Arvada Marriage License

Arvada spans two counties, so marriage license applications go through either Jefferson County or Adams County depending on your preference and address.

Which County to Use

Most of Arvada is in Jefferson County, with a small portion in Adams County. You can get your marriage license from either county office regardless of which part of Arvada you live in. The license you receive from one county works anywhere in Colorado. Pick the office that fits your schedule and preferences best.

Jefferson County offers flexible service with both appointments and drop-ins. The office is at 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Suite 2560, Golden, CO 80401. Call (303) 271-8186 for information. You can schedule an appointment for 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or drop in any time from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on those same days. Drop-ins work well if your schedule is flexible and you don't mind a possible wait.

Adams County requires appointments with no exceptions. The office is at 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy, 1st Floor, Suite E2400, Brighton, CO 80601-8203. Phone (720) 523-6020. You must complete an online application first, then schedule your appointment using the 7-digit order number the system generates. Appointments fill up 2-3 weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

Applying at Jefferson County

Jefferson County makes the process easy with two service options. If you want a guaranteed time and plan to bring family or friends, make an appointment. The appointment calendar opens 21 days in advance and refreshes daily. If you're just the two applicants and have a flexible schedule, drop in during business hours.

Both applicants must appear together. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. You need your Social Security Number or at least the last four digits. If you don't have one, you'll sign an affidavit at the office.

The application asks for parents' names and addresses. This is required by C.R.S. 14-2-105. If you've been married before, bring information about your divorce, including the date, court name, and location.

The license costs $30. Jefferson County accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. You get your license the same day and can use it immediately.

Adams County Application Steps

If you choose Adams County, start with their online application at recording.adcogov.org. Complete every field. The system won't let you proceed if you skip required information. Parents' information is mandatory and non-negotiable.

When you finish, the system gives you a 7-digit order number. Use this to schedule your appointment at adamscounty.qmatic.io/booking. Book 2-3 weeks before your ceremony because slots fill fast. Show up without an appointment and you'll be turned away.

Bring the same ID and information required by Jefferson County. Both counties follow the same state requirements for marriage licenses. The main difference is the appointment policy and office location.

Marrying Yourselves

Colorado law under C.R.S. 14-2-109 lets couples solemnize their own marriage. This means you don't need an officiant. You can perform your own ceremony and sign the marriage certificate yourselves.

To self-solemnize, both parties sign where an officiant would normally sign. Write "The Parties to the Marriage" in the title field. Jefferson County notes that if there's no identifiable title like pastor, minister, or judge, they'll treat it as a self-solemnization.

You don't need witnesses. Colorado law doesn't require them. If you want witnesses, there's no age limit. Kids can sign if you want them involved in your ceremony.

Friends and relatives cannot act as officiants unless they're legally authorized by a religious body or government. Online ordination doesn't automatically give someone the right to solemnize marriages in Colorado. Judges, magistrates, and recognized clergy can perform ceremonies. Out-of-state clergy don't need to register here, but they must have legitimate credentials.

How Long Your License Lasts

Your license is valid for 35 days from issue, per C.R.S. 14-2-107. You can marry anywhere in Colorado during this time. The license works in all 64 counties. If 35 days pass without using it, the license becomes void. Return it to the issuing county for cancellation. You won't get your $30 back.

Colorado licenses work only for Colorado ceremonies. If you're planning to marry in another state, get a license there. Once your Colorado marriage is recorded, all states will recognize it. But you can't use a Colorado license for an out-of-state ceremony.

After Your Ceremony

Complete the marriage certificate section after your ceremony. Include the date, time, location, and county where the ceremony occurred. Both parties sign. The officiant signs and provides their title. If you self-solemnized, you complete the officiant section.

Return the completed license to the county that issued it within 63 days. For Jefferson County, mail to 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Suite 2560, Golden, CO 80401, or drop it off during business hours. For Adams County, mail to 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy, Suite E2400, Brighton, CO 80601-8203.

Late returns cost $20 minimum plus $5 per day up to $50 maximum. These fees apply statewide per C.R.S. 14-2-109.

Jefferson County charges $1 per document for certified copies. Adams County charges $1.25. You can also order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for $17, with 30-day processing.

Age and Residency Requirements

You must be 18 to marry without restrictions. Those 16 or 17 need a juvenile court order, which requires a formal hearing and is rarely granted. Colorado law prohibits marriage for anyone under 16 as of HB19-1316 in 2019. Parental consent doesn't work for minors.

Residency is not required. Arvada residents, other Colorado residents, and out-of-state couples can all apply. The license is valid only for Colorado ceremonies, but other states recognize Colorado marriages once recorded.

You cannot be currently married. All previous marriages must be ended through divorce, annulment, or death. You cannot marry close relatives, per C.R.S. 14-2-110. First cousins can marry in Colorado.

Which Office Works Better

Jefferson County suits couples who value flexibility. Drop-in service means you don't have to plan weeks ahead. If your schedule changes, you can just show up. The Golden location is also closer to Arvada than Brighton.

Adams County works if you prefer a structured appointment system and don't mind the drive to Brighton. Their online application streamlines the process once you're at the office. But appointments fill fast, so book early.

Both counties charge $30 and follow the same state laws. Both issue licenses that work statewide. Pick based on convenience and whether you want drop-in flexibility or scheduled appointments.

Additional Information

For Jefferson County, visit www.jeffco.us or call (303) 271-8186. For Adams County, visit adamscountyco.gov or call (720) 523-6020.

For legal help with family law, contact Colorado Legal Services. They provide free or low-cost assistance to qualifying residents. The Colorado Bar Association offers referral services for private attorneys.