Get Married
This is the fun part.
One of the things that makes Colorado so unique is that you can legally self-solemnize your marriage. That means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to make your marriage legal.
Whether you exchange vows on a mountain summit, beside an alpine lake, or in a cozy cabin surrounded by aspens, your ceremony can be exactly what you envision.
You don’t need:
- An officiant
- Witnesses
- A courthouse ceremony
If you’d still like a friend, family member, or professional officiant to lead your ceremony, you absolutely can. Colorado simply gives you the freedom to choose.
Step 3: Sign Your Marriage License
After your ceremony, you’ll complete and sign your marriage license.
If you’re self-solemnizing, you’ll sign where the officiant would normally sign. If you have an officiant, they’ll complete that section instead.
Before mailing it in, take a minute to double-check that everything is filled out correctly. A quick review can help prevent delays in processing.
Step 4: Return Your Marriage License
Once you’re married, return the completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office that issued it.
Colorado requires your signed marriage license to be returned within 63 days after your ceremony. After it’s recorded, your marriage becomes official, and you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate if needed.
How Do You Get an Officiant in Colorado?
Colorado gives couples several options when it comes to choosing an officiant, making it one of the easiest states in the country to get married.
Self-Solemnize Your Marriage
Colorado is one of the few states that allows couples to self-solemnize, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant. If you’re dreaming of a private mountaintop ceremony or an intimate elopement with just the two of you, this is an incredible option.
Have a Friend or Family Member Officiate
Want someone special to lead your ceremony? A close friend or family member can officiate your wedding in Colorado, making your ceremony even more personal. Whether it’s a sibling, parent, or lifelong friend, having someone who knows your story can make your vows even more meaningful.
Hire a Professional Officiant
If you’re planning a religious ceremony, want someone experienced leading weddings, or simply prefer having a professional officiant, there are plenty of wonderful officiants throughout Colorado. If you’re not sure where to start, your photographer can often recommend trusted local officiants they’ve worked with before.
Have Your Photographer Officiate
If you’re planning an intimate elopement or micro wedding, another option is having your photographer officiate your ceremony. Since I’ll already be by your side throughout the day, I can seamlessly guide you through your ceremony while keeping the experience relaxed and personal. I’m an ordained officiant and can legally sign your Colorado marriage license, making the process even simpler for couples who want to keep their day intimate without hiring an additional vendor.
Whether you choose to self-solemnize, have a loved one officiate, or have me perform your ceremony, I’ll help make sure everything is completed correctly so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.
Can Our Dog Sign the Marriage License?
Potentially, yes!
Many Colorado counties allow couples to include a paw print on their marriage license as a fun witness signature. Some counties have restrictions, so it’s always worth checking with the county issuing your license beforehand.
As someone who photographs a lot of dog-friendly elopements, I can confirm this is always one of the highlights of the day.
Why Colorado Is One of the Easiest Places to Elope
Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, which means you and your partner can legally marry yourselves. No officiant required. No witnesses required. Just the two of you if that’s what you want.
That’s one of the reasons so many couples choose Colorado for their elopement. You have complete freedom to create a day that feels true to you without worrying about traditional wedding requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Colorado
Do we need an officiant?
Nope. Colorado allows self-solemnization, which means you can legally marry yourselves.
Do we need witnesses?
No. Witnesses are not required for a legal marriage in Colorado.
How much does a Colorado marriage license cost?
Most counties charge $30 for a marriage license.
Is there a waiting period?
No. You can get married as soon as you receive your license.
How long is the marriage license valid?
Your Colorado marriage license must be used within 35 days of being issued.
Can non-residents get married in Colorado?
Absolutely. You do not need to live in Colorado to get married there.
Planning a Colorado Elopement?
Getting legally married in Colorado is actually one of the easiest parts of planning your day.
The harder part is figuring out where to exchange vows, when to go for the best light and scenery, navigating permits, building a timeline, and creating an experience that feels intentional instead of rushed.
That’s where I come in.
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I help couples with much more than photos. From location recommendations and timeline planning to permit guidance and activity ideas, I’m here to help you create a day that feels like an adventure you’ll want to relive forever.
If you’re ready to start planning your Colorado elopement, I’d love to hear your vision. You can contact me here to get started, and we’ll create a wedding day that’s relaxed, adventurous, and unforgettable.
