Access Brighton Marriage Records
Brighton is a growing city north of Denver. It sits in two counties. Most of the city is in Adams County. A small part is in Weld County. This affects where residents get marriage records. The city has 43,473 people. This guide helps them find what they need.
Brighton Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Brighton
Brighton residents have two county options. Most use Adams County. This is where the city center lies. Some use Weld County. This is for residents in the eastern part. Your address determines which office to visit.
The Adams County Clerk is in Brighton itself. This is very convenient. You do not need to travel far. The office is at 4430 S. Adams County Parkway. It is just south of downtown. This serves most Brighton couples.
The Weld County Clerk is in Greeley. This is a longer drive. It is about 45 minutes northeast. Residents in east Brighton may use this office. Check your address to be sure. The zip code can help you decide.
Colorado law allows you to marry in any county. You can get a license in Adams County and wed in Weld County. The license works statewide. Just return it to the issuing office after the ceremony.
Adams County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Adams County Clerk is right in Brighton. This makes it easy for most residents. The office is at 4430 S. Adams County Parkway. It is in the Government Center. You can see it from the main road.
The phone number is 720-523-6020. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Marriage services are available during these times. Arrive by 4:00 PM to ensure service. The staff needs time to process your request.
Both parties must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID. You will sign an application. You will pay the fee. The license is issued while you wait. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
After your wedding, the officiant returns the license. The clerk records it. You can then buy certified copies. These are needed for name changes. They are needed for benefit updates. Get several copies at once.
Note: Adams County has other offices. There is one in Westminster. There is one in Northglenn. However, marriage licenses are only at the Brighton location. Do not go to the other offices for this service.
Marriage License Requirements for Brighton Residents
Brighton follows Colorado marriage laws. These are simple and clear. You must be 18 or older. You need valid ID. You must be single. You cannot be closely related. That is the full list of requirements.
No blood test is needed. This is a common question. Many states require one. Colorado does not. You can get your license the same day you apply. You can marry the same day you get the license.
The license is valid for 35 days. Plan your wedding within this window. If you wait too long, the license expires. You must apply again. You must pay again. Mark your calendar to avoid this.
Minors need court approval. Those who are 16 or 17 must see a judge. The 17th Judicial District Court serves Brighton. It is right in the same complex as the clerk. This makes the process easier for young couples.
Colorado allows self-solemnization. You can marry yourselves. No officiant is required. Just you, your partner, and two witnesses. This is a popular choice in Brighton. Many couples enjoy this freedom.
Ordering Certified Copies in Brighton
After you marry, get certified copies. The Adams County Clerk sells them. Visit the Brighton office. Bring your ID. State the names and date. Pay the fee. Leave with your copies.
You can also order by mail. Write to Adams County Clerk and Recorder. The address is 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Brighton, CO 80601. Include your ID copy. Include payment. Allow several weeks.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers verifications. These are not certified copies. They only prove a marriage took place. Call 303-692-2200 for more information. You can also use VitalChek at 866-632-2604.
Fees vary by office. Adams County sets its own rates. CDPHE charges $25 for the first verification. Additional copies cost $20. Prices went up in 2026. Call to confirm current costs before you visit.
Note: Keep your certified copies in a safe place. You may need them years later. Getting new copies costs money. It is cheaper to get extras now than to order later.
Historical Marriage Records for Brighton Area
Brighton was founded in the 1870s. It grew as a farming town. The area has deep roots. Many families have lived here for generations. They need old marriage records for genealogy research.
The Colorado State Archives has Adams County records. Their index covers 1890 to 1939. You can search online. Visit archives.colorado.gov. Enter the names you seek. The results show dates and license numbers.
For records from 1940 to 1974, contact the county directly. Adams County kept these files. The state did not collect them. This was common across Colorado. Many counties have gaps in state records during this time.
The Brighton Historical Society may help. They have local records. They have photos and documents. They know family stories. Visit their museum downtown. Talk to their volunteers. They are passionate about local history.
FamilySearch.org is a free online tool. It has Colorado marriage records from 1853 to 2006. The Brighton area is included. The index is by groom's name. Try different spellings. Names were often written down by ear.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Brighton is near several cities. Commerce City is to the south. It is also in Adams County. Those residents use the same Brighton office. Thornton is to the west. It spans Adams and Weld Counties. Those residents may use either office.
Fort Lupton is to the northeast. It is in Weld County. Those residents use the Greeley office. Henderson is to the east. It is also in Adams County. All these cities are close to Brighton. They share many services.