Find Marriage Records in Denver
Denver is both a city and a county. This makes it unique in Colorado. The city has over 729,000 residents. It is the state capital. As a consolidated city-county, Denver handles its own marriage records. You do not go to a separate county office. Everything happens within Denver city limits.
Denver Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Denver
Denver residents have unique options. The city is also the county. This means the Denver Clerk and Recorder serves both roles. You get your marriage license from this office. You also get certified copies later. The main office is downtown.
The Webb Municipal Office Building houses the clerk's office. It is at 201 West Colfax Avenue. This is in the heart of Denver. You can reach it by light rail. Several bus routes stop nearby. Parking is available in nearby garages.
The Colorado Department of Public Health is also in Denver. Their office is at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. They provide marriage verifications. Remember, these are not certificates. A verification only confirms a marriage happened. For legal proof, you need the county clerk.
Being in Denver gives you access to state resources. The State Archives is at 1313 Sherman Street. VitalChek has a phone line at 866-632-2604. But for actual certificates, stay with the Denver Clerk and Recorder.
Denver County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Denver Clerk and Recorder manages all marriage records for the city and county. They issue licenses. They file completed certificates. They sell certified copies. All these services are at the Webb Building downtown.
| Office | Denver Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 West Colfax Avenue, Room 1 Denver, CO 80202 |
| Phone | (720) 865-8400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | denvergov.org/clerk |
The office is busy. Denver is the largest city in Colorado. Many people marry here. Plan for possible wait times. Arrive early in the day. The office opens at 8 AM. Lines form quickly. You can also make an appointment online. This saves time.
Note: Check the Denver Clerk website for current wait times and appointment availability.
Marriage License Requirements for Denver Residents
Getting married in Denver follows Colorado law. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 governs the process. You must be 18 or older. Minors aged 16 or 17 need court approval. The Denver Juvenile Court handles these cases. Both parties must be unmarried.
Bring valid photo ID to the clerk's office. A driver's license works. A passport is fine too. You need to know your parents' full names. You need their birthplaces. You must state if you were married before. If so, know how that marriage ended.
The fee for a Denver marriage license varies. Check the current rate online. The clerk accepts cash and cards. Some locations may have different payment options. Ask when you arrive.
Once issued, you have 35 days to marry. This rule comes from C.R.S. § 14-2-107. The license expires after that. You would need to pay again. Plan your wedding date before you apply. Do not get the license too early.
Colorado allows self-solemnization. You and your partner can marry yourselves. No officiant is needed. This is rare in the United States. Many Denver couples choose this option. You still need the license. You still file the paperwork after.
Ordering Certified Copies in Denver
After your Denver wedding, get certified copies. You will need them. Social Security requires one. The DMV needs proof for name changes. Your bank may want to see it. Your employer might ask too.
Order copies from the Denver Clerk and Recorder. Go to the Webb Building. Bring your ID. Know your wedding date. Have both names ready. The clerk can print copies while you wait. The fee depends on how many you need.
You can also order by mail. Send your request to the clerk's office. Include a copy of your ID. Add a check or money order. Allow processing time. Mail orders take longer.
Some Denver residents confuse the offices. They go to the state health department. That office is also in Denver. But they only give verifications. These are not legal documents. Do not make this mistake. Go to the clerk for certified copies.
The Colorado State Archives is another option. But only for old records. They have some pre-1960 records. Most Denver couples need recent records. Those stay at the clerk's office.
Historical Marriage Records for Denver Area
Denver has a long history. It was founded in 1858. The city grew quickly. Many marriages took place here. Old records are valuable for family history. The Colorado State Archives holds many Denver marriage records.
The Archives has a special Denver collection. They have marriage certificates from 1861 to 1868. These are scanned and online. You can view them for free. Go to archives.colorado.gov to search.
The State Archives also has a statewide index. It covers 1890 to 1939. This includes Denver marriages. The index is free to use. It shows names, dates, and counties. You then request the full record from the Archives.
Records at the Archives cost $11 each. There is a $12 handling fee per order. You can visit in person. The office is at 1313 Sherman Street. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Appointments are required.
FamilySearch.org also has Colorado records. Their index covers 1853 to 2006. This is free too. You can search from home. Results show the county. Then you know where to request the full record.
Denver County Marriage Records
Denver is unique as a consolidated city-county. The Denver Clerk and Recorder handles all marriage records for city residents. This combined government structure makes the process straightforward. For complete county information, visit the Denver County page.