What if the appointment date I want is taken?
We understand that there are many reasons why you want to reserve a specific day, whether it is significant to your relationship or simply a day that works for both parties. However, slots can fill up quickly. Because of this, we recommend that you check back for availability, as cancellations can occur.
How do I change my name?
Use this guide(PDF, 115KB) (en español(PDF, 115KB)) to navigate the process of changing your name. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are helpful. They can be purchased at our office or through the mail. Certified copies cost $1.25 each.
I need help with filling out my marriage certificate.
The license and the certificate are on the same document. These should not be separated. The license gives the couple permission to marry. The certificate documents when and where the couple married.
See an example(PDF, 500KB) of how to fill out the marriage certificate.
Vea un ejemplo(PDF, 475KB) de como llenar el certificado.
What does Committed Partnership registration do?
Registering as committed partners creates a public record of your relationship. It also provides evidence that your relationship meets the requirements for a partnership defined by the D.R.M.C. §28-200 Committed Partnership Ordinance. An employer or other party may or may not offer committed partnership benefits based on this registry.
What it does not do is constitute marriage under the laws of the State of Colorado nor change your legal rights with your partner. Registration does not affect your property, contract, inheritance, custody, or benefit rights nor any other legal entitlements. It does not provide for name changes. To provide for such rights, committed partners may need to execute medical and/or general powers of attorney, wills, and/or other legal instruments.
For more information, we recommend consulting an attorney.
How do I terminate a Committed Partnership?
A committed partnership is terminated by:
- the marriage or death of either partner;
- both partners filing a Certificate of Termination of Committed Partnership with the Denver Clerk and Recorder; or
- either partner filing the termination certificate with the Clerk and Recorder and sending a copy thereof to the other partner by registered mail, return receipt requested.
A committed partnership must be terminated in person. In-person services are available by appointment only. Please make an appointment to record documents or obtain copies here.
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Common Law Marriages
Colorado recognizes common law marriage as legal and binding. However, cohabitation alone does not constitute common law marriage. For more information on common law marriage or to get a sample Affidavit of Common Law Marriage, see the State of Colorado website concerning marriage law.
A common law marriage cannot be terminated except by court dissolution (divorce) or death.
Absentee and Proxy Marriages
Absentee Marriages
If either you or your partner cannot appear at the Clerk and Recorder's office in person to apply for your marriage or civil union license, the absent party must complete an absentee affidavit and have it notarized. The notarized absentee affidavit must be used within 30 days from the date it was notarized.
The party appearing in person must present, on the behalf of the absent partner:
Proxy Marriages
A proxy marriage license may be granted to an absent person who is:
- A member of the armed forces of the United States who is stationed in another country or in another state in support of combat or military operation; or
- A government contractor, or an employee of a government contractor, working or in support of US military operations in another country or in another state
Requirements for applying for a marriage license for a proxy marriage are:
- One party is a resident of Colorado;
- One party appears in person to apply for the marriage license and pays the required fees;
- The signatures of both parties to the proxy marriage are required, and the party present shall sign the marriage license application and provide an absentee affidavit form containing the notarized signature of the absent party, along with proper identification documents required for a marriage license for the absent party; and
- Both parties (and the proxy) are 18 years of age or older.
- The proxy for the absent spouse must be the person named on the Power of Attorney form, must have a valid ID and must be present to apply for the marriage license.
Self-solemnization is not allowed in a marriage by proxy.
You must have a notarized Marriage Ceremony Proxy Power of Attorney form(PDF, 121KB). The spouse who can be present and the proxy must both present a valid ID when applying for the license.
Frequently asked questions about Marriage by Proxy
What documents can I use to prove Colorado residency?
Colorado driver’s license, lease agreement, utility bill, or a voter registration card are all acceptable forms of ID. Only one of these documents is necessary.
What documents can I use to prove active duty military status and deployment?
Your Orders (a copy of the written document) will be proof.
Designated Beneficiaries
A Designated Beneficiary Agreement is a contract between two people ensuring certain rights and financial protections based upon the completed document. To be legally enforceable it must be properly recorded by the Clerk and Recorder.
Designated Beneficiary Agreements become effective once the completed, signed and notarized form is received by the Clerk and Recorder’s office in a county where at least one of the parties resides.
For further information, visit www.colorado.gov or coloradolegalservices.org.
Bring your completed and notarized Designated Beneficiary Form(PDF, 178KB) to the Recording department in the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver.
Revocation
Designated Beneficiary Agreements may be revoked. Complete a Revocation of Designated Beneficiary Form(PDF, 173KB). Entering into a marriage or civil union will automatically revoke a pre-existing designated beneficiary agreement.
Prohibited Marriages and Civil Unions
Prohibited Marriages
The following marriages are prohibited in the State of Colorado:
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A marriage entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of either of the parties, unless the earlier marriage is a currently valid marriage between the two applicant parties.
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A marriage between an ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood.
Marriage between first cousins, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood, is permitted in Colorado.
Prohibited Civil Unions
The following civil unions are prohibited in the State of Colorado:
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A civil union where one or both partners are minors (under the age of 18).
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A civil union entered into prior to the termination of a marriage or civil union of either of the parties, unless the earlier marriage or civil union is currently valid between the two applicant parties.
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A civil union between an ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood.
Civil union between first cousins, whether the relationship is by half or whole blood, is permitted in Colorado.
Marriage of Minors
You must be 18 years of age or older to marry in Colorado, with the following exception:
A person who is 16 or 17 years of age may obtain a marriage license if a juvenile court determines that the underage party is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage would serve the underage party's best interests. Prior to making a determination, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the underage party to investigate the underage party's circumstances and best interests and to file a report with the court stating the issuance of a marriage license is in the underage party's best interests.
A person under the age of 16 is prohibited from obtaining a marriage license.
For additional information, please refer to HB19-1316.
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