Find Marriage Records in El Paso County
El Paso County marriage records are managed in Colorado Springs. This is the most populous county in Colorado. Over 700,000 residents call it home. The area includes military installations. Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy are here. The Clerk and Recorder handles a high volume of marriage documents. Many couples choose this scenic region for weddings.
Where to Get Marriage Records in El Paso County
The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder is the primary source for marriage documents. The main office is in Colorado Springs. This location serves the entire county. Residents of Fountain use this office. People from Manitou Springs come here. Woodland Park couples file here too.
Given the county's size, multiple service locations may exist. The main office handles most requests. Satellite offices can provide some services. Check the county website for locations. Marriage licenses issue from designated offices.
After weddings, certificates are filed in Colorado Springs. The clerk maintains permanent records. Certified copies are available upon request. The large staff processes these quickly. You can request copies in person. Mail and online options may exist.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verifications. These confirm El Paso County marriages. They are not full certificates. The verification shows basic facts. It proves a marriage occurred. Mail requests to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South.
Note: Due to the high volume of military personnel, El Paso County processes many expedited marriage record requests.
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Office
The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder is located at 1675 West Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. This is a modern facility. It handles the county's large population. The office processes thousands of marriage licenses yearly. Staff are experienced and efficient.
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Extended hours may be available. Check the county website for current times. The location is accessible by major roads. Parking is provided on site. The facility accommodates high volumes.
The Clerk and Recorder serves all of El Paso County. This includes the city of Colorado Springs. It covers Fountain and Manitou Springs. The unincorporated areas are included. Military personnel stationed here use this office. The county's diversity is reflected in the clientele.
Online services are available. You can start applications online. This reduces wait times. You still must appear in person. Both parties need ID. The online system streamlines the process.
Fees are set by Colorado law. The license fee structure is standard. Copy fees are county-specific. Payment methods include multiple options. Cash and checks are accepted. Credit cards may be used.
Marriage License Requirements in El Paso County
El Paso County follows Colorado marriage statutes. Requirements are consistent statewide. Applicants must meet age requirements. Both parties should be 18 or older. Those 16 or 17 need judicial approval. Court orders must be presented. Underage marriage is prohibited.
Both parties must apply. At least one must appear in person. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, the clerk verifies identity. Photo identification is mandatory. Driver's licenses are standard. Passports work for all applicants. Military IDs are accepted.
The license validity is 35 days. Per C.R.S. § 14-2-107, ceremonies must occur in this window. The marriage must be in Colorado. The license expires after 35 days. Return it unused if necessary.
No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. Self-solemnization is permitted. Couples may marry without an officiant. This is popular in El Paso County. Many choose this option.
Social Security numbers are required. You do not need the physical card. Know your number. This is for state records. It helps maintain accurate statistics.
Ordering Certified Copies from El Paso County
Certified copies of El Paso County marriage certificates are available. These are official documents. They prove your marriage legally. You need them for name changes. Military benefits require them. Insurance and banking need proof.
Order in person at the Colorado Springs office. Bring your identification. Provide the marriage date. Give both full names. Staff will locate your record. The large staff provides quick service. Copies are usually immediate.
Mail requests are processed efficiently. Send a written request. Include all relevant details. Enclose a self-addressed envelope. Include payment for fees. Contact the office for current pricing. Processing is typically prompt.
The state offers verification letters. These are not certified copies. They confirm the marriage occurred. They cost $25 for the first copy. Additional copies are $20. Order from CDPHE in Denver. Or use VitalChek online at vitalchek.com.
VitalChek provides phone support. Call 866-632-2604. Processing fees apply. Service is faster than standard mail. This benefits those with urgent needs.
Historical Marriage Records in El Paso County
El Paso County was founded in 1861. It is one of Colorado's original counties. Early marriage records exist. The Colorado State Archives holds pre-1960 documents. The statewide marriage index includes 1890 to 1939. El Paso County is well-represented.
The index provides key information. It lists both parties' names. The marriage date is shown. The county is identified. A license number is provided. This helps locate full records. The certificate may be at the archives. It may also be in Colorado Springs.
Most Colorado records lack parents' names. El Paso County follows this pattern. Genealogists should know this. The records still prove marriages. They establish family connections. Dates and places are confirmed.
The State Archives offers research services. Fees are reasonable. Vital record copies cost $11. A $12 handling fee applies. Research room visits need appointments. Hours are Tuesday through Friday. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule. The archives staff can assist with searches.