Gilpin County Marriage License Lookup

Finding marriage records in Gilpin County starts at the county seat in Central City. This mountain county holds documents for couples who wed in the area. The records date back to the early mining days. Many families in Gilpin County need these papers for legal work. Others search for family history data. The county clerk keeps all marriage licenses and certificates. You can visit the office or send a request by mail. The staff helps residents find the documents they need.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Gilpin County

The Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder office is the main place to get marriage records. This office sits in Central City. All marriage licenses issued in Gilpin County come from here. The staff files certificates after weddings too. You can get copies of these records by visiting in person. Some people prefer to call ahead. The office can check if a record exists before you make the trip.

The Colorado State Archives holds some old Gilpin County marriage records. They have a special collection covering 1864 to 1944. This is listed in their online database. The State Archives search tool shows names, dates, and license numbers. Not all records from this period are at the Archives. Some stayed at the county level. If you need records from after 1944, contact the Gilpin County Clerk directly. The State Archives likely does not have marriages after 1960.

For state-level verification, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can help. They issue marriage verifications for events in Gilpin County. These are not full certificates. A verification only confirms that a marriage took place. It lists the names and date. The CDPHE has records from 1900 to present. You can order by mail or through VitalChek. The address is 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.

Note: Always check with the Gilpin County Clerk first for certified copies of marriage certificates.

Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder handles all marriage license applications. The office is at 203 Eureka Street in Central City. This is the heart of Gilpin County government. Residents from Black Hawk, Rollinsville, and Pinecliffe use this office. Anyone who wants to marry in Gilpin County must visit this location. At least one party must appear in person. This rule applies to all Colorado counties.

The clerk issues marriage licenses under Colorado law. The process takes about 20 minutes. Both parties should bring valid ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport or military ID. The fee is $7 for the license. An extra $20 goes to the Colorado domestic abuse program fund. The license is valid for 35 days. You must use it within Colorado only. After the wedding, the officiant returns the certificate. The clerk files it and can make certified copies.

The office serves all of Gilpin County. This includes the historic towns in the area. Black Hawk residents use this office. So do people from the smaller mountain communities. Call ahead to confirm hours. Mountain weather can affect office schedules.

Marriage License Requirements in Gilpin County

Getting a marriage license in Gilpin County requires meeting state rules. Colorado law sets these standards. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, you must be 18 or older. Ages 16 and 17 need court approval. Bring a certified birth certificate if you are under 18. Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers. You do not need to be a Colorado resident. Out-of-state couples can marry here.

The application asks for basic facts. You give your full name. You state your address. You note your date and place of birth. No blood tests are needed. No waiting period exists. You get the license the same day you apply. This makes Gilpin County a good spot for destination weddings. The mountain setting draws many couples.

Colorado allows self-solemnization. This means the couple can marry themselves. No judge or minister is required. This is unique to Colorado and a few other states. The couple signs as both parties and officiants. This option appeals to many who marry in Gilpin County. The scenic mountains provide a perfect backdrop for private ceremonies.

Required items for a Gilpin County marriage license:

• Valid photo ID for both parties
• Social Security numbers
• $27 fee payment
• Both parties present, or one with proper documentation for the absent party

Note: The license expires after 35 days if not used.

Ordering Certified Copies from Gilpin County

After your wedding, you need certified copies of your marriage certificate. These are legal proof of marriage. Gilpin County can provide them. Visit the Clerk and Recorder office in Central City. Bring your ID. State the date of marriage. Give the full names of both spouses. The staff will locate your record. They can make certified copies while you wait.

Some people need copies by mail. Send a written request to the Gilpin County Clerk. Include the names on the license. State the date of marriage. Include a copy of your ID. Enclose payment for the copies. Call the office for current copy fees. Fees can change over time. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This speeds up return delivery.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers another option. They sell marriage verifications. These cost $25 for the first copy. Extra copies are $20 each. Order through VitalChek online. Or mail your request to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Remember, these are verifications, not full certificates. VitalChek charges an extra processing fee. Their phone number is 866-632-2604.

Historical Marriage Records in Gilpin County

Gilpin County has a rich mining history. Many people married here during the gold rush era. The Colorado State Archives preserves some of these old records. Their collection includes Gilpin County marriages from 1864 to 1944. This covers the early settlement period. It includes the peak mining years. Family historians find valuable data here. The records show names and dates. Most do not list parents' names. This is typical for Colorado marriage records.

The State Archives maintains an online index. It covers 1890 to 1939 for all Colorado counties. Gilpin County is included. You can search by name. The index shows the marriage date. It lists the county. It gives the license number. Not all indexed records are at the Archives. Some stayed with the county. If you find a match, contact the Archives first. They will check if they hold the actual record. If not, call the Gilpin County Clerk.

Fees at the State Archives are lower than state vital records. A marriage record request costs $11. There is a $12 handling fee per request. You can order online, by mail, or by fax. The Archives is at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20, Denver, CO 80203. Call 303-866-2358 for help. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The research room is closed on Mondays. You need an appointment for in-person visits.

Note: Records from 1940 to 1974 may only be available at the county level.

Cities and Towns in Gilpin County

Gilpin County is small but has several communities. All use the Central City office for marriage records. Black Hawk is the largest town. It is known for its casinos. Rollinsville sits to the west. It offers mountain living. Pinecliffe is another small community. Residents from all these areas get marriage licenses in Central City. The county clerk serves everyone equally.

Nearby Counties

If you cannot find a record in Gilpin County, check neighboring counties. Couples sometimes marry in nearby locations. Each county keeps its own records. You must contact the correct county clerk.