How to Get Married in Colorado, From Location to License

Nobody can deny that Colorado is one of the most strikingly beautiful places in the country. The Centennial State is home to picturesque mountain backdrops, sweeping plains and rolling foothills—all of which make it a popular contender for weddings among engaged couples. Learning how to get married in Colorado is step number one if you're eyeing this state for your big day.

"We have the foothills, red rocks, countryside, city chic and mountain tops at 12,000 feet and higher," says wedding planner Loni Peterson, owner of LP Creative Events in Denver. "Additionally, the weather is amazing in the summer, and Colorado is an easy to get to destination location for your friends and family all over the United States. The majority of my clients have a very high yes-RSVP rate."

Before you get too swept up in the whirlwind of planning a wedding in Colorado, it's important to tick some of the logistical boxes off your list and consider all your options. From vendors and venues to tips on acquiring a Colorado marriage license, we're covering everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado
• Notable Wedding Locations in Colorado
• How to Plan a Wedding in Colorado Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado

The process of getting a Colorado wedding license is straightforward, though there may be slight variations depending on your details. "All couples need to do is apply in the county of their preference 30 days out from their wedding. Book an appointment with the office, show up, fill out the application and get your license," Peterson says. "Also, the person who marries you does not need to be ordained, and in most Colorado counties you can have your dog's paw print sign the official document!"

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Colorado marriage license fees range from $35 to $150. Before your appointment, check to see which methods of payment are accepted—cash, debit card, credit card, check or money order. Depending on the location's office hours and procedure you may receive it in person at the time of application or receive it by mail a few days later.

Notable Wedding Locations in Colorado

Getting married in the Centennial State means you have countless Colorado wedding venues to choose from for your big day. "We are so fortunate here to have endless amounts of mountain views that serve as backdrops for ceremonies and receptions," says event planner Heather Dwight, owner of Calluna Events in Boulder, Colorado. "We are also fortunate to plan weddings on private ranches and estates which is special for the couple as they have a personal connection for the wedding venue but also typically have some spectacular backdrops and settings!"

Denver

As Colorado's bustling capital, Denver offers a mix of urban appeal and gorgeous mountain views. Couples can choose from chic downtown venues, historic mansions or scenic spots overlooking the Rockies. With a lively arts and culture scene—not to mention a seriously booming culinary landscape—the Mile High City is perfect for any soon-to-be-wed couples seeking a vibrant city wedding with access to top-notch vendors.

Telluride

A sparkling gem in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a picture-perfect Colorado city for couples who have a secluded and scenic wedding in mind. This historic mining town promises high-drama mountain views, unique venues and an intimate feel that's hard to beat. Whether saying "I do" on a mountaintop or exchanging vows in a historic building, Telluride proves you can have both romance and adventure.

Boulder

This college town is known for its laid-back vibes and stunning natural surroundings, making it the perfect Colorado wedding city for couples who want a more relaxed celebration. With the Flatirons as a dramatic backdrop, Boulder offers outdoor venues, charming farm-to-table restaurants and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We think it's a great pick for anyone seeking a combo of adventure and charm.

Aspen

For a seriously wow-worthy wedding in Colorado, set your sights on Aspen. Renowned for its luxury and breathtaking landscapes, this ski city is a dream destination for weddings in any season. Whether it's a snowy winter ceremony or a lush summer celebration, the town's upscale venues, rustic lodges and natural beauty make it an iconic choice. Expect top-tier service and a high-end feel in this picturesque mountain town.

Colorado Springs

Home to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak—two incredible natural wonders—Colorado Springs serves up unparalleled beauty for your nuptials. Pick from elegant resorts, rustic mountain lodges or outdoor venues with dramatic red rock formations as a backdrop.

Vail

For a major dose of alpine charm, set your Colorado wedding sights on Vail. Known for its luxurious resorts and European-inspired village, this quintessential destination delivers on the storybook wedding front. Plus, you'll get some stunning mountain views, year-round beauty and world-class amenities.

