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Get your certified Colorado marriage certificate quickly and securely through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Order online in minutes or request by mail with a simple, reliable process. Start today and receive your official marriage record delivered directly to your home.

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Legal Disclaimer

Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Colorado Marriage Certificate

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Colorado Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order a Colorado marriage certificate through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the county where the marriage license was issued. The CDPHE provides certified verifications of marriage records for events from 1900 to 1939 and 1975 to the present. For marriages outside these years, you will need to contact the county clerk and recorder in the county where the marriage was recorded. Processing times, fees, and requirements may vary depending on the issuing office.

Where to Get a Colorado Marriage Certificate

There are two main sources for obtaining a certified copy of a Colorado marriage certificate: the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the County Clerk and Recorder where the marriage license was originally issued.

CDPHE (State Level) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains statewide vital records and can provide verification of marriages registered with the state. You can request records by mail, in person at the Denver office (4300 Cherry Creek Drive South), or online through an authorized service provider. The state fee is $17 per copy.

County Clerk and Recorder — The county office where the marriage license was filed is often the fastest source for a certified copy. Colorado has 64 counties, and each county clerk maintains its own marriage records. County offices typically offer walk-in service and may process requests faster than the state office.

For most requests, the county office is your best option if you know where the marriage was recorded. If you are unsure which county holds the record, CDPHE can search the statewide index. You can also order your Colorado marriage certificate online through our secure service for faster processing.

Is a Colorado Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

Both. Colorado uses a dual-level system for marriage records. The County Clerk and Recorder where the marriage license was issued creates and files the original certificate. A copy is then forwarded to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the statewide registry.

This means certified copies can be requested from either level. However, there are some practical differences to keep in mind:

County offices hold the original marriage record and typically offer faster turnaround times, especially for walk-in requests. They are also your only option if the record has not yet been forwarded to the state. Fees vary by county but are generally around $10–$20 per copy.

CDPHE maintains a centralized index of all marriages registered statewide. This is useful if you are unsure which county issued the license, or if you need a record from a county office that is difficult to reach. The state fee is $17 per certified copy.

For most requests, the county office where the marriage took place tends to be the fastest and most direct option.

Common-Law vs. Ceremonial Marriage Certificate in Colorado

Colorado is one of the few states that still fully recognizes common-law marriage. This distinction affects how marriage certificate is issued and what documentation is available.

Ceremonial Marriage — When you obtain a marriage license from a county clerk, hold a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant, and file the signed certificate, the county creates an official marriage record. Certified copies can be requested from both the county and CDPHE. This is the standard process that produces a clear paper trail.

Common-Law Marriage — Colorado does not issue an official marriage certificate for common-law marriages. Instead, a couple must demonstrate mutual agreement to be married and hold themselves out publicly as a married couple. Some couples file an Affidavit of Common-Law Marriage with their county clerk, but this is not required by law. Without a formal record on file, proving a common-law marriage may require additional evidence such as shared finances, joint tax filings, or sworn statements.

Both types of marriage carry the same legal rights and obligations in Colorado — including property division, inheritance, and the requirement to divorce to legally end the relationship. The key difference is documentation: a ceremonial marriage produces an official certificate, while a common-law marriage may require additional steps to establish proof.

How to Get a Colorado Marriage Certificate

You can request a certified Colorado marriage certificate through the county clerk and recorder's office where the marriage license was issued or through Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

In most cases, the county office is the fastest option for obtaining a certified copy.

Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering Online with VRO

Vital Records Online (VRO) provides a secure and convenient way to prepare and submit your application for a Colorado marriage certificate.

Using VRO, you can:

  1. Complete your application online in minutes
  2. Receive guidance to reduce errors or missing information
  3. Have your request prepared for submission to the appropriate issuing office
  4. Choose delivery options for receiving your certified copy by mail

Depending on your request, your application may be submitted to either:

  • The county clerk and recorder's office, or
  • The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

While VRO helps streamline the application process, marriage certificate is issued by the appropriate government office, not by VRO.

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

Starting from

$29 + state fees

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a Colorado Marriage Certificate?

Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE Vital Records) when requesting certified copies of marriage records. If you do not have a primary ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license or U.S. passport, you may use two secondary forms of identification. The table below shows the information you need and the documents you must provide to request a Colorado marriage certificate.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Alien Registration Receipt/Permanent Resident Card
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Jail Temporary Inmate ID
CO Temporary Driver’s License/State ID (must be current)
Employment Authorization Card
Foreign Passport
Government Work ID
Job Corps ID
Driver’s License/ID Card
School, University or College ID Card
Temporary Resident Card
US B1/B2 Visa with I-94
US Certificate of Naturalization
US Citizenship
US Military ID Card (front/back)
US Passport or Card
US Merchant Mariner ID/Book

Acknowledgment of Parentage Document (Colorado Only)
U.S. Birth Certificate
Court Order of Adoption or Name Change
Craft or Trade License (Colorado Only)
DD-214 Form
US Divorce Decree
Colorado Gaming License
Hospital Birth Worksheet (within 6 months of birth)
Colorado Hunting or Fishing License (must be current)
Foreign/International Driving License (issued by state/province)
Marriage License
Medicaid Card (Colorado Only)
Medicare Card
Mexican Voter Registration Card
Motor Vehicle Registration or Title (must be current – US only)
Pilot's License
Prison ID
Social Security Card
US Selective Service Card
Weapon Permit
Work ID
Paycheck Stub (within 3 months), W-2
Any expired document from the Primary List (cannot be expired for more than 6 months)

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Marriage Certificate in Colorado?

