Find Marriage Records in Summit County
Summit County marriage records are available through the Clerk and Recorder office in Breckenridge. This mountain county draws visitors year-round for skiing and summer activities. Many couples choose this scenic location for their weddings. The county seat serves residents of Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon. Records from this popular destination document marriages from both residents and visitors. The office handles a significant number of licenses during wedding season. Understanding the process helps couples prepare for their mountain ceremony.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Summit County
The Summit County Clerk and Recorder office in Breckenridge is the primary source for marriage records. This office issues marriage licenses to couples planning ceremonies in the county. The clerk registers marriages after they take place. The office maintains records of all marriages within Summit County boundaries.
Marriage verifications serve a different purpose than certified copies. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verification documents. These confirm that a marriage occurred. They do not replace official marriage certificates. Understanding this distinction helps you request the correct document.
Historical marriage records may be found at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds records from before 1960. Their statewide marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. This resource helps genealogy researchers trace family histories in Summit County.
Access to marriage records is limited by state law. Only those with direct and tangible interest may obtain copies. Proof of relationship or legal interest may be required.
Summit County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Clerk and Recorder office in Breckenridge operates under Colorado statutes. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 governs marriage license issuance. The Breckenridge office serves all of Summit County. Staff assist couples from local communities and destination wedding parties.
Services provided include issuing new marriage licenses to qualified couples. The office also provides certified copies of marriage certificates. These copies serve as legal proof of marriage. Government agencies require them for name changes and other official matters. The Breckenridge location is the main office serving Summit County.
The resort nature of Summit County affects office operations. Wedding season brings increased demand for marriage licenses. The office accommodates both local residents and visitors. Staff are familiar with destination wedding needs.
Note: Office hours may vary during peak tourist seasons.
Marriage License Requirements in Summit County
Obtaining a marriage license in Summit 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.
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.
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.
Ordering Certified Copies from Summit County
After your wedding ceremony, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Summit County residents and visitors can order these from the Clerk and Recorder office. These documents carry full legal weight. They prove your marriage status to government agencies and employers.
The process involves submitting a request form. You will need to provide specific details. Include the full names of both spouses. Provide the date of marriage. The county where the ceremony occurred is also required.
Identification must accompany your request. The identification requirements document lists acceptable options. Primary ID is preferred. Secondary documents may work in some cases.
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.
Historical Marriage Records in Summit County
Genealogy researchers often seek historical marriage records from Summit County. The Colorado State Archives holds records from before 1960. These documents help family historians build their family trees. The Archives maintains various record types including licenses and registers.
The statewide marriage index is a valuable 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.
Not all indexed records remain at the Archives. Some were returned to county offices. Others may be stored elsewhere. If the Archives does not have your record, contact the Summit County Clerk and Recorder.
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.
Most Colorado marriage records lack parents' names. This differs from some other states. Researchers should not expect to find this information.
Nearby Counties
These Colorado counties border Summit County. If you cannot find a marriage record in Summit County, the ceremony may have taken place in one of these neighboring counties.