Garfield County Marriage Records Search
Discovering marriage records in Garfield County leads to Glenwood Springs. This western Colorado county features hot springs and mountain views. The Colorado River runs through the region. The Clerk and Recorder office serves a diverse population. Rifle and Carbondale residents use this office. The area blends resort amenities with ranching heritage.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Garfield County
Garfield County marriage records are maintained by the Clerk and Recorder in Glenwood Springs. This is the county seat. The office handles all marriage licenses. Residents of Rifle come here. People from Carbondale file here. New Castle couples use this office too.
The county offers scenic wedding locations. Many couples marry outdoors here. The process is straightforward. Applications require both parties. At least one must appear in person. The clerk verifies all information. Licenses issue the same day.
After weddings, certificates are filed in Glenwood Springs. The clerk maintains permanent records. Certified copies are available upon request. You can obtain them in person. Mail requests are accepted. The office can search their archives.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verifications. These confirm Garfield County marriages. They are different from certificates. Verifications show basic facts only. They prove a marriage occurred. Order from the state Vital Records Section.
Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder is located at 109 8th Street in Glenwood Springs. This is in the County Administration Building. The office is accessible from Interstate 70. It is near the downtown area. Parking is available nearby. The location serves all of Garfield County.
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Standard business hours are typical. Check the county website for current times. The staff provides friendly service. Calling ahead is helpful. They can prepare for your visit.
The Clerk and Recorder serves the entire county. This includes Glenwood Springs residents. It covers Rifle and Carbondale. Silt and New Castle are served. The unincorporated areas are included. The office handles varied requests daily.
Online services may be available. Check the county website. You might start applications online. This saves time at the office. You still must appear in person. Both parties need identification. The online option streamlines the process.
Fees follow Colorado state law. The license costs include statutory amounts. Copy fees are set by the county. Payment methods vary. Cash and check are standard. Credit cards may be accepted.
Marriage License Requirements in Garfield County
Garfield County follows Colorado marriage statutes. Requirements are consistent with other counties. Applicants must be 18 or older. Those 16 or 17 need judicial approval. A court order is required. Underage marriage is not permitted.
Both parties must apply together. At least one must appear before the clerk. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, identity is verified. Photo ID is mandatory. Driver's licenses are standard. Passports are accepted. Military IDs are valid.
The license is valid for 35 days. This is per C.R.S. § 14-2-107. Ceremonies must occur in this period. They must be within Colorado. The license expires afterward. Return it if not used.
No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period. Self-solemnization is allowed. Couples may marry without an officiant. This is legal in Garfield County. Many choose this option.
Note: Colorado's self-solemnization law makes it easy for couples to marry in scenic locations throughout Garfield County.
Ordering Certified Copies from Garfield County
Certified copies of Garfield County marriage certificates are available. These are official documents. They prove your marriage legally. You need them for name changes. Government agencies require them. Insurance companies ask for proof.
Order in person at the Glenwood Springs office. Bring your identification. State the marriage date. Provide both full names. Staff will locate your record. Copies are typically provided immediately.
Mail requests are processed. Send a written request. Include all relevant details. Enclose a self-addressed envelope. Include payment for fees. Contact the office for current rates. Allow processing time.
The state offers marriage verifications. These are not certificates. They confirm the marriage occurred. They cost $25 for the first copy. Additional copies are $20. Order from CDPHE at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South. Or use VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
VitalChek provides phone service. Call 866-632-2604. Processing fees apply. Service is faster than mail. This benefits those with urgent needs.
Historical Marriage Records in Garfield County
Garfield County was formed in 1883. Early marriage records exist. The Colorado State Archives holds some documents. They have pre-1960 records. The statewide marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Garfield County appears in this index.
The index provides basic information. It lists both parties' names. The marriage date is shown. The county is identified. A license number is included. This helps find the full record. The certificate may be at the archives. It may also be in Glenwood Springs.
Most Colorado records omit parents' names. Garfield County follows this pattern. Genealogists should know this. The records still prove marriages. They establish family relationships. Dates and places are confirmed.
The State Archives offers research services. Fees are affordable. 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.