La Plata County Marriage Certificate Access

La Plata County marriage records are available in Durango, nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The county seat serves as a hub for marriage services in this scenic region. Residents of Bayfield, Ignacio, and the surrounding rural areas depend on this office for their vital records needs. The area's natural beauty draws many couples who choose to marry here. Mountain weddings are popular. The county supports these events with efficient service. Understanding the local process helps couples plan better.

Where to Get Marriage Records in La Plata County

The La Plata County Clerk and Recorder office in Durango maintains all marriage records for the county. This office is the primary source for certified copies. Residents from across the county visit this location. It serves a diverse community. Both urban and rural populations rely on these services.

You can get two types of marriage documents. Certified copies come from the county office. These show the full marriage details. Verifications come from the state. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides these. A verification only confirms a marriage took place. It is not a copy of the certificate.

Historical records have a different home. The Colorado State Archives keeps older documents. They hold marriages from before 1960. The Archives maintains an index covering 1890 to 1939. This helps researchers find records from Colorado's early days.

State law protects these records. C.R.S. § 25-2-117 makes them confidential. Not everyone can access them. You must have a direct interest. The county will verify this before releasing copies.

Some years are missing from state files. Marriages from 1940 to 1974 stayed at the counties. La Plata County has these records. The state does not. You must contact Durango for these years.

La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Clerk and Recorder in Durango follows Colorado statutes. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 controls marriage licensing. The staff knows these rules well. They help couples understand the requirements. Each application receives careful attention. They check ages and identities. They ensure no legal barriers exist.

The office provides essential services. They issue marriage licenses to qualified couples. They sell certified copies of existing records. They file marriage certificates after ceremonies. This completes the legal process. The record then becomes permanent.

Many outdoor enthusiasts marry in La Plata County. The mountains and forests provide beautiful settings. The Clerk and Recorder supports these celebrations. They process licenses efficiently. Couples can focus on their special day. The paperwork becomes a simple step.

Note: Summer months are busy with wedding applications, so plan extra time during peak season.

Marriage License Requirements in La Plata County

To marry in La Plata County, start at the Durango office. You must apply in person. This is the law. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 requires physical presence. At least one party must appear. Both should come if possible. This speeds up the process.

Bring valid identification. A current driver's license works best. Passports are acceptable too. Military IDs are also valid. Your ID must not be expired. The staff will make a copy. This is required by state rules. They need to verify your identity.

Age limits protect young people. You must be 18 to marry freely. Those aged 16 or 17 need court permission. A judge must review the application. Parents may need to consent. This takes extra time. Start early if minors are involved. No one under 16 may marry without extraordinary circumstances.

Timing is important. C.R.S. § 14-2-107 gives you 35 days. The license expires after that. Plan your ceremony within this window. After expiration, you need a new license. You pay the fee again. The license works only in Colorado. Other states will not accept it.

Colorado offers unique options. You can solemnize your own marriage. No officiant is necessary. You and your partner sign the certificate. This is legal here. Many couples enjoy this personal touch. It reflects Colorado's independent spirit.

Ordering Certified Copies from La Plata County

After marriage, you need documentation. La Plata County sells certified copies. Visit the Durango office to request them. These copies have legal standing. They prove your marriage occurred. Government agencies accept them. Employers may need them too.

The request process is straightforward. Complete a form at the office. Include the full names of both spouses. Provide the wedding date. State that the marriage took place in La Plata County. Accurate details help locate the record. The staff searches their files.

Identification is mandatory. The county follows state ID rules. See the identification requirements for details. Bring a current photo ID. The staff will verify it. They will copy it for their records. This protects against unauthorized access.

Some needs are simpler. A verification may suffice. The CDPHE Vital Records office sells these. A verification is a letter. It states that a marriage is on record. It lacks full details. It costs less than a certified copy. Some purposes accept this format. Check what you need before ordering.

Historical Marriage Records in La Plata County

The history of La Plata County includes many marriages. Early settlers created families here. The Colorado State Archives preserves some of these records. They hold documents from before 1960. Researchers study these to learn about the past.

The marriage index is invaluable. It spans 1890 to 1939. Search it online at the Archives Search database. The index shows both parties' names. It lists the marriage date. It identifies the county. This leads you to the full record.

Not all records reached the Archives. Some stayed in county hands. La Plata County may hold records not in Denver. Always check with the county Clerk and Recorder. They can search their local collection. They may have what you need.

Archives fees are reasonable. Each vital record costs $11. A $12 handling fee applies per request. This is cheaper than many county offices. Researchers benefit from these rates. You can also visit in person. Appointments are required. The research room is open Tuesday through Friday.

Colorado marriage records differ from other states. They typically omit parents' names. Do not expect to find this information. The forms were designed this way. Genealogists must use other sources. Church records may help. Census data is another option.

Cities in La Plata County

La Plata County includes several communities in southwest Colorado. All residents obtain marriage licenses through the Durango office.

Durango serves as the county seat and largest city. Communities throughout the county, including the Southern Ute Reservation area, all use the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder for marriage services.

Nearby Counties

These Colorado counties border La Plata County. If you cannot find a marriage record here, check these neighboring counties.