Find Marriage Records in Pueblo
Pueblo is a historic city in southern Colorado and the seat of Pueblo County. With over 111,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities in the state. Pueblo marriage records are maintained by the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder. The city has served as an important regional center for southern Colorado since the 1870s.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Pueblo
Pueblo residents obtain marriage records through the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder office. The main office is located in the Pueblo County Courthouse. This office handles all marriage license applications for Pueblo couples and maintains records of marriages performed in the county.
The process for Pueblo marriage records follows standard Colorado procedures. You apply for a license at the clerk's office. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed certificate. The clerk records the marriage and files the certificate. Certified copies are then available to eligible requesters.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can provide verification that a marriage took place. However, this verification is not a certified copy. It serves limited purposes and lacks the legal standing of a certificate from the county clerk. Most official needs require the certified document from Pueblo County.
Pueblo serves as the county seat for Pueblo County. The clerk's office is easily accessible to city residents. Nearby communities like Canon City and Trinidad have their own county clerks in Fremont and Las Animas counties respectively.
Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder maintains all marriage records for the city and county. The office is located at 215 W. 10th Street in Pueblo. This historic courthouse location serves as the central hub for vital records in the region. Residents can apply for licenses and request copies of existing records here.
When visiting the Pueblo County office, bring valid government-issued photo identification. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. The staff can explain current fees and any specific requirements. They can also assist with questions about recording procedures and copy requests.
For historical research, the Colorado State Archives may hold older Pueblo marriage records. Records from before 1960 are more likely to be at the Archives. The State Archives maintains a marriage index from 1890 to 1939. You can search this database online before planning a visit to Denver.
Marriage License Requirements for Pueblo Residents
Pueblo couples must follow Colorado state law when obtaining a marriage license. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Minors aged 16 or 17 need judicial approval and parental consent. No one under 16 may marry in Colorado. Valid photo ID is required to prove age and identity.
Colorado does not require blood tests or physical exams for marriage. There is no waiting period after you receive your license. You can marry the same day if you wish. The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue. It must be used within Colorado, as it is not valid in other states.
Under C.R.S. Section 14-2-109, Colorado allows couples to solemnize their own marriage. This means no officiant is required. The couple simply signs as both parties to the marriage and returns the license to the clerk. This unique Colorado provision gives couples flexibility in planning their ceremony.
After the ceremony, the marriage certificate must be returned to the clerk within 63 days. Late filings incur a penalty of at least $20. This requirement ensures timely recording of all marriages in Pueblo and throughout Colorado.
Note: Common-law marriages are recognized in Colorado but do not require a license or ceremony.
Ordering Certified Copies in Pueblo
Following your wedding, obtain certified copies of your Pueblo marriage certificate. These documents serve as legal proof of marriage. You will need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other official matters. Request them from the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder where your license was issued.
The state Vital Records office issues marriage verifications only. These are not the same as certified copies. A verification merely confirms that a marriage occurred. It does not carry the legal weight of a certified certificate from the county clerk.
To order certified copies, demonstrate your direct interest in the record. Eligible requesters include the parties named on the certificate and their immediate family members. Bring valid photo ID when making an in-person request. Mail requests should include a copy of your identification.
VitalChek provides an online ordering option for some records. This service charges a processing fee in addition to state fees. You can reach VitalChek at 866-632-2604. Processing times vary by method, with in-person requests typically being fastest.
Historical Marriage Records for Pueblo Area
Pueblo has a rich history dating to the 1870s. Marriage records from the early days of Pueblo may be found at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds various record types including licenses, applications, and certificates. Their statewide marriage index covers 1890 to 1939.
FamilySearch.org offers a Colorado marriage index spanning 1853 to 2006. This free resource requires registration to use. The index is organized alphabetically by groom's name. Researchers should note that some index cards may be out of order.
Most Colorado marriage records do not include parents' names. This differs from some other states. Researchers seeking family connections may need to consult census records, birth certificates, or other documents. The State Archives staff can help guide your research.
For records not held by the Archives, contact the Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder. They maintain marriage records from 1900 to the present. Records from 1940 to 1974 may be at the county only, as the state did not receive copies during that period.