Find Marriage Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County is the fourth largest county in Colorado. Over 580,000 people call it home. The county seat is Golden. This historic city hosts the Clerk and Recorder office. The office handles thousands of marriage records each year. Couples from across the metro area come here. They get licenses for weddings. They return for certified copies. The staff serves a large population. They have efficient systems in place.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder is in Golden. This is the primary source for marriage records. The office is large and modern. It handles high volumes daily. Couples come for marriage licenses. Families request certified copies. Genealogists search historical records. The staff processes all requests efficiently. You can visit in person. Online services are also available.

The Colorado State Archives holds older Jefferson County records. Their collection is extensive. The online marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Jefferson County has many entries. The index is free to search. Find names and dates. Get license numbers. The Archives may have actual records. Contact them to verify. For records after 1960, contact Jefferson County directly. The Archives likely does not have them.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verifications. These confirm a marriage took place in Jefferson County. They are not full certificates. A verification shows 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.

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder is at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. This is the county seat. The office is in the Jefferson County Government Center. It is a modern facility. The office serves all of Jefferson County. This includes Lakewood, Arvada, and Westminster. It serves Wheat Ridge and Edgewater. Evergreen and Conifer are included. All residents use this office for marriage licenses.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. The office opens at 7:30 AM. It closes at 4:30 PM. Marriage licenses are issued until 4:00 PM. Arrive early for best service. The office is busy. Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license works. A passport is acceptable. Both parties should come. One can come with a notarized affidavit for the other. You need Social Security numbers. The fee is $27 total. This includes the $7 license fee. It includes the $20 state fund contribution.

After your wedding, return the certificate to this office. The clerk will file it. You can then get certified copies. These prove your marriage is legal. You need them for name changes. Banks require them. Insurance companies ask for them. The office can make copies while you wait. You can also order by mail.

Note: Jefferson County offers online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times.

Marriage License Requirements in Jefferson County

Jefferson County follows Colorado marriage laws. 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. Jefferson County's location is convenient. It is near Denver. Many out-of-state couples choose this office.

The application process is efficient. You fill out the form. You show your ID. You pay the fee. You get the license the same day. There is no waiting period. You can marry immediately. The license 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 perform their own ceremony. No officiant is required. This is unique. Both parties sign as officiants. This is legal in Colorado. Many couples choose this option. Jefferson County's mountain parks are popular. You can marry in the foothills. No witnesses are required. This makes for flexible wedding plans.

Required items for a Jefferson County marriage license:

• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Social Security numbers for both parties
• Payment of $27 (cash, check, or credit card)
• If applicable, certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate

Ordering Certified Copies from Jefferson 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 employer may ask. Insurance companies want them. The Jefferson County Clerk can help. Visit the office in Golden. Bring your photo ID. State when you married. Give the full names from the license. The staff can make copies quickly.

Mail orders are also accepted. Write to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. Include both names on the license. State the exact date of marriage. Include a copy of your ID. Send payment for the number of copies you want. Call 303-271-8122 for current fees. Fees can change. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This ensures your copies return quickly. Jefferson County has efficient mail processing.

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 Jefferson County directly.

Historical Marriage Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County formed in 1861. It is one of Colorado's original counties. Golden was the territorial capital. Early records are historically significant. The Colorado State Archives holds many documents. Their online marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. Jefferson County has many entries. Search for free. Find names and dates. Get license numbers. The Archives may have the actual records.

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 is per request. The cost is lower than CDPHE. Good for genealogy research. They provide research assistance.

FamilySearch.org has a free index. It covers Colorado marriages from 1853 to 2006. Jefferson County is well represented. 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.

Note: Records between 1940 and 1974 may only be available through the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder.

Cities and Towns in Jefferson County

Jefferson County includes many communities. All use the Golden office for marriage records. Lakewood is the largest city. Arvada is growing rapidly. Westminster is partly in Jefferson County. Wheat Ridge has a suburban character. Edgewater is small. Evergreen and Conifer are in the mountains. They are popular wedding locations. All these residents come to Golden for marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

If you cannot find a record in Jefferson County, check these neighboring counties. The Denver metro area spans multiple counties.