Arvada Marriage License Lookup
Arvada sits in Jefferson County, just west of Denver. Couples who want to marry here must get a license from the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. The city has over 121,000 residents. Many need marriage records each year. This guide shows where to find them and how to start your search.
Arvada Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Arvada
Arvada residents have three main places to get marriage records. The first is the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. This office issues marriage licenses and keeps certificates. The second is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This office sells marriage verifications only. The third is the Colorado State Archives. This office holds old records from before 1960.
The county clerk is the best place to start for most Arvada couples. They issue licenses before the wedding. They also file certificates after the ceremony. You can get certified copies from them at any time. The office is in Golden, which is a short drive from Arvada.
CDPHE offers marriage verifications for Arvada weddings. These show that a marriage took place. They do not show the full details from the license. You can order these online, by mail, or by phone. The office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver.
For family history research, try the State Archives. They have a marriage index from 1890 to 1939. Most Arvada records after 1960 are not there. You would need to check with Jefferson County for those.
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder serves all of Arvada. This office handles marriage licenses and certificates. They also record land records and handle elections. Their main office is in Golden, the county seat. This is where Arvada couples must go to get married.
The office is at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. You can reach them by phone at 303-271-8100. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You should call ahead to check wait times. Some services need an appointment.
Arvada couples need both parties present to get a license. You must show valid ID. The license fee is due at that time. Cash and cards are usually accepted. Checks may also work. Call to ask about current payment options before you go.
After your wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to this office. The clerk records it and issues a certificate. You can then buy certified copies. These copies are valid for all legal needs. Keep them in a safe place.
Note: Jefferson County also has a motor vehicle office in Arvada at 8130 Ralston Road. However, marriage services are only at the Golden location.
Marriage License Requirements for Arvada Residents
To marry in Arvada, you must follow Colorado law. Both people must appear at the clerk's office. You cannot send one person to get the license alone. You must each show a valid photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
You do not need to be a Colorado resident to marry in Arvada. You also do not need a blood test. The process is simple and fast. Most couples get their license the same day they apply. This makes Arvada a popular spot for destination weddings.
The age requirement is 18 for both parties. Those who are 16 or 17 can marry with court approval. A judge must sign off on the union. No one under 16 can marry in Colorado. Bring proof of age if you look young.
You cannot marry if you are already married. You must end any prior marriage first. This applies to all Arvada couples. Bigamy is a crime in Colorado. The clerk will check for this.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Colorado. Arvada welcomes all couples. The process is the same for everyone. Love is love in Jefferson County.
Ordering Certified Copies in Arvada
After you marry, you need certified copies of your certificate. Arvada couples get these from Jefferson County. You can order in person, by mail, or online. Each method has its own steps.
In-person is fastest. Go to the Golden office with your ID. You can get copies the same day. Bring cash or card for payment. Ask for the vital records desk when you arrive.
By mail takes longer. Write a letter with both names and the wedding date. Include a copy of your ID. Add payment for the number of copies you want. Mail it to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder at 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80419.
Online ordering is also an option. Some counties use third-party sites. Check the Jefferson County website for links. Fees may be higher online. You also pay a service charge. This is the trade-off for convenience.
Certified copies cost money. The first copy costs more than extra copies. Prices change over time. Call 303-271-8100 for current rates. You usually need two to three copies. One for your files. One for the Social Security office. One for your bank or insurance.
Note: CDPHE does not sell certified copies of marriage certificates. They only sell verifications. For legal matters, you need the certified copy from the county.
Historical Marriage Records for Arvada Area
The Arvada area has a long history. It was founded in 1870. Many families have lived here for generations. You may need old marriage records for family trees. These records help prove relationships. They also show family history.
The Colorado State Archives holds old Jefferson County marriage records. They have an index from 1890 to 1939. This is online at archives.colorado.gov. You can search by name. The index shows the date and license number. It does not show parents' names. Most Colorado marriage records lack this detail.
For records from 1940 to 1974, check with Jefferson County directly. The state does not hold these. This is a gap in the state records. County offices kept them instead. This was common in many states during this time.
Records after 1960 are at the county clerk's office. The State Archives likely does not have them. They focus on older documents. If you need a recent record, skip the Archives. Go straight to Golden.
FamilySearch.org also has a Colorado marriage index. It covers 1853 to 2006. This is arranged by the groom's name. Some cards are out of order. Use it as a backup search tool. It may help you find clues.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Arvada is near several other cities. Couples in these areas use the same Jefferson County office. Westminster is to the north. Lakewood is to the south. Wheat Ridge is nearby. Golden is the county seat. All these cities share one clerk and recorder.
If you live in Arvada but marry in another county, that county issues your license. The rules vary slightly by county. Fees may differ. Hours may differ. Always check with that county before you go.