How to Plan a Wedding in Colorado Step-by-Step

You've got the ring and the fiancé and have chosen Colorado as your destination. Now it's time to start planning a wedding. Follow these pro tips to ensure your marriage in Colorado goes smoothly.

1. Set a Budget

The cost of a Colorado wedding varies depending on your location, the venue, size and other chosen vendors. Peterson says that the biggest factor, ultimately, is your city of choice.

"For example, a wedding in a mountain or ski town will likely cost at least double what a wedding in the Front Range may total. Or another way to think about it would be that your overall budget will go further in the Front Range versus a mountain or ski town," she says. "Choice of venue also plays a huge role in the total budget for a wedding in Colorado, especially with considerations for vendors that may be exclusive or preferred to a given venue."

The Knot Budget Advisor can help you learn more about wedding costs in Colorado based on data from real couples.

2. Let Nature Do the Decorating

Colorado's natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and many couples choose to incorporate some aspect of nature into their wedding theme. "Colorado has so many unique and breathtaking venues," Peterson says. "Venues that always stand out to me give intimate feels while also being able to accommodate varying numbers of guests—the venues that are a beautiful backdrop but allow space for your design and personal touches."

3. Secure Your Vendors ASAP

Because so many couples choose to get married in Colorado, things book up pretty quickly in this state. "We are typically booked at least a year out and sometimes 15 to 18 months out, though we have also planned weddings in less time than that," Dwight says. "Because venues in Colorado are in high demand we recommend booking a planner at the same time, preferably before you book your venue and try to book at least a year out to get your preferred venue, photographer and band/DJ."

She adds that peak wedding season in Colorado is from June to September and May and October, which means this time of year fills up more quickly than other times. Option for shoulder seasons or less popular wedding days (like a Friday or Sunday) may help expedite your timeline.

The Knot Marketplace has a vast collection of vendors, wedding planners, photographers, caterers and other essential wedding resources to make sure you have exactly what you need on your special day. It's also a great place to search and compare wedding reception venues by city, so you know you're getting the best of what each area has to offer.

4. Take Advantage of Colorado's Legal Marriage Perks

A unique aspect of getting married in CO is that the state doesn't require an officiant to legally tie the knot—couples can self-solemnize. This is perfect for intimate elopements or non-traditional ceremonies. Additionally, the Colorado wedding license process is straightforward and there's no waiting period, which makes the state a super flexible destination for weddings.

5. Consider the Weather

For all its beauty and plethora of options, Colorado can be a little tricky on the weather front. "The big thing to consider when getting married in Colorado is that the weather can change in an instant—you can have all four seasons in a single day, anywhere in the state," says Heather Van Halen, founder of Colorado-based Van Halen Events. She adds, "The weather can affect more than just an outdoor ceremony or reception, it can also affect the traffic guests may experience getting to the venue, the delivery times of vendors, the choice of attire and more."

Working with a wedding planner can help you cover everything from ideal wedding day dates and times to weather-related backup plans to ensuring guests are comfortable and safe.

6. Plan for Guest Logistics

If your Colorado wedding takes place in a remote mountain location versus a city setting, it's crucial to think about how your guests will get to your venue. Consider arranging shuttle services or sharing detailed transportation instructions, especially during winter months when snow can affect road conditions. Booking group accommodations or reserving room blocks at nearby hotels can also make the experience more convenient for your guests.

7. Be Mindful of Altitude

The effects of high altitude are something to consider when planning a wedding in Colorado, especially for those traveling to higher regions of Colorado from other states. "The average altitude across the state is 6,800 feet high, and there are wedding venues that sit above 10,000 feet in elevation," Van Halen says. "Water is a must and altitude sickness is real. No one believes us, but it happens."

This can impact some guests more than others, though it can also impact alcohol consumption. Peterson says, on average, you will feel the effects of two beverages in altitude after your first one when coming from sea level to altitudes this high.