Access San Juan County Marriage License
San Juan County issues marriage licenses at the Clerk and Recorder office in Silverton, serving one of Colorado's smallest and most remote mountain counties.
San Juan County Quick Facts
San Juan County Clerk Office
San Juan County has one of the smallest populations in Colorado. The entire county has fewer than 1,000 residents. Silverton is the county seat and the only town of any size. The Clerk and Recorder office is located in the historic courthouse. Both parties must show up in person to apply for a marriage license.
Call ahead before making the trip. The clerk office has limited hours and the town is remote. Silverton sits high in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation over 9,300 feet. In winter, the main highway can be difficult to reach. Make sure roads are clear before you travel.
Bring valid ID like a driver's license or passport. The clerk will give you an application to fill out. Pay the $30 fee. The license is issued immediately. Colorado has no waiting period. You can use it right away. It's valid for 35 days from the date of issue.
| Office | San Juan County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Location | Silverton, CO |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (call ahead to confirm) |
| Fee | $30.00 |
What You Need to Apply
The application asks for information required by C.R.S. 14-2-105. You provide your full name, date of birth, place of birth, current address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you don't have a Social Security Number, you sign an affidavit. The clerk has the form.
The form asks about your parents. List their full names and addresses if known. This is required by state law. If you were married before, provide details about when and where that marriage ended. Bring your divorce decree or death certificate if you have it. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period.
Self-Solemnization in the Mountains
Colorado allows couples to marry themselves without an officiant. This is called self-solemnization and is allowed under C.R.S. 14-2-109. Many couples in San Juan County choose this option for private alpine ceremonies.
When you get your license, tell the clerk you plan to self-solemnize. They will explain how to complete the certificate. On your wedding day, both of you sign in the officiant section. Write "The Parties to the Marriage" as the title. Then sign in the party signature sections. Witnesses are not required. After the ceremony, return the certificate to San Juan County within 63 days. Late returns may incur fees.
Age and Legal Requirements
You must be 18 or older to marry without restrictions. If you are 16 or 17, you need a court order. Parental consent is not enough. No one under 16 can marry in Colorado. There is no residency requirement. You don't need to live here to get a license.
Some marriages are prohibited under C.R.S. 14-2-110. You can't marry if you're already married. You can't marry close blood relatives. Marriage between first cousins is legal in Colorado.
Where the License Works
A marriage license from San Juan County is valid throughout Colorado. Get it in Silverton and marry anywhere in the state. The license does not work outside Colorado. Use it within 35 days. After your ceremony, return the signed certificate to the county where the ceremony took place.
Recording and Copies
Once your ceremony is done, the signed certificate must be filed for recording. This makes the marriage official. The clerk records it and enters it into the state system. Certified copies cost $1.25 each from the county. From the state, it's $17. Order several copies when you first record the marriage.
Finding an Officiant
If you want a traditional ceremony, judges from the 6th Judicial District can perform civil ceremonies. Religious officiants from any denomination can perform Colorado marriages. They don't need to register. Friends or family can become ordained online through services like the Universal Life Church. Colorado recognizes these ordinations.
Additional Resources
For questions about marriage licenses, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords. For legal advice, Colorado Legal Services offers free help. To change your name, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov and the Colorado DMV at dmv.colorado.gov.
Nearby County Options
If San Juan County is not convenient, consider these nearby clerk offices:
- Ouray County - Clerk office in Ouray
- La Plata County - Clerk office in Durango
- Hinsdale County - Clerk office in Lake City
- San Miguel County - Clerk office in Telluride