Grand Junction Marriage License Lookup

Grand Junction marriage records are filed at the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office. Grand Junction sits on the Western Slope of Colorado and serves as the county seat for Mesa County with about 70,554 residents. All marriage licenses for Grand Junction couples are issued at the Mesa County office downtown. The Clerk and Recorder keeps marriage records for ceremonies performed anywhere in the county.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Grand Junction

Grand Junction couples obtain marriage records from the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office. This is the primary location for marriage licenses in the Grand Junction area. The office issues new licenses and maintains records of marriages performed in Mesa County. You can visit the office in person to apply for a license or request copies of existing marriage records.

The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office is located at 200 S Spruce Street in downtown Grand Junction. This central location makes it easy for residents from all parts of the city to access marriage record services. The office handles applications, issues licenses, and provides certified copies of marriage certificates for ceremonies that took place within Mesa County boundaries.

Grand Junction residents can also request marriage verifications from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The state office provides verification documents that confirm a marriage took place. However, certified copies of the actual marriage certificate must come from the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder where the license was originally issued.

Note: The office closes for county holidays and may have reduced hours on election days.

Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office serves Grand Junction and all surrounding communities in the county. This office is where Grand Junction couples begin their marriage process. The Clerk and Recorder staff handle marriage license applications, perform wedding ceremonies, and maintain the official record of all Mesa County marriages.

Grand Junction residents benefit from the full range of services at the Mesa County office. Staff can issue marriage licenses, record completed certificates, and provide certified copies of existing records. The office also handles many other county functions including vehicle registrations and elections, so calling ahead can help you plan your visit for marriage record services.

The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder maintains marriage records dating back many decades. For recent marriages, certified copies are usually available within a few days of the ceremony. Older records may require additional processing time as staff retrieve files from archives. The office can also perform wedding ceremonies for couples who want a simple civil service in Grand Junction.

Marriage License Requirements for Grand Junction Residents

Grand Junction couples must meet Colorado state requirements to obtain a marriage license. Both parties must appear in person at the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office to apply. The process is straightforward and licenses are typically issued the same day. Grand Junction residents can marry anywhere in Colorado once they have their license.

Applicants in Grand Junction must provide valid identification. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card. Neither party needs to be a Mesa County resident to apply in Grand Junction. Many couples from nearby western Colorado communities come to Grand Junction for their marriage license because it is the largest city in the region.

Colorado law requires applicants to be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16 or 17 can marry with judicial approval. There is no blood test required and no waiting period in Colorado. The marriage license fee in Mesa County is $30. The license becomes valid immediately upon issuance and remains valid for 35 days anywhere in Colorado.

Grand Junction couples should plan to use their license within the 35-day window. If the license expires before the ceremony, the couple must return to the Mesa County office and pay the fee again for a new license. Colorado law under C.R.S. § 14-2-107 specifies that unused licenses must be returned to the county clerk for cancellation.

Ordering Certified Copies in Grand Junction

After your wedding in Grand Junction, you will need certified copies of your marriage certificate. The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder provides these copies. You may need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes. It is wise to order several copies at once to avoid return trips.

The cost for certified copies varies by county. Contact the Mesa County office at (970) 244-1800 for current pricing. Some couples order copies when they return their completed license. Others request them later by mail or in person. The office can provide copies of any marriage recorded in Mesa County, not just recent ones.

To order Grand Junction marriage records by mail, send a written request to the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder. Include the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and your contact information. Enclose payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary based on request volume and record age.

Grand Junction residents can also obtain marriage verifications from the state. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver provides verification documents. These cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies. You can order through VitalChek by calling 866-632-2604. Note that verifications are not the same as certified copies of the marriage certificate.

Historical Marriage Records for Grand Junction Area

Grand Junction has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The Colorado State Archives holds some marriage records from the Grand Junction area. Their collection includes records from Mesa County and other western Colorado counties. The Archives can be a valuable resource for genealogy research and historical document requests.

The Colorado State Archives maintains a Statewide Marriage Index covering 1890 to 1939. This index is available online through their Archives Search database. The index lists both spouses' names, the marriage date, the county, and the license number. However, not all indexed records are held by the Archives. Some must be requested from the county directly.

For marriages after 1960, the Colorado State Archives likely does not have the certificate. You should contact the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder for these records. The Archives fee for vital record requests is $11 plus a $12 handling fee per request. Their office is at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM by appointment.

Grand Junction area residents researching family history can also use FamilySearch. This free database includes the Colorado Statewide Marriage Index covering 1853 to 2006. The index is arranged alphabetically by groom's name. Note that most Colorado marriage records do not include the names of the parents of the bride and groom.

Note: The Colorado State Archives Research Room is closed on Mondays as of September 15, 2025.

Mesa County Marriage Records

Grand Junction is the largest city in Mesa County and serves as the county seat. The Mesa County Clerk and Recorder office handles marriage records for Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and all unincorporated areas of the county. For more information about county-wide marriage record services, fees, and related resources, visit the Mesa County marriage records page.

View Mesa County Marriage Records