Download the Marriage License Brochure
Download the Marriage License Application Form
Print out two (2) copies of this form, one for the bride and one for the groom. Fill them out and bring them to the Clerk’s office when applying for your marriage license. You will need to know all the information asked for on the form.
You can apply for a marriage license at both Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder’s Offices in Salida or Buena Vista.
A marriage license may be issued in any county and used in any county in the State of Colorado. However, the license MUST be used within 30 days from the date of issuance. The license is issued the day it is applied for and may be used immediately.
The fee for a marriage license is $30.00. CASH ONLY! No credit cards or checks are accepted.
Blood tests are NOT required for either applicant.
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
The legal age without parental consent is 18 years of age.
Applicants who are 16 and 17 years of age must have parental consent from both parents. If one or both of the parents cannot appear at the time of applying for the license, an absentee application consent may be completed and notarized prior to the issuance of the license. This is to be presented when the marriage license is issued.
Applicants 15 years of age or younger must obtain a court order granting judicial approval as well as complying with parents approval (the above requirement). The court order must be obtained in the county where judicial approval has been granted.
IDENTIFICATION:
Acceptable forms for proof of age are:
- Drivers License
- Passport
- Visa
- Birth Certificate – Original or Certified Copy
- Military ID
- State Issued ID Card
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Must be given when applying for a license
APPLICATION FORM:
Both male and female applicants must appear in person to complete and sign the marriage license.
If one party cannot appear, he or she must obtain an ABSENTEE APPLICATION from the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The ABSENTEE APPLICATION MUST be notarized
The party applying must bring the ABSENTEE APPLICATION along with the identification for the absent party.
Applications need not be residents of Colorado.
PREVIOUS MARRIAGES:
If either party has been divorced, the date, type of court and place (city and state) is needed.
If either party has been widowed, the date and place of death is needed.
Providing proof for the two requirements stated above is not necessary.
The couple will be required to swear under oath that all information given is true and correct.
CEREMONY:
A marriage may be solemnized by:
- Judge of a court of record
- A public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages
- In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination.
- Indian tribe or nation
- As of August 1993, a couple themselves can solemnize their own marriage.
