Access Huerfano County Marriage Records

Huerfano County is in southern Colorado. The county seat is Walsenburg. This town hosts the Clerk and Recorder office. The office keeps all marriage records for the county. Couples have married here for over 150 years. The records tell the story of this region. Spanish and Anglo settlers both left their mark. Today the office helps new couples. It also serves those seeking old records. The staff knows the local history well.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Huerfano County

The Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder is in Walsenburg. This is the primary source for marriage records. The office issues new licenses. It files completed certificates. You can get copies of old records here. The staff searches their archives. They help genealogists and legal researchers. Walk-in visits are welcome. Call ahead for large requests.

The Colorado State Archives holds some older records. Their online marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Huerfano County is part of this index. Search for free. Find names and dates. The index provides license numbers. The Archives may have some actual documents. Contact them to verify. If they lack your record, try the county. Huerfano County likely kept their old files.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verifications. These confirm a marriage took place in Huerfano County. They are not full certificates. A verification shows names and the marriage date. CDPHE charges $25 for the first copy. Additional copies cost $20 each. Order through VitalChek at 866-632-2604. Or mail to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.

Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder is at 401 Main Street in Walsenburg. This is the county seat. The office serves all of Huerfano County. This includes La Veta and Gardner. It serves Farisita and other rural areas. All marriage licenses come from this office. The staff handles applications daily. They file certificates after weddings. They make certified copies for the public.

Hours are Monday through Friday. The office opens at 8:00 AM. It closes at 4:30 PM. Arrive early for best service. Bring valid photo ID. Both parties should come. If one cannot, bring a notarized affidavit. You need Social Security numbers. The license fee is $27 total. This covers the $7 license fee. It includes the $20 state fund contribution. The license is valid for 35 days. It works only in Colorado.

Note: The office is closed on state holidays and may have reduced hours during inclement weather.

Marriage License Requirements in Huerfano County

Huerfano County follows Colorado marriage laws. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, you must be 18 or older. Ages 16 and 17 need a judge's approval. Minors need a certified birth certificate. Both parties must provide Social Security numbers. You do not need to live in Colorado. Visitors can marry in Huerfano County. The area's Spanish heritage attracts many couples.

The application process takes about 20 minutes. You provide your full name. You state your current address. You give your date and place of birth. No blood test is needed. Colorado has no waiting period. You receive the license immediately. It is valid for 35 days. You must marry within that window. The ceremony must occur in Colorado. The license is not valid elsewhere.

Colorado allows self-solemnization. This is rare in the United States. The couple can perform their own ceremony. No officiant is required. Both parties sign as officiants. This is legal in Colorado. Many couples choose this option. It allows for private ceremonies. You can marry in the Spanish Peaks. No witnesses are required. This makes for intimate weddings.

Required items for a Huerfano County marriage license:

• Valid photo identification
• Social Security numbers for both parties
• $27 fee payment
• If applicable, certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates

Ordering Certified Copies from Huerfano County

After your wedding, you need certified copies. These prove your marriage is legal. You need them for many tasks. The Social Security Office requires one. The DMV needs one for name changes. Your bank may need one. Insurance companies often ask for them. The Huerfano County Clerk can provide these. Visit the office in Walsenburg. Bring your photo ID. State when you married. Give the full names from the license.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder. Include both names on the marriage license. State the exact date of marriage. Include a copy of your ID. Send payment for the number of copies you want. Call 719-738-3041 for current fees. Fees can change. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This ensures your copies return quickly.

CDPHE offers marriage verifications as an alternative. These cost $25 for the first copy. Additional copies are $20 each. Order online through VitalChek. They add a processing surcharge. The phone number is 866-632-2604. Mail orders go to 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. These are verifications only. They confirm the marriage took place. They are not full certified copies. For complete certificates, contact Huerfano County directly.

Note: Make sure to request certified copies, not just verifications, for legal name changes.

Historical Marriage Records in Huerfano County

Huerfano County has a long history. It formed in 1861. It is one of Colorado's original counties. Early settlers married here. The Spanish influence is strong. Many records reflect this heritage. The Colorado State Archives may hold older documents. Their online index covers 1890 to 1939. Huerfano County is included. Search for free. Find names and dates. The index provides license numbers.

The State Archives is at 1313 Sherman St., Room 1B-20, Denver, CO 80203. Phone is 303-866-2358. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Appointments are required. No walk-ins are accepted. Fees are reasonable. Vital records cost $11. Add a $12 handling fee. This applies per request. The cost is lower than CDPHE. This is ideal for genealogy research. They provide research assistance.

FamilySearch.org offers a free marriage index. It covers Colorado from 1853 to 2006. Huerfano County is included. Create a free account. Search by name. The index lists grooms alphabetically. Some cards are out of order. This is common. Use it to find dates. Then contact the county or archives for copies.

Note: Most Colorado marriage records, including those from Huerfano County, do not list parents' names.

Cities and Towns in Huerfano County

Huerfano County includes several communities. All use the Walsenburg office for marriage records. La Veta is a historic town. It sits near the Spanish Peaks. Gardner is a small community. Farisita is rural. Walsenburg is the largest town. It is the county seat. All these areas are served by one clerk's office. Everyone comes to Walsenburg for marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

If you cannot find a record in Huerfano County, check these neighboring counties. Records may be filed in adjacent jurisdictions.