Access Cheyenne County Marriage Records

Cheyenne County marriage records are maintained at the Clerk and Recorder office in Cheyenne Wells. This rural Eastern Plains county serves residents of Kit Carson and other small communities. The county seat handles all marriage license applications and record requests for ceremonies performed locally.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Cheyenne County

The Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder is the primary source for marriage records in this county. This office issues marriage licenses to couples planning to wed. Staff also file and preserve completed marriage certificates after ceremonies occur. Anyone who marries in Cheyenne County, whether resident or visitor, works with this office.

For a marriage verification rather than a certified copy, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The CDPHE can confirm that a marriage took place in Cheyenne County. Their verification service costs $25 for the first copy. Additional copies are $20 each. Order through VitalChek or by mailing an application to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.

Historical marriage records for Cheyenne County may be found at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds records from many counties, though coverage varies. Their Statewide Marriage Index covers 1890 to 1939. You can search this database online before making a request. Records from after 1960 typically remain with the county.

Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Clerk and Recorder office in Cheyenne Wells serves all residents of this sparsely populated county. This office handles marriage licenses, property records, and elections. For marriage records, staff issue new licenses and provide copies of existing certificates. The office provides essential services to the communities of Kit Carson and the surrounding rural areas.

Contact the Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder using the information below. Calling ahead is recommended. Staff can explain what documents you need to bring. They can also confirm current fees and office hours.

Marriage License Requirements in Cheyenne County

Applying for a marriage license in Cheyenne County follows Colorado state requirements. The process is designed to be simple for couples. You will need proper identification and payment for the license fee. Plan to visit the Clerk and Recorder office during business hours.

Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without special approval. Those aged 16 or 17 need judicial approval and parental consent. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, at least one party must appear in person to apply. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. The license fee includes statutory amounts for domestic abuse programs.

Colorado marriage licenses are valid for 35 days from the date of issue. You must hold your ceremony within this window. The license is only valid for ceremonies performed within Colorado. After the wedding, the officiant or the couple must return the signed certificate to the Clerk and Recorder. This must happen within 63 days to avoid late fees under C.R.S. § 14-2-109.

Colorado permits self-solemnization. This means couples may marry without an officiant. You simply sign as both parties and officiants on the form. This unique option makes Colorado a popular destination for private ceremonies.

Ordering Certified Copies from Cheyenne County

After your wedding in Cheyenne County, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Banks, government agencies, and employers often require these documents. The Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder provides certified copies upon request. Contact their office to place an order.

To request a copy, provide the names of both spouses and the marriage date. Include payment for the copy fees. Most counties charge per certified copy. Fees help cover the cost of staff time and materials. Call the Cheyenne Wells office for current pricing.

The CDPHE offers marriage verifications as an alternative to certified copies. A verification confirms a marriage occurred but is not a copy of the license. Order verifications through VitalChek at 866-632-2604. You may also apply by mail using the forms from the CDPHE website. Processing times vary based on request volume.

Note: Some agencies specifically require certified copies from the county. Others accept state verifications. Check with the organization requesting your marriage proof before ordering.

Historical Marriage Records in Cheyenne County

Researchers seeking ancestral marriage records from Cheyenne County have several options. The Colorado State Archives maintains historical records from many counties. Their collection may include early Cheyenne County marriages from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Archives provides a searchable Statewide Marriage Index for 1890 to 1939. This index lists spouses' names, marriage dates, and license numbers. You can search from home to see if your ancestor appears. If found, you can request the full record from the Archives or the county.

FamilySearch also hosts a Colorado Statewide Marriage Index covering 1853 to 2006. This broader index may help locate Cheyenne County marriages not in the Archives database. Once you identify a record, request an official copy from the appropriate office. Note that most Colorado marriage records do not include parents' names. This can make genealogical research more challenging.