Access Northglenn Marriage Records

Northglenn sits in both Adams and Weld counties in the Denver metro area. Residents who need to search for marriage records in Northglenn will work with the county clerk offices in either Brighton or Greeley. The city has over 38,000 people who may need to get a marriage license or find a copy of their marriage certificate. Northglenn marriage records are kept at the county level, which is standard for all of Colorado.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Northglenn

Northglenn spans two counties, so finding marriage records depends on where the license was issued. Most of the city falls within Adams County, with a smaller portion extending into Weld County. Northglenn residents typically obtain marriage licenses through the Adams County Clerk and Recorder in Brighton, which is the closest office for most city residents.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues marriage verifications, but these are not the same as certified copies. A verification only confirms that a marriage took place. It does not include the full marriage license details. For legal purposes, most people need certified copies from the county clerk where the marriage license was purchased.

If you live in the Weld County portion of Northglenn, you would use the Weld County Clerk and Recorder office in Greeley. Both counties follow the same state laws for issuing marriage licenses and keeping records. The process is similar, but fees and office hours may vary between the two counties.

Note: Marriage licenses in Colorado are valid for 35 days from the date of issue anywhere within the state.

Adams County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder serves most Northglenn residents. The office is located at 4430 S. Adams County Parkway in Brighton. This is where you apply for a marriage license and where you return the completed certificate after the ceremony. The office also keeps copies of all marriage licenses issued in Adams County.

Northglenn couples who marry in Adams County can order certified copies of their marriage certificate from this office. You will need to provide identification and proof of relationship to the parties on the record. The office accepts requests in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on the date of the marriage.

For older marriage records in the Northglenn area, the Colorado State Archives may hold documents from before 1960. The Archives has a statewide marriage index covering 1890 to 1939. Most post-1960 records remain with the county clerk offices. You can search the Archives database online before making a trip to their research room in Denver.

Marriage License Requirements for Northglenn Residents

Getting married in Northglenn requires a valid Colorado marriage license. Both parties must appear in person at the county clerk office. If one party cannot be present, the absent party must complete an affidavit that the clerk can provide. This process follows C.R.S. Section 14-2-106.

The age requirement for marriage in Colorado is 18 years old. Those who are 16 or 17 may marry with judicial approval and parental consent. Minors under 16 cannot marry in Colorado except in rare circumstances with court orders. Bring valid photo identification to prove your age when applying for a license.

Colorado does not require blood tests or medical exams to get married. There is no waiting period. Once you receive your license, you can marry immediately. The license expires after 35 days if not used. You must use the license within Colorado, as licenses issued here are not valid in other states.

One unique feature of Colorado marriage law is self-solemnization. Couples may perform their own marriage ceremony without an officiant. This option is recognized under C.R.S. Section 14-2-109. You simply sign the license as both parties and return it to the clerk office.

Ordering Certified Copies in Northglenn

After your wedding, you need certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal needs. Northglenn residents can order these from the county clerk where the license was issued. Certified copies bear the official seal and signature of the county clerk.

The Colorado State Vital Records Office offers marriage verifications, but remember that these are not certified copies. A verification only states that a marriage occurred on a certain date. It lacks the legal weight of a certified certificate for most purposes. For official business, always request certified copies from the county.

To order certified copies, you must show proof of relationship or direct interest in the record. Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. Some counties allow online ordering through third-party services like VitalChek, which adds a processing fee to the state charges.

Processing times vary by county and request method. In-person requests often yield same-day service. Mail orders typically take two to four weeks. Phone and online orders through VitalChek may process faster but cost more due to service fees.

Note: Keep your marriage license receipt in a safe place to help with future record requests.

Historical Marriage Records for Northglenn Area

Genealogists and family history researchers often seek older marriage records from the Northglenn area. Since Northglenn was incorporated in 1969, city-specific records only go back a few decades. For earlier records, researchers must look at Adams and Weld county records.

The Colorado State Archives holds some marriage records from before 1960. Their collection includes various record types such as marriage licenses, applications, certificates, and registers. The Archives maintains a statewide marriage index from 1890 to 1939 that researchers can search online.

FamilySearch.org offers a Colorado statewide marriage index covering 1853 to 2006. This index is arranged alphabetically by groom's name. Not all indexed records are held by the Archives, so you may need to contact the original county clerk for copies. Most marriage records in Colorado do not include parents' names of the bride and groom.