Archuleta County Marriage License Search

Marriage licenses in Archuleta County are issued at the Clerk and Recorder office located in Pagosa Springs, the county seat.

Getting Your Marriage License

Archuleta County is in southwest Colorado near the New Mexico border. Pagosa Springs serves as the county seat. The Clerk and Recorder office in Pagosa Springs handles all marriage license applications for Archuleta County. Both people must appear in person to apply. Bring ID, know your Social Security number, and be ready to pay $30.

Most counties in Colorado require appointments for marriage licenses. Check with Archuleta County ahead of time to see if you need to schedule an appointment or if walk-ins are accepted. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and information ready. Your license is issued the same day in most cases.

Pagosa Springs is a popular area for destination weddings. Many couples come here for the natural hot springs and mountain scenery. You do not need to be a Colorado resident to get a marriage license in Archuleta County. Out-of-state couples are welcome as long as both people show up in person with valid identification.

What You Need to Bring

Both people must bring valid photo ID. A state driver license is the most common form of ID. A passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card also works. Your ID must be current and not expired. Some Colorado licenses have a note that says "Not valid for federal identification." These may not be accepted in all counties, so bring another form of ID if that applies to you.

You need to know your Social Security number. The application only asks for the last four digits under C.R.S. 14-2-105. If one of you does not have a Social Security number, you must sign an affidavit. This form explains why you do not have a number. You can complete the affidavit at the clerk office in Archuleta County or have it notarized ahead of time.

The application asks for your parents' names and addresses. You must list your mother's full maiden name and your father's full name. This is a state requirement. If you do not have this information, tell the clerk staff and they will explain your options.

If either of you was married before, bring the date your past marriage ended. This could be a divorce date or the date your spouse died. You do not need to show documents at the appointment, but the date must be on the form. Archuleta County cannot issue a new license until all prior marriages are legally ended.

Self-Solemnization in Colorado

Colorado is one of the few states that allows you to marry yourself. This is called self-solemnization. Under C.R.S. 14-2-109, the two people getting married can sign their own certificate without any officiant. You do not need a judge, minister, or any other person to perform the ceremony. Just get your license from Archuleta County, hold your ceremony wherever you like in Colorado, and sign the certificate yourselves.

Self-solemnization does not mean a friend or relative can sign as your officiant. Only the two people getting married can sign if you choose self-solemnization. If you want someone else to perform the ceremony, that person must be a judge, magistrate, or ordained clergy. Friends who get ordained online may or may not qualify depending on the organization that ordained them. Check with Archuleta County if you have questions about a specific person.

Witnesses are not required for marriage in Colorado. You can have witnesses if you want. Kids can sign as witnesses. There is no age limit. Some families include children in the ceremony by having them sign the certificate. This is optional and not a legal requirement in Archuleta County.

How the License Process Works

Both people go to the Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder office at the same time. Staff will give you a marriage license application. Fill out all fields. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, place of birth, and other basic information. It also asks about parents and past marriages. Do not skip any questions.

After you finish the form, the clerk will review it and check your IDs. You will pay the $30 fee. Most counties accept cash, check, or card. Confirm payment methods when you call ahead. The clerk will print your license on the spot. You leave with it that same day.

Your license is valid right away. Colorado has no waiting period. You can get married the same day you get your license. The license stays valid for 35 days under C.R.S. 14-2-107. Plan your ceremony within that time or your license will expire. If it expires, you must apply for a new one and pay another $30 fee in Archuleta County.

An Archuleta County license can be used anywhere in Colorado. You are not limited to Archuleta County for your ceremony. The license is valid statewide but not outside of Colorado. If you plan to marry in another state or country, you need a license from that place.

Marriage License Costs

The cost for a marriage license in Archuleta County is $30. This is the standard fee set by Colorado law under C.R.S. 14-2-106. All 64 counties charge the same amount. Certified copies of your recorded marriage certificate cost $1.25 each. Most people get two or three copies for their records.

After your ceremony, you must return the signed certificate to Archuleta County within 63 days. There is no fee to record your certificate. If you miss the 63-day deadline, you will owe a late fee. The minimum late fee is $20 under C.R.S. 14-2-109. After that, the county can charge $5 per day up to a maximum of $50. Return your paperwork on time to avoid these extra costs.

Age Rules and Restrictions

You must be 18 years old to get a marriage license in Archuleta County without extra steps. If you are 16 or 17, you need a court order from a juvenile court judge. Colorado law under C.R.S. 14-2-108 does not allow parental consent. You must go through the court to get judicial approval. No one under age 16 can marry in Colorado. This rule was set in 2019 with HB19-1316.

Both people must be legally free to marry. If you are still married to someone else, Archuleta County cannot issue a new license. All prior marriages must be ended by divorce or death. You also cannot marry a close blood relative. Colorado law under C.R.S. 14-2-110 prohibits marriage between parents and children, siblings, aunts and nephews, or uncles and nieces. Marriage between cousins is allowed in Colorado.

Recording Your Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, the person who performed it must complete the certificate section of your license. This includes the date, time, and location. If you self-solemnized, you fill this out yourselves. Sign the certificate and return it to Archuleta County within 63 days. You can mail it or drop it off in person.

The clerk office will record your certificate in the county system. Once recorded, your marriage is official and on file with the state. You can order certified copies at any time. Most people get copies right away for legal matters like name changes or adding a spouse to insurance.

If you lose your certificate before recording it, contact Archuleta County. They may be able to issue a replacement, or you may need to apply for a new license. Do not wait too long or your 63-day deadline will pass.

Absentee Applications and Proxy Marriages

If one person cannot come to the appointment in Archuleta County, that person may complete an absentee affidavit. This is a notarized form that allows the other person to apply alone. The absent person must have a valid reason, such as military deployment or work overseas.

Colorado allows proxy marriages in limited situations under C.R.S. 14-2-109. One party must be a Colorado resident. The other party must be in the armed forces stationed abroad or working as a government contractor supporting military operations. Both people must be 18 or older. Self-solemnization is not allowed for proxy marriages. You must have an authorized officiant perform the ceremony.

Destination Weddings in Archuleta County

Archuleta County is a popular choice for destination weddings. Pagosa Springs offers natural hot springs, mountain views, and outdoor venues. Many couples choose Colorado for weddings because of the self-solemnization option. You can have a private ceremony anywhere you like without needing an officiant.

You do not need to be a Colorado resident to get a license here. Couples from other states and countries are welcome. Just make sure both people can appear in person at the Archuleta County clerk office with valid ID. Plan to get your license within a few days of your ceremony so it does not expire.

Other Important Information

Colorado does not require blood tests for marriage. There is no waiting period after you get your license. You can use it immediately. Plan your ceremony within 35 days so your license stays valid.

Clergy do not need to register in Colorado. They just need to be ordained by a recognized denomination or religious organization. Out-of-state clergy can perform marriages in Archuleta County as long as they are ordained.

Common law marriage is recognized in Colorado. If you and your partner have lived together and presented yourselves as married, you may have a common law marriage even without a license. There is no such thing as a common law marriage license, but you can apply for a regular license and self-solemnize if you want an official record.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Archuleta County. You can apply for a marriage license in any Colorado county.