Lakewood Marriage License Lookup

Lakewood residents get marriage licenses through Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder office in Golden, which serves all Jefferson County cities including Lakewood.

Jefferson County Clerk Office

The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder is at 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Suite 2560, Golden, CO 80401. This office handles all marriage licenses for Lakewood and other Jefferson County cities. Call (303) 271-8186 for information about marriage license services.

Jefferson County offers two ways to get your license. You can make an appointment if you want a guaranteed time slot, especially if you're bringing family and friends. Appointments are available 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The appointment calendar opens 21 days in advance and refreshes daily. If your schedule is flexible and you don't mind waiting, you can drop in any time from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. No appointment needed for drop-ins.

The office also offers online chat help between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Click the orange chat icon on the county website if you have questions about the marriage license process.

What to Bring

Both people must appear together. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. You'll need to provide your Social Security Number or the last four digits. If you don't have one, you'll complete an affidavit.

The application requires parents' names and addresses per C.R.S. 14-2-105. If you've been married before, bring information about your divorce. Include the date, court name, and location.

The license costs $30. Jefferson County accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. You can use your license right away. Colorado has no waiting period.

Self-Solemnization in Lakewood

Colorado is one of the few states where you can marry yourself. Under C.R.S. 14-2-109, couples can solemnize their own union or marriage. This means you don't need an officiant. You perform your own ceremony and sign the marriage certificate in the officiant section.

To self-solemnize, both parties sign where an officiant would normally sign. Write "The Parties to the Marriage" as the title. You don't need witnesses, though you can include them if you want.

Jefferson County notes that "officiant" is not a valid title by itself. If there's no identifiable title like pastor, minister, judge, or magistrate, it will be considered a self-solemnization. Friends and relatives cannot solemnize your marriage unless they're authorized by a legal or religious body. Simply being ordained online doesn't count as proper authorization in Colorado.

Judges, retired judges, magistrates, and clergy can also perform marriages. Out-of-state clergy don't need to register in Colorado, but they must have valid credentials from their religious organization.

License Validity and Use

Your license is valid for 35 days from the date it's issued. This is set by C.R.S. 14-2-107. You can get married anywhere in Colorado during those 35 days. If you don't use the license within that time, it becomes void.

The marriage or civil union certificate must include the county, date, and location where the ceremony took place. Both parties must sign. Witnesses are not required by Colorado law. If you include witnesses, there's no age limit. Kids can sign if you want them to be part of your ceremony.

Recording Your Marriage

The completed certificate must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the marriage. Failure to comply may result in late fees. The minimum late fee is $20, with an additional $5 per day up to a maximum of $50, as set by C.R.S. 14-2-109.

Once your license is recorded, you can order certified copies from Jefferson County. The county charges $1 per document for certification. You can also get copies from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for $17, though state processing takes about 30 business days.

Age and Residency Rules

You must be 18 years old to get a marriage license without restrictions. Those who are 16 or 17 need a juvenile court order. Colorado law prohibits marriage for anyone under 16, as set by HB19-1316. Parental consent is not sufficient for minors.

You don't need to be a Colorado resident to get a license in Jefferson County. Lakewood residents and out-of-state couples can all apply here. The license is valid only for ceremonies in Colorado. Once your marriage is recorded, other states will recognize it.

Both parties must be legally free to marry. All previous marriages must be ended through divorce, annulment, or death of the spouse. You cannot marry close relatives like parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews, per C.R.S. 14-2-110. First cousins can marry in Colorado.

Why Choose Jefferson County

Jefferson County is known for its flexible service. The drop-in option means you don't have to schedule weeks in advance like some counties require. This is helpful if you're planning a quick wedding or if your schedule changes often. Many Denver metro residents prefer Jefferson County because it's easier to get an appointment or just walk in.

If you're bringing a group of family and friends to watch you get your license, make an appointment so everyone can come together. The office asks that groups schedule appointments rather than dropping in, which helps manage wait times for other customers.

More Help and Information

Visit www.jeffco.us for forms, instructions, and current information about Jefferson County marriage licenses. The website includes details about self-solemnization, who can officiate, and how to return your completed license.

For legal advice about marriage or family law, contact Colorado Legal Services. They provide free or low-cost help to qualifying residents. The Colorado Bar Association offers lawyer referral services for those who need to hire a private attorney.