Marriage & Civil Union Licenses

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Ready to Tie the Knot?

We offer full-service marriage license or civil union license services: You may apply for, obtain and record your license at any of our locations. Please note: Due to high demand all Marriage and Civil Union License services are appointment only until further notice.

Marriage licenses or Civil Union licenses may be issued and are valid in any Colorado county. Applicants do not need to be Colorado residents (except in the case of a proxy marriage/union). A Marriage or Civil Union license is issued the same day it is applied for and may be used immediately.  

Steps to a Marriage License or Civil Union License 

All applicants must follow these four steps to apply for, complete and record their marriage/civil union license:  

Apply for a Marriage License or Civil Union License
Complete the online marriage/civil union application (If applying for a Civil Union, create a username and password to select the Civil Union application.)
Make an Appointment 
You must complete your application in person at one of our branch offices. *Please note: Marriage/Civil Union License services are temporarily unavailable at our Aurora branch.*
Complete Your Marriage License or Civil Union License and Certificate 
Once issued, you have 35 days to complete your Marriage license or Civil Union license. Follow the instructions on this printer-friendly PDF in English or Spanish.
Record Your License 
There’s no fee for this service, but you must return your completed license and certificate for recording to any of our branch offices within 63 days of solemnization/certification or a late fee will be assessed. You may deliver the certificate to any of our branch locations or mail it to our Recording Division at 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO, 80120.

Branch locations (Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.): 

Centennial, 6954 S Lima St, Centennial, CO 80112 
Littleton, 5334 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120

FAQs

Who can solemnize our marriage/certify our civil union?

A marriage may be solemnized or Civil Union may be certified by judges, retired judges, magistrates, Indian tribe officials and clergy, or by the couple themselves. We do not provide officiants but you are welcome to invite one to your appointment. A friend or relative may not solemnize the marriage or certify the union unless they are a judge or clergy (ordained with a religious title).  

If you wish for your ceremony to be officiated by a court judge, please call for more information: 

18th Judicial District Court in Centennial: 303-645-6666 
Arapahoe County Court in Littleton: 720-568-4835

What do we need to bring to apply for a license?

See this printer-friendly PDF in English or Spanish with all you’ll need to bring. 

Do my partner and I both need to come to the appointment?

Both applicants should appear in person to apply for and sign the marriage application. If one party cannot appear because they are ill, out-of-state or incarcerated, they must complete the Marriage Absentee Application Form or Civil Union Absentee Application Form and have it notarized in advance. The party applying must bring the absentee application and valid identification for the absent party. If the absent party does not have a social security number, they must fill out the Social Security Affidavit and have it notarized. 

When will we receive our license?

Your Marriage license /Civil Union license is valid as soon as you complete the application in our office.  

Can we use our license outside Colorado?

No. You must complete your license application in Colorado. Once your license is recorded, all other states will recognize your marriage/union. 

What is a Civil Union?

A “Civil Union” is a relationship established by two eligible parties, pursuant to CRS 14-15-104, that entitles them to receive the benefits and protections (and be subject to the responsibilities of) spouses. 

Marriage & Civil Union Licenses

Ready to Tie the Knot?

Steps to a Marriage License or Civil Union License

Optional Services

FAQs

Contact Us

Joan Lopez

Recording Division

Contact

Arapahoe County Government

Phone: 303-795-4400

All County Offices

Helpful Resources

Disclaimers