A 2026 Step-By-Step Guide for Eloping Couples

Below is the full, step-by-step guide of how to get a marriage license in Colorado (plus the county office addresses for the most popular elopement locations). Colorado makes it shockingly easy to get legally married, which is one of the reasons eloping here is so popular. You don’t have to be a Colorado resident, you usually don’t need witnesses, and you can even self-solemnize (meaning you marry yourselves, no officiant required).

The quickest answers (so you can exhale)

-Do I have to get the marriage license in the same county where I’m saying my vows?

No. You can get your marriage license in any Colorado county and use it anywhere in Colorado.

-Do I need an appointment?

I highly recommend getting an appointment. Most offices require an appointment anyway and it’ll give you more of a peace of mind knowing that you have one scheduled vs chancing a walk in. All of my couples have told me how easy it was to get an appointment and they were in and out of the office within 10-15 minutes. Easy-peasy!

-How much does a marriage license cost in Colorado?

In many counties (including Denver, Jefferson, Pitkin, Gunnison) the marriage license fee is $30.

-Do I need a witness or officiant?

If you self-solemnize, you do not need witnesses or an officiant for a valid marriage in Colorado. You can have guests to witness and an officiant if you would like but it is not required.

-Can my dog sign my marriage license in Colorado?

Not all counties in Colorado allow a paw print on your marriage license, so be careful when choosing a county to get your license!

• Denver: paw prints are NOT allowed.
• Gunnison County: pets can be a witness, but they specify it must be with their stamp.
• Larimer County has publicly promoted pet paw prints as a witness option (at least for certain events).

If having your dog “sign” is important to you, choose a county known to accept it, and confirm before you go. (Policies change because licenses have to be scanned/recorded cleanly.)

Step-by-step: how to obtain your Colorado marriage license

Step 1: Pick where you’ll get the license (any county works)

Even if you’re eloping in the mountains, it’s often easiest to grab the license:

• near the Denver airport / along your drive in, or
• in the county you’re staying in the night before, or
• in a county with appointments available (this matters in peak season)

Remember: license county doesn’t have to match vow county.

• Make an appointment with the county office you choose to pick up and drop off your marriage license with.

Step 2: Time it correctly (Colorado has a short validity window)

In Colorado, marriage licenses are commonly valid for 35 days from issue and must be completed/signed within that window. Plan to get your license once you’re in Colorado and within a couple weeks of your date, not months early and don’t forget to turn it back in within that window.

Step 3: Bring the right info so you don’t get stuck

Counties vary slightly, but you should assume you’ll need:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Number
• Your parents’ full names + birthplaces (this question surprises people!)
• If previously married: details about divorce/date/location (some counties may require extra documentation in certain cases)

Pro tip for out-of-state couples: put all of this in a note on your phone before you fly in.

Step 4: After your ceremony, return the license for recording

This part gets overlooked: getting the license is step one, getting it recorded is what creates the official public record.

For example, Denver notes the license needs to be returned for recording within a stated timeframe to avoid late fees. (Each county tells you exactly how/where to return it; mail, drop box, in person, etc.)

Where to get your marriage license for Colorado’s most popular elopement locations

Below are the usual “grab your license here” counties for each spot you listed.

-Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Offices

RMNP spans multiple counties, but many couples use Larimer County (especially if you’re entering via Estes Park). This is the office I would recommend.

• Larimer County Clerk & Recorder – Estes Park: 1601 Brodie Avenue, Estes Park, CO
• Apply Here

Appointment note: Larimer’s recording services include appointment guidance that varies by office location.

-Lake Isabelle Offices

Lake Isabelle is in Boulder County, so Boulder County offices are the most direct.

• Boulder County Clerk & Recorder (Main): 1750 33rd St, Boulder, CO 80301
  (They also list other Boulder County locations, but the main office is the simplest.)
• Apply Here

Boulder County also explicitly states licenses can be obtained in any county regardless of where you marry, and must be used within 35 days.

-Telluride Offices

Telluride is in San Miguel County.

• San Miguel County Clerk & Recorder: 305 W Colorado Avenue (1st Floor), Telluride, CO 81435
• Apply Here

-Crested Butte Offices

Crested Butte is in Gunnison County.

• Gunnison County Clerk & Recorder: 221 N. Wisconsin St (Suite C), Gunnison, CO 81230
• Apply Here

-Aspen Offices

Aspen is in Pitkin County.

• Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder: 530 E Main St, Suite 104, Aspen, CO 81611
  Pitkin also lists the $30 payment requirement on their marriage license page.
• Apply Here

-Breckenridge Offices

Breckenridge is in Summit County.

• Summit County Clerk & Recorder: 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424
• Apply Here

Summit also notes its pricing structure (license fee + certified copies) and that licenses are valid for 35 days.

-Denver Offices

• Denver Clerk & Recorder: 200 W. 14th Ave., Denver, CO 80204
• Denver marriage services are by appointment only, and they explicitly say paw prints are not allowed.
• Apply Here

Out-of-state elopement tips (things couples don’t realize until it’s stressful)

1) Build a “license day” buffer into your travel

If you’re flying in, try to land at least one weekday before your ceremony. Peak season appointment slots disappear fast in some counties (especially along the Front Range).

2) If you want a dog paw print, pick the issuing county intentionally

Because acceptance varies (Denver is a hard no), the simplest strategy is:

• Decide whether you want the paw print keepsake
• Choose a county known to allow it
• Confirm the current policy before you sign/return

3) Self-solemnizing is amazing… but double-check how you fill out the form

Even when you self-solemnize, you still must complete the certificate correctly and return it for recording. Denver specifically emphasizes not separating the license/certificate and returning it on time.

4) If one of you can’t appear in person

Some counties allow an absentee process (often via a notarized affidavit). Jefferson County describes this option.

A simple “Colorado marriage license” checklist you can screenshot

• ☐ Pick the county office you’ll use (based on travel route + appointment availability)
• ☐ Make an appointment if your county requires it (Denver does)
• ☐ Bring valid photo IDs
• ☐ Have parent info + prior-marriage details ready
• ☐ Get married + sign within 35 days
• ☐ Return the license for recording by your county’s deadline
• ☐ Order certified copies if you’ll need them for name change, etc. (some counties bundle copies)

Start Planning Your Colorado Elopement

Planning an elopement in Colorado can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own. I’m here to help! From helping you choose the right county for your marriage license to building a timeline that feels relaxed, intentional, and fully you, I guide my couples through every step of the process so you can stay present and actually enjoy your day. If you’re dreaming about a Colorado elopement and want someone in your corner who knows the mountains (and the logistics) inside and out, I’d love to hear from you.

Fill out my inquiry form here and let’s start planning your adventure together. Can’t wait to hear from you!

If you’re not ready to reach out quite yet and want to know more about me and what our experience together could look like, check out this page!