Hinsdale County Marriage License Search
Get your marriage license from Hinsdale County Clerk in Lake City, Colorado's smallest county by population.
License Facts
Hinsdale County Clerk
The Hinsdale County Clerk is in Lake City. This is the smallest population county in Colorado. The office serves a small number of year-round residents and many seasonal visitors who come for mountain weddings.
Both people must appear together. Bring valid ID and $30. Call ahead to confirm office hours, especially in winter when access can be limited.
| Office | Hinsdale County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake City, CO |
| Fee | $30.00 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday (call ahead to confirm) |
How to Apply
Visit the clerk office in Lake City with your partner. Both must be there. Bring photo ID. A driver license or passport works.
The clerk asks for names, birth dates, birth places, and social security numbers. Provide parents' information. If previously married, bring proof it ended.
Pay $30. Cash or check is standard. Ask about credit cards. The license is issued same day per C.R.S. 14-2-107. Valid for 35 days.
What to bring:
- Photo ID for both
- Social security number
- $30 payment
- Divorce decree if applicable
Requirements
Both must be 18 or older. Ages 16-17 need court approval per C.R.S. 14-2-108. No one under 16 can marry.
No residency required. Out-of-state couples welcome. No waiting period. No blood test.
Previous marriages must be ended. Colorado prohibits bigamy under C.R.S. 14-2-110.
Prohibited: parent-child, siblings, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew. First cousins can marry.
Getting Married
Colorado allows three types per C.R.S. 14-2-109. Religious with clergy. Civil with judge. Self-solemnization with no officiant.
Self-solemnization means you sign as both officiant and couple. No third party needed. Fill in date, time, place. Return within 63 days.
For civil ceremonies, contact a local judge. Religious ceremonies need clergy from a recognized denomination.
Witnesses optional. Any age if you want them.
Recording Your Marriage
Return certificate to Hinsdale County within 63 days. Officiant usually handles this. Self-solemnizers return it themselves.
Late fees: $20 plus $5 daily up to $50 max. Return on time to avoid fees.
Certified copies $1.25 each from county. For historical records, contact Colorado CDPHE at 303-692-2000 or cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords. State copies $17.
Mountain Wedding Tips
Hinsdale County sits high in the San Juan Mountains. Lake City is a small town with limited services. Plan ahead if you want a mountain wedding here.
Winter access can be challenging. Roads may close during storms. Summer and fall are popular for weddings. The self-solemnization option works well for remote mountain ceremonies.
Call the clerk office before you travel. Confirm they will be open. Ask about any seasonal restrictions.
Legal Help
Colorado Legal Services offers free help to low-income residents. Call 303-837-1313 or visit coloradolegalservices.org.
Colorado Bar Association lawyer referral: 303-860-1115.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Hinsdale County. You can get a license from any Colorado county. The license works statewide.