The cost of a marriage certificate in Colorado depends on the CDPHE’s fees and your application method. The CDPHE’s fee is $25.00. In the same application, an additional copy of marriage records can be ordered for $20.00. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

$25.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $20.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take To Process My Colorado Marriage Certificate?

The processing time for a Colorado marriage certificate is 1 to 2 weeks, from the date received. Your total waiting time depends on your application method and the required documents. The rush processing option is unavailable. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

1 to 2 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not Available

Authorization

Who Can Order a Colorado Marriage Certificate?

In Colorado, marriage certificate is classified as private documents and can only be accessed by authorized individuals. This includes certain family members, legal representatives, and approved third-party requesters.

If someone else requests the certificate on your behalf, they must be authorized. As a third party, the requester may need to provide additional documentation that verifies their relationship with you. In some cases, a notarized statement may be required.

Authorized People

  • Children/Stepchildren
  • Consular Consort
  • Consulate offices
  • Creditors
  • Employer
  • Ex-Spouse
  • In-laws, Aunts/Uncles, Niece/Nephew
  • Insurance Companies
  • Legal representative
  • Paralegal
  • Parents/Stepparents
  • Person on Record
  • Probate researchers
  • Siblings

Do I Need to Notarize My Colorado Marriage Certificate Application?

The Colorado Health Department does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements to order certified marriage records, regardless of their application method.

Tracking

How to Track My Colorado Marriage Certificate Order

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your marriage certificate request to the CDPHE, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to know when it arrives. Once your certificate is mailed to you from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

Order Other Colorado Vital Records

You can also request other Colorado vital records through Vital Records Online:

You can also explore our related guides:

frequently asked questions

Colorado Marriage Certificate FAQs


  • What Is the Difference Between a Colorado Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Colorado. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Colorado?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a Colorado marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

  • How to Get a Colorado Marriage Certificate

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    You can obtain a Colorado marriage certificate from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or from the County Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued. CDPHE accepts requests online, by mail, or in person at their Denver office. County Clerk offices often provide faster in-person service. To apply by mail through CDPHE, submit a completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order.

  • How Much Does a Colorado Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    A certified copy of a Colorado marriage certificate costs $17 through the CDPHE. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $10 each. County Clerk fees may differ. Online orders through the CDPHE or authorized providers may include convenience and processing fees. If you need multiple copies for name changes, immigration, or legal proceedings, ordering them together saves money.

  • Can I Order a Colorado Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes. You can order a Colorado marriage certificate online through the CDPHE vital records portal or through authorized third-party providers. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. Online orders require a credit or debit card. Processing through CDPHE typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.

  • Should I Request My Colorado Marriage Certificate From the State or the County?

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    Both the CDPHE and the County Clerk can issue certified copies of a Colorado marriage certificate. The County Clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued generally provides faster service, especially for in-person requests and same-day copies. CDPHE is useful when you do not know the county or need a record from their statewide database. CDPHE processing takes 1 to 2 weeks online, while many County Clerk offices can issue copies the same day.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Colorado Marriage Certificate?

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    Yes. Colorado allows either spouse named on the certificate, a parent or legal guardian, a sibling, or a legal representative with proper documentation to request a certified copy. Each requester must provide valid photo ID and proof of their relationship. If you cannot request the certificate yourself, you may authorize a representative through a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA), which allows that person to apply on your behalf through the CDPHE or the County Clerk's office.

  • Are Colorado Marriage Records Public?

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    Colorado marriage records are generally considered public records. However, obtaining a certified copy still requires completing an application and providing valid identification. Informational copies may be available for genealogical or non-legal purposes. For a certified copy valid for legal use, the requester must demonstrate eligibility. Contact the CDPHE or the County Clerk for specific access requirements.

  • What Are the Benefits of Using VRO to Get a Marriage Certificate in Colorado?

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    VitalRecordsOnline.com simplifies the process of obtaining your Colorado marriage certificate. Our service offers a streamlined online application, dedicated customer support, and multiple processing speed options to fit your timeline. We handle the paperwork and communication with the appropriate offices on your behalf, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors or delays. Our secure platform protects your personal information throughout the entire process.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Colorado Marriage Certificate

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    The CDPHE does not handle corrections to marriage certificate. Contact your local County Clerk’s office if you need to amend your marriage certificate. Different forms must be completed depending on the information being amended. All changes or corrections are made as addendums to the original record; the original documents cannot be altered.

    Typically, requests to correct or amend marriage records will require the following:

    1. A completed amendment application
    2. Supporting documentation
    3. Appropriate fee(s)