How To Legally Elope In Colorado
When most couples imagine eloping, they probably picture it being just the two of them (and a photographer to document the moment). But did you know most states require some combination of an officiant and/or witnesses present to make the ceremony legal? Planning the wedding ceremony can quickly become a bigger production than either partner imagined. But luckily, if you’re in the market for getting married in Colorado, you’ll be pleased to know that it is just 1 of the 7 states (plus Washington D.C.) that allow for self-uniting marriages.
As a Colorado wedding and elopement photo and video team, we firmly believe romance and genuine moments are better than the ordinary and predictable. Breaking the norm and creating a unique elopement experience is absolutely obtainable. Grab your notebook, your fianceé, a warm cup of coffee, and learn How to Legally Elope in Colorado.
Self-Uniting Marriages vs. Traditional Wedding Ceremonies
Depending where you grew up, you might not have actually been aware that a wedding could legally take place without an officiant. While I grew up in on the boarder of Wisconsin where couples are not required to have an officiant, but witnesses are needed to make their marriage official. Chuck, on the other hand, grew up in Michigan where an officiant and witnesses are both required. So no matter where you’re from in the US, there’s bound to be some confusion on what is necessary to make your marriage legal. And that’s where we come in!
Self-uniting marriages (or self-solemnization) is simply becoming legally married without the presence of an officiant or witnesses. Couples still need to keep in accordance with Colorado state laws, but for those seeking a unique, intentional elopement, self-solemnization is a great option.
Legally Eloping in Colorado | Chuck & SHiloh
Now that you’re in the know on self-unity marriages, legally eloping in Colorado is easy. If you haven’t checked out The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Estes Park yet, open that blog in a new tab to give it a read. While there are specifics for planning an Estes Park elopement, there is also a ton of great information on the first steps you should take when planning any elopement. From dreaming with your partner and setting a budget, to nailing down your location and date, it’s an awesome Colorado elopement planning resource.
Step 1: Make an Appointment at the Office of the Clerk and Recorder
You can schedule an appointment up to 7 days in advance with the Office of the Clerk and Recorder. Sort out which county you’ll be obtaining your license from ahead of time, so that you are aware of their specific hours and or requirements.
Step 2: Fill Out Application BEFORE Your Appointment
Complete the online application before you arrive for your appointment. You know what it’s like going to renew your driver’s license? Yeah, make sure you do your paperwork ahead of time.
Step 3: Bring Required Documents + Get Your License
You and your partner will need to provide proper photo identification, your Social Security Numbers, and the city and state that your parents were born in. The cost of a marriage license is $30.
Step 4: Sign and Return Your License
After your ceremony (whether that be self-solemnized or officiated), return the signed license to the Clerk and Recorder’s office within 35 days of the date of issue. You have 63 days to return the license to avoid additional fees.
As a reminder, make sure to check Colorado State Laws to keep up to date with any changes to their process or Clerk and Recorder hours.
Unique Ideas for a Self-Uniting Marriage
By this point, you might be thinking to yourself, “what even happens in a ceremony if we don’t have an officiant?”. And I totally get it! But the beautiful part of opting for a self-uniting marriage is that you have endless opportunities to create an experience designed just for the two of you. Here are a few ideas to inspire you for your Colorado elopement.
Exchange Private Vows/Read Letters
Probably one of the most common elements to include in your elopement is the exchange of vows. Whether you decide to read vows from vow books, or you choose to read each other letters, there’s nothing more impactful than pouring your heart out to your person as you commit to a lifetime together.Include Your Friends and Family
You can have your cake and eat it, too! Just because you don’t need witnesses, you can still include your favorite people in your day. Enjoy exchanging private vows before embracing all the beauty that Colorado has to offer. Bonus points if there’s actually cake! 😉Have a Loved One ‘Unofficially’ Officiate a Quick Ceremony
While it is pretty easy to become ordained, there’s no need for any of your loved ones to become an officiant just for your ceremony. It’s still a really sweet gesture if you want your friends and family there to witness a “traditional” ceremony, and you can still choose to keep your vows private.Opt for a Unique Unity Ceremony
One unique idea for a self-uniting ceremony is by including a unity element. Depending what location you choose for your Colorado elopement, you could plant a tree that you could return to in years to come as your love grows. If you want something more tangible, you could literally “tie a knot” or braid rope to signify a cord of 3 strands. If your loved ones are in attendance, you can pass your rings around and ask them to pray over your marriage during that time. Or you cold even write letters to each other and seal them in a box to open on an anniversary.Include Your Dog
Surprise, surprise: you know I had to include this one. Because of Colorado’s ‘lax legal requirements for marriages, your dog can actually sign your marriage license! I mean, I don’t even think I need to say more on this. #goals
Eloping in Colorado has so much potential to give you the elopement of your dreams. While you can absolutely elope in any state, there’s so much freedom and creativity that comes from having the option to self-solemnize your union.
Now that you know how to legally elope in Colorado, what are you waiting for?! If you’re engaged and on the hunt for more planning resources, check out some of our faves below! And of course, make sure to keep up with us on Instagram for our latest adventures and swoon worthy couples. ’Til next time!
