Elbert County Marriage Certificates
Searching for marriage records in Elbert County points to Kiowa. This rural county lies on Colorado's eastern plains. Agriculture dominates the landscape. The county seat is small but serves the community well. The Clerk and Recorder office handles all marriage documents. Residents of this quiet area find personal service here. The plains setting creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Elbert County
Elbert County marriage records are kept by the Clerk and Recorder in Kiowa. This is the county seat. The office is in the Elbert County Courthouse. All marriage licenses issue from this location. The rural setting means personal attention. Staff know many residents by name.
The process follows Colorado state law. Applications require both parties. At least one must appear in person. The clerk checks identification. Age verification is required. The license issues immediately. It is valid for 35 days.
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the certificate. The clerk files it permanently. This creates the official record. Certified copies are then available. Residents can request them in person. Mail requests work for those at a distance.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment holds verifications. These are not certificates. They confirm Elbert County marriages occurred. The state office provides these. Mail requests go to Denver. The address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South.
Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Elbert County Clerk and Recorder operates from Kiowa. The address is 215 Comanche Street. This is the county courthouse location. The office handles elections and land records. Marriage licenses are an important service. The rural county values personal interactions.
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Standard county hours apply. Check the county website for specifics. Rural offices may have limited staffing. Calling ahead is wise. The staff can prepare for your visit.
The Clerk and Recorder serves all of Elbert County. This includes the town of Elizabeth. It covers the community of Kiowa. Rural residents throughout the plains use this office. The county is sparsely populated. Service is personalized.
Fees follow state statute. The license includes a $7 fee. An additional $20 goes to state funds. Copy fees vary by county. Contact the office for current rates. Payment may be cash or check. Credit card acceptance varies.
Note: Elbert County is rural, so verify office hours before making the trip to Kiowa.
Marriage License Requirements in Elbert County
Elbert County requires standard Colorado documentation. Both parties need identification. Valid photo ID is mandatory. Driver's licenses are standard. State-issued IDs work. Passports are accepted. Military IDs are valid too.
Age requirements are strict. Both parties must be 18 or older. Those aged 16 or 17 need court orders. A Colorado judge must approve. Bring the court authorization. No one under 16 may marry.
The license is valid for 35 days only. This is standard statewide. The ceremony must occur in this window. It must be within Colorado. The license expires after 35 days. Return it if unused.
Social Security numbers are required by state law. You do not need the physical card. Know your number. This helps with record-keeping. It ensures proper state statistics.
Colorado allows self-solemnization. No officiant is required. Couples may marry themselves. This is legal in Elbert County. Many choose this simple option.
Ordering Certified Copies from Elbert County
Certified copies of Elbert County marriage certificates come from the Clerk and Recorder. These prove your marriage legally. You need them for name changes. Banks require them. Insurance companies need proof. Government agencies want certified documents.
Request copies in person at the Kiowa office. Bring your photo ID. Provide the marriage date. State both full names. Staff will find your record. Copies are typically available immediately.
Mail requests are accepted. Write a detailed request. Include both names on the license. State the exact date of marriage. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment for fees. Call for current pricing.
The state provides verification letters. These come from CDPHE in Denver. They are not certified copies. They cost $25 for the first one. Additional copies are $20. Order online through VitalChek. Call 866-632-2604 for phone orders.
VitalChek adds processing fees. Service is faster than mail. This helps with urgent needs. Out-of-state residents find it useful.
Historical Marriage Records in Elbert County
Elbert County was established in 1874. Marriage records exist from the early years. The Colorado State Archives may hold some documents. They have pre-1960 records. The marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Elbert County is included.
The index lists both spouses' names. It shows the marriage date. The county is identified. A license number appears. This helps locate the full certificate. The record may be at the archives. It may also be in Kiowa.
Most Colorado marriage records lack parents' names. Elbert County follows this. Genealogists should expect this. The records still have value. They prove relationships existed. They confirm dates and locations.
The State Archives offers research access. Fees are affordable. Copies cost $11 each. A $12 handling fee applies. Research room hours are limited. Tuesday through Friday availability. Appointments are required. Call 303-866-2358 to schedule.