Weld County Marriage License Lookup

Weld County ranks as Colorado's third largest county by population. As a home rule county, it operates under a unique governance structure. The county seat is Greeley, which houses the Clerk and Recorder office. This office serves residents of Greeley, Evans, Windsor, and Firestone. Many smaller communities also rely on this office for marriage records. The county's agricultural heritage mixes with growing urban areas. Finding marriage records here requires visiting the Greeley office or using their services.

Where to Get Marriage Records in Weld County

The Weld County Clerk and Recorder office in Greeley maintains all marriage records for this large county. This office handles a significant volume of marriage license applications. The clerk registers all marriages performed within Weld County. The office maintains extensive records dating back many decades. As a home rule county, Weld may have some unique procedures.

Marriage verifications serve a different purpose than certificates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides verification documents. These confirm a marriage occurred but are not certified copies. Understanding this distinction helps you request the right document for your needs.

Historical marriage records may be found at the Colorado State Archives. The Archives holds a statewide marriage index covering 1890 to 1939. This resource helps genealogy researchers trace family histories in Weld County. The large population means many historical records exist.

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.

Weld County Clerk and Recorder Office

The Clerk and Recorder office in Greeley operates under C.R.S. § 14-2-106. As a home rule county, Weld has additional administrative flexibility. The Greeley office serves a large and diverse population. Staff handle high volumes of marriage license requests efficiently.

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 Greeley location is the primary office serving Weld County.

The large population requires efficient systems. The office likely offers multiple ways to request records. Contact them for specific options.

Note: As a home rule county, some procedures may differ from standard Colorado practices.

Marriage License Requirements in Weld County

Obtaining a marriage license in Weld 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 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 Weld County

After your wedding, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Weld County residents can order these from the Clerk and Recorder office in Greeley. 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 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 Weld County

Weld County has extensive historical records due to its large population. Genealogy researchers often seek marriage records from this area. The Colorado State Archives holds records from before 1960. These documents help family historians build their family trees.

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 Weld 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.

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 Weld County. If you cannot find a marriage record in Weld County, the ceremony may have taken place in one of these neighboring counties.