Access Adams County Marriage Records

Adams County marriage records are available through the Clerk and Recorder office in Brighton, which serves as the county seat. This office maintains all marriage licenses issued within Adams County boundaries. Residents of Westminster, Thornton, and Commerce City rely on this office for their marriage documentation needs. The process of obtaining these records follows Colorado state guidelines. Understanding where to search helps couples complete their requests efficiently. Many people visit this office each year seeking proof of marriage for various legal purposes.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Adams County

The Adams County Clerk and Recorder office is the primary place to obtain marriage records in this county. Located in Brighton, this office handles all marriage license applications. Couples from Northglenn and Federal Heights often visit this location. The office maintains records of all marriages that took place within Adams County limits. These records date back many decades.

Marriage verifications serve a different purpose than certificates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verification documents. These confirm a marriage occurred but are not certified copies. Understanding this distinction helps you request the right document for your needs.

Historical marriage records may be found at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds a statewide marriage index covering 1890 to 1939. This resource helps genealogy researchers trace family histories in Adams County and beyond.

Some records require specific eligibility. Colorado law restricts access to marriage records. Only those with direct interest may obtain copies. Proof of relationship may be required.

Adams County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Clerk and Recorder office in Brighton serves all residents of Adams County. This office operates under C.R.S. § 14-2-106. Staff issue marriage licenses to qualified couples. They also maintain records of completed marriages. The office is a vital resource for the community.

Services provided include issuing new marriage licenses. The office also provides certified copies of marriage certificates. These copies serve as legal proof of marriage. Many agencies require certified copies for name changes and other official matters.

The Brighton office location serves the entire county. Residents from Aurora and Strasburg portions of Adams County use this same office. The central location makes it accessible for most county residents.

Note: Office hours and specific procedures may vary, so contact the office before visiting.

Marriage License Requirements in Adams County

Obtaining a marriage license in Adams County requires meeting specific criteria. Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk and Recorder office. This requirement ensures proper identification verification. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, at least one party must be present to apply.

Age requirements apply to all applicants. Both parties must be 18 years or older. Those aged 16 or 17 need judicial approval. This involves additional court procedures. Minors under 16 cannot marry in Colorado without special circumstances.

Identification is essential for the application process. Acceptable forms include driver's licenses and passports. Military IDs and state-issued cards also work. All IDs must be current and valid. Expired documents are not accepted.

The license fee includes statutory components. The base license fee is $7. An additional $20 goes to the Colorado domestic abuse program fund. County administrative fees may also apply.

Timing matters when planning your wedding. Marriage licenses in Colorado are valid for 35 days only. Per C.R.S. § 14-2-107, unused licenses must be returned. They cannot be used outside Colorado state boundaries.

Ordering Certified Copies from Adams County

After your wedding, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Adams County residents can order these from the Clerk and Recorder office. These documents carry legal weight. They prove your marriage status to government agencies and employers.

The process involves submitting a request form. You will need to provide specific details. Include the full names of both spouses. Provide the date of marriage. The county where the ceremony occurred is also required.

Identification must accompany your request. The identification requirements document lists acceptable options. Primary ID is preferred. Secondary documents may work in some cases.

Some people need marriage verifications instead. The CDPHE Vital Records office provides these. A verification confirms a marriage took place. It does not include all details found on a certificate. Fees for verifications are set by state law.

Historical Marriage Records in Adams County

Genealogy researchers often seek historical marriage records from Adams County. The Colorado State Archives holds records from before 1960. These documents help family historians build their family trees. The Archives maintains various record types including licenses and registers.

The statewide marriage index is a valuable tool. It covers marriages from 1890 to 1939. This index is searchable online through the Archives Search database. Entries include both spouses' names and marriage dates. The county and license number are also listed.

Not all indexed records remain at the Archives. Some were returned to county offices. Others may be stored elsewhere. If the Archives does not have your record, contact the Adams County Clerk and Recorder.

Fees at the State Archives differ from county offices. Vital record requests cost $11 per document. A $12 handling fee applies to each request. These lower costs benefit researchers needing multiple records.

Most Colorado marriage records lack parents' names. This differs from some other states. Researchers should not expect to find this information.

Cities in Adams County

Adams County includes several cities and towns where residents obtain marriage licenses through the Brighton office. Each community relies on the same county clerk services for their marriage record needs.

Other communities in Adams County include Northglenn, Federal Heights, Brighton, and Strasburg. All residents use the same Clerk and Recorder office in Brighton for marriage licenses and certificates.

Nearby Counties

These Colorado counties border Adams County. If you cannot find a marriage record in Adams County, the ceremony may have taken place in one of these neighboring counties.