Find Marriage Records in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County marriage records are housed at the Clerk and Recorder office in Littleton, which serves as the county seat. This suburban Denver metro area county processes thousands of marriage licenses annually. Residents of Aurora, Centennial, and Englewood utilize this office for their marriage documentation. The office provides both new licenses and certified copies of existing records. Staff members understand the importance of these documents for legal and personal matters. They work efficiently to serve the large population of this growing county.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County residents have several options for obtaining marriage records. The primary source is the Clerk and Recorder office in Littleton. This office handles all aspects of marriage documentation. They issue licenses before weddings. They file certificates after ceremonies. They provide copies upon request.

The Secretary of State directory lists contact information. This helps residents find the right office. It also provides phone numbers and hours. Each county sets its own procedures. Calling ahead saves time.

State-level services complement county resources. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers verifications. These documents confirm marriage facts. They are not full certificates. Many legal situations accept them.

Historical research requires different resources. The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Their collection spans from the territorial period through 1960. The statewide index covers 1890 to 1939.

Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Littleton office serves a diverse population across Arapahoe County. This includes urban, suburban, and developing areas. The office adapts to meet varying community needs. They process routine requests quickly. They also handle complex situations with care.

License issuance follows C.R.S. § 14-2-106. This statute establishes statewide standards. Arapahoe County implements them faithfully. Staff verify applicant eligibility. They check identification carefully. They collect required fees.

After ceremonies, officiants return completed certificates. The office registers these marriages officially. This creates permanent records. Certified copies become available shortly after processing. The office maintains these records indefinitely.

Many Arapahoe County couples appreciate the efficient service. The office handles high volumes with professionalism. Wait times are typically reasonable. Online resources help applicants prepare. This streamlines the in-person process.

Note: Specific office hours and appointment requirements should be confirmed before visiting.

Marriage License Requirements in Arapahoe County

Understanding requirements helps couples prepare for their visit. Arapahoe County follows Colorado state law precisely. These rules ensure valid marriages. They protect all parties involved. Advance preparation prevents delays.

Personal appearance is necessary. At least one applicant must visit the office. This allows identity verification. Staff need to see valid photo identification. They also collect signatures. Both parties should attend if possible.

Age requirements protect minors. Applicants must be 18 or older. Those aged 16 or 17 need court approval. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, judges evaluate these requests case by case. Younger applicants face additional restrictions.

Identification standards are strict. Documents must be government-issued. They must include photos. They cannot be expired. Acceptable options include:

• Driver's license or state ID card
• Passport from any country
• Military identification
• Tribal identification cards

License validity is limited. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-107, licenses expire after 35 days. Ceremonies must occur within this window. Unused licenses require return. New applications need new fees.

Ordering Certified Copies from Arapahoe County

Certified marriage certificates serve essential purposes. Banks need them for name changes. Government agencies require them for benefits. Employers request them for insurance updates. Arapahoe County provides these vital documents efficiently.

The request process is straightforward. Visit the Littleton office with proper identification. Complete a request form. Provide marriage details including date and location. Pay the required fee. Receive copies promptly.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a detailed letter. Include full names of both spouses. Specify the marriage date. Add a check or money order. Include a copy of your ID. Allow processing time.

State verification offers an alternative. The CDPHE Vital Records Section processes these. Their office address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Processing takes approximately thirty business days.

VitalChek provides online convenience. Call 866-632-2604 for assistance. Their service adds a surcharge. Processing is faster than standard mail.

Historical Marriage Records in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County dates to Colorado's territorial period. Early marriage records document pioneer families. The Colorado State Archives preserves many of these historical treasures. Researchers can explore this rich heritage.

The marriage index simplifies searches. It alphabetically lists marriages from 1890 through 1939. Each entry includes spouse names. Marriage dates are recorded. County information appears. License numbers help locate original documents.

Physical records require careful handling. The Archives maintains proper storage. Temperature and humidity are controlled. This preservation ensures future access. Some records remain fragile. Staff assist with delicate materials.

Research room policies protect collections. Appointments are mandatory. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays are closed. Phone assistance is available at 303-866-2358.

Cost considerations matter for extensive research. The $11 record fee is reasonable. The $12 handling fee applies per request. Multiple records require multiple fees. Planning helps manage costs effectively.

Cities in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County encompasses numerous cities and communities across the Denver metropolitan area. All residents access marriage services through the central Littleton office regardless of their specific location within the county.

Additional communities in Arapahoe County include Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, Glendale, Foxfield, and Columbine Valley. All residents use the same Clerk and Recorder office in Littleton for marriage documentation services.

Nearby Counties

These Colorado counties border Arapahoe County. Marriage records may be located in these offices if the ceremony occurred near county boundaries in the Denver metro area.