Jackson County Marriage Certificate Search

Jackson County is in north-central Colorado. It is ranching country. The county seat is Walden. This small town is the only incorporated municipality. The Clerk and Recorder office is here. It handles all marriage records for the county. The North Park valley is beautiful. It is surrounded by mountains. Couples choose this area for rustic weddings. The office serves locals and visitors alike.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Jackson County

The Jackson County Clerk and Recorder office is in Walden. This is the only source for marriage licenses in the county. The office is small. It provides personal service. The staff knows the community. They help with new licenses. They find old records. They make certified copies. You can visit in person. You can also call ahead. They will prepare your request.

The Colorado State Archives holds some older records. Their marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Jackson County is in this index. The county formed in 1909. So records before that do not exist here. Search the online index for free. Find names and dates. Get license numbers. Contact the Archives to check their holdings. If they lack your record, call Walden. The county kept most files.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers verifications. These confirm a marriage took place in Jackson County. They are not full certificates. The verification lists names and the 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. A surcharge applies for online orders.

Note: For legal matters requiring certified copies, contact the Jackson County Clerk and Recorder directly.

Jackson County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Jackson County Clerk and Recorder is at 396 LaFever Street in Walden. This is the county seat. Walden is the only town in Jackson County. The rest is rural ranch land. The office serves everyone. There are no other towns. All marriage licenses come from here. The clerk handles each request personally. You get individual attention.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. The office opens at 8:00 AM. It closes at 4:00 PM. Call 970-723-4334 to confirm. Winter weather affects this mountain area. Roads can be difficult. Summer access is easier. The staff can help you plan your visit. They want to ensure you get served.

To get a license, bring valid ID. Both parties should come. One can come with a notarized affidavit for the other. You need Social Security numbers. The fee is $27. The license is valid for 35 days. Use it only in Colorado. After the wedding, return the certificate. The clerk will file it. You can then get copies.

Marriage License Requirements in Jackson County

Jackson County follows Colorado law. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, you must be 18 or older. Ages 16 and 17 need court approval. Minors need certified birth certificates. Both parties must provide Social Security numbers. You do not need Colorado residency. Visitors can marry here. Many come for the ranch scenery. The valley is beautiful in summer.

The application is straightforward. You state your full name. You give your address. You provide your date and place of birth. No blood test is required. Colorado has no waiting period. You receive the license immediately. It is valid for 35 days. You must marry within that time. The ceremony must be in Colorado. The license is not valid in other states.

Colorado allows self-solemnization. The couple can marry themselves. No officiant is required. This is unique. Both parties sign as officiants. This is legal. It works well for private ceremonies. Jackson County's open spaces are perfect. You can marry on a ranch. No witnesses are required. This makes for intimate weddings.

Required documents for Jackson County:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Social Security numbers for both parties
• Payment of $27
• If applicable, certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate

Ordering Certified Copies from Jackson County

After your wedding, get certified copies. These prove your marriage. You need them for official business. The Social Security Office requires one. The DMV needs one. Your employer may ask. Insurance companies want them. The Jackson County Clerk can help. Contact the office in Walden. Call 970-723-4334 first. Small offices have limited staff. They appreciate advance notice. They can prepare your copies.

Mail orders work too. Write to the Jackson County Clerk. Include the names on the license. State the marriage date. Include a copy of your ID. Send payment for copies. Call for current fees. Fees can change. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This ensures return of your copies. Allow extra time for mail. Small offices process mail as staff allows.

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

Note: Processing times may be longer in rural counties during busy seasons.

Historical Marriage Records in Jackson County

Jackson County formed in 1909. It is relatively young. Records from before then do not exist here. The Colorado State Archives has a marriage index. It covers 1890 to 1939. Jackson County is included. The county was new then. Records from this early period are valuable. Search the Archives index online. It is free. Find names and dates. Get 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 low. Vital records cost $11. Add a $12 handling fee. This is per request. The cost is less than CDPHE. Good for genealogy work. They offer research help.

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

Cities and Towns in Jackson County

Jackson County has only one incorporated town. Walden is the county seat. It is the only town. The rest of the county is rural. Ranching is the main industry. There are no other cities. The clerk's office in Walden serves everyone. All residents use this one office. Visitors come here for marriage licenses. It is the center of county government.

Nearby Counties

If you cannot find a record in Jackson County, check these neighboring counties. Borders can be confusing in rural areas.