San Juan County Marriage License Lookup
San Juan County holds the distinction of being Colorado's least populated county. The county seat is Silverton, a historic mining town nestled high in the San Juan Mountains. Marriage records here are maintained by the county clerk. Local couples and visitors come to this remote mountain location for their ceremonies. The dramatic alpine setting draws many weddings each year. Finding records from this small county requires knowing where to look. The clerk's office serves all residents of this rugged region.
Where to Get Marriage Records in San Juan County
The San Juan County Clerk and Recorder office in Silverton maintains all marriage records for this county. This office serves a small population spread across vast mountain terrain. Located in the historic courthouse, the clerk handles marriage license applications. The office keeps records of all ceremonies performed within county boundaries. These documents date back to the county's formation in 1876.
State-level verification documents come from a different office. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides these. A verification confirms that a marriage took place. It does not replace a certified copy of the actual certificate. Understanding this difference helps you request the right document.
Historical records from San Juan County may be available at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds documents from before 1960. Their statewide marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. This resource helps family historians researching early San Juan County settlers and miners.
Access to marriage records is limited by state law. Only those with direct interest may obtain copies. Proof of relationship or legal interest may be required.
San Juan County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Clerk and Recorder office in Silverton operates under Colorado statutes. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 governs marriage license issuance. The office serves the smallest population of any Colorado county. Staff members know many residents by name. Personal service characterizes this rural mountain office.
Services include issuing new marriage licenses to qualified couples. The office also provides certified copies of marriage certificates. These certified copies serve as legal proof of marriage. Government agencies require them for name changes and other official matters. The Silverton location is the only office serving San Juan County.
The remote location requires planning for visits. Silverton sits at 9,300 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains. Winter weather can affect access to the county seat. Call ahead to confirm office hours and requirements.
Marriage License Requirements in San Juan County
Obtaining a marriage license in San Juan County requires meeting specific criteria. Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk and Recorder office. This requirement ensures proper identification verification. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, at least one party must be present to apply.
Age requirements apply to all applicants. Both parties must be 18 years or older. Those aged 16 or 17 need judicial approval. This involves additional court procedures. Minors under 16 cannot marry in Colorado.
Identification is essential for the application process. Acceptable forms include driver's licenses and passports. Military IDs and state-issued cards also work. All IDs must be current and valid. Expired documents are not accepted under any circumstances.
The license fee includes statutory components. The base license fee is $7. An additional $20 goes to the Colorado domestic abuse program fund. County administrative fees may also apply to the total cost.
Timing matters when planning your mountain wedding. Marriage licenses in Colorado are valid for 35 days only. Per C.R.S. § 14-2-107, unused licenses must be returned. They cannot be used outside Colorado state boundaries.
Note: Colorado allows couples to solemnize their own marriage without an officiant.
Ordering Certified Copies from San Juan County
After your wedding ceremony, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. San Juan County residents can order these from the Clerk and Recorder office in Silverton. These documents carry full legal weight. They prove your marriage status to government agencies and employers.
The process involves submitting a request form with specific details. Include the full names of both spouses. Provide the exact date of marriage. The location where the ceremony occurred is also required information.
Identification must accompany your request. The identification requirements document lists acceptable options. Primary ID is preferred for faster processing. Secondary documents may work in some cases with additional verification.
Some people need marriage verifications instead of certificates. The CDPHE Vital Records office provides these. A verification confirms a marriage took place. It does not include all details found on a certificate. Fees for verifications are set by state law at $25 for the first copy.
Historical Marriage Records in San Juan County
San Juan County has a rich mining history dating to the 1870s. Genealogy researchers often seek historical marriage records from this area. The Colorado State Archives holds records from before 1960. These documents help family historians trace pioneer families and mining community connections.
The statewide marriage index is a valuable research tool. It covers marriages from 1890 to 1939. This index is searchable online through the Archives Search database. Entries include both spouses' names and marriage dates. The county and license number are also listed for reference.
Not all indexed records remain at the Archives. Some were returned to county offices over the years. Others may be stored in different locations. If the Archives does not have your record, contact the San Juan County Clerk and Recorder directly.
Fees at the State Archives differ from county offices. Vital record requests cost $11 per document. A $12 handling fee applies to each request. These lower costs benefit researchers needing multiple records for their work.
Nearby Counties
These Colorado counties border San Juan County. If you cannot find a marriage record in San Juan County, the ceremony may have taken place in one of these neighboring counties.