Access Washington County Marriage Records
Washington County marriage records are available through the Clerk and Recorder office in Akron. This rural eastern plains county serves agricultural communities. The office maintains records for residents of Akron, Otis, and smaller towns across the county. Marriage licenses issued here follow Colorado state laws. The county seat provides essential services to this farming region. Couples from throughout the area visit the Akron office. Records document marriages from this quiet agricultural corner of Colorado.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Washington County
The Washington County Clerk and Recorder office in Akron maintains all marriage records for this county. This office serves a rural agricultural community on Colorado's eastern plains. The clerk handles marriage license applications. The office registers marriages performed within Washington County boundaries. Records span many decades of the county's history.
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. Understanding this distinction helps you request the right document.
Historical records may be available at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds records from before 1960. Their statewide marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. This helps researchers tracing farming families and early settlers in this region.
Access to marriage records is limited by state law. Only those with direct interest may obtain copies. Proof of relationship may be required for your request.
Washington County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Clerk and Recorder office in Akron operates under Colorado statutes. C.R.S. § 14-2-106 governs marriage license issuance. The Akron office serves all of Washington County. Staff provide personalized service to this rural community.
Services include issuing new marriage licenses to qualified couples. The office also provides certified copies of marriage certificates. These serve as legal proof of marriage. Government agencies require them for various purposes. The Akron office is the only location serving Washington County.
The rural location means the office knows many residents personally. Staff can answer questions about the marriage license process. Regular hours accommodate the agricultural community.
Note: Contact the office to confirm current hours and any seasonal variations.
Marriage License Requirements in Washington County
Obtaining a marriage license in Washington County requires meeting state criteria. Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk and Recorder office. This ensures proper identification verification. Under C.R.S. § 14-2-106, at least one party must appear 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 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 for wedding planning. 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 Washington County
After your wedding ceremony, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Washington County residents can order these from the Clerk and Recorder office in Akron. 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 Washington County
Washington County has agricultural history dating to the 1880s. Genealogy researchers often seek historical marriage records from this plains county. The Colorado State Archives holds records from before 1960. These documents help family historians trace farming families and early homesteaders.
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 Washington 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. Researchers should not expect to find this information.
Nearby Counties
These Colorado counties border Washington County. If you cannot find a marriage record in Washington County, the ceremony may have taken place in one of these neighboring counties.