Lakewood Marriage Certificate Search
Lakewood marriage records are maintained by the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. Lakewood is a major city in Jefferson County with about 156,868 residents. Located just west of Denver, Lakewood couples obtain their marriage licenses and records from the Jefferson County offices. The Clerk and Recorder provides essential services for couples throughout the Denver metro area.
Lakewood Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Lakewood
Lakewood residents obtain marriage licenses and records from the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. The county has multiple office locations that serve Lakewood couples. The main office is in Golden, which is convenient for many Lakewood residents. Additional locations may offer limited services.
The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder office for marriage licenses is at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. This location is just north of Lakewood and easily accessible via major highways. The office handles all marriage license applications for Jefferson County residents including those in Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, and other communities.
Lakewood couples can visit the Golden office to apply for marriage licenses, obtain certified copies, or request records searches. The office provides same-day service for most marriage license applications. You can also mail in requests for certified copies of existing marriage records if you cannot visit in person.
| Office | Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2560 Golden, CO 80401 |
| Phone | (303) 271-8122 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: Marriage license services close at 4:00 PM, so arrive early to ensure adequate time for processing.
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder office serves Lakewood and all of Jefferson County. This office is the official source for marriage records in the area. They issue marriage licenses, register completed certificates, and maintain permanent archives. Lakewood couples rely on this office for their marriage documentation needs.
The Jefferson County office provides comprehensive marriage services. Staff members process applications, verify identification, and issue licenses. They can also conduct civil marriage ceremonies by appointment. The office maintains records of all Jefferson County marriages going back many decades.
Lakewood benefits from the Jefferson County office's modern record-keeping systems. Recent marriage records are easily accessible. Staff can typically provide certified copies while you wait. Older records from many years ago may require additional processing time as they are retrieved from archives.
Marriage License Requirements for Lakewood Residents
Lakewood couples must meet Colorado state requirements to obtain a marriage license. Both parties must appear together at the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder office. You must present valid photo identification. The process is efficient, and most couples receive their license the same day.
Acceptable identification includes current driver's licenses, state IDs, passports, or military identification cards. The Jefferson County staff will verify your identity and ensure you meet age requirements. Both parties must be 18 or older. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with a court order from a Colorado judge.
Colorado does not require blood tests or impose waiting periods. Lakewood couples can apply and marry on the same day if they wish. The license fee is $30, which includes the statutory fees. The Jefferson County office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment.
Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 35 days anywhere in Colorado. You do not need to marry in Jefferson County. Many Lakewood couples hold their ceremonies in the city and return the completed certificate to the Jefferson County office. The certificate must be returned within 63 days of the ceremony per C.R.S. ยง 14-2-109.
Colorado is unique in allowing self-solemnization. Lakewood couples may perform their own marriage ceremony without an officiant. You simply complete the license yourselves and return it to the county clerk. This option is popular among couples who prefer private ceremonies.
Ordering Certified Copies in Lakewood
After your wedding, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. These documents prove your marriage for legal purposes. Most couples need several copies for various name changes and legal updates.
The Jefferson County office at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden provides certified copies. Visit with proper identification and information about the marriage. Staff will locate your record and provide certified copies. Recent marriages are usually available immediately. Older records may require additional processing time.
To request copies by mail, send a written request to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. Include both parties' full names, the date of marriage, and your contact information. Enclose payment for copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests take longer but are convenient for those who cannot visit Golden.
Lakewood residents can also obtain marriage verifications from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Denver. Call 303-692-2200 or visit cdphe.colorado.gov. The CDPHE office at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South provides verification only. For actual certified copies, contact the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder.
You may also order through VitalChek by calling 866-632-2604. VitalChek charges $25 for the first verification and $20 for additional copies, plus a processing surcharge. This is a convenient option for those who prefer online ordering.
Historical Marriage Records for Lakewood Area
Lakewood was incorporated in 1969, making it a relatively young city. However, Jefferson County has marriage records dating back to the 1860s. Historical records for the Lakewood area can be found at several archives and repositories. These records are valuable for genealogy and family history research.
The Colorado State Archives maintains a Statewide Marriage Index covering 1890 to 1939. This database includes many Jefferson County marriages. You can search it online at archives.colorado.gov. The index lists both spouses' names, the marriage date, and the license number.
For marriages after 1960, the State Archives likely does not have the certificates. Contact the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder for these records. They maintain complete archives for all Jefferson County marriages. The State Archives charges $11 per vital record plus a $12 handling fee.
The State Archives office is at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM Mountain Time, by appointment only. The office is closed on Mondays as of September 15, 2025. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule an appointment.
FamilySearch.org offers free access to the Colorado Statewide Marriage Index covering 1853 to 2006. This resource helps researchers find marriage information before requesting official copies. Most Colorado marriage records do not include parents' names.
Jefferson County Marriage Records
Lakewood is one of the largest cities in Jefferson County. Other communities served by the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder include Arvada, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and Edgewater. For complete information about marriage record services throughout the county, visit the Jefferson County marriage records page.