How to Get Ordained and Legally Officiate a Wedding in Colorado

Why Choose Colorado for Your Wedding Ceremony?

Colorado offers a unique blend of natural beauty and flexible marriage laws, making it a top destination for couples looking to tie the knot. Whether you're envisioning a ceremony amid the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, in a charming rustic barn, or within a chic urban venue, the state’s diverse landscapes provide endless options. Another major draw? Colorado’s inclusive and straightforward approach to wedding officiants. Unlike many states, Colorado allows couples to choose practically anyone—from a close friend or family member to a religious leader—to officiate their special day. This level of flexibility ensures that your ceremony can be as personalized and meaningful as you’ve always imagined.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Colorado?

In Colorado, anyone can officiate a wedding ceremony, provided they meet specific criteria. This inclusive approach ensures that couples have the freedom to choose who they want to solemnize their union, including friends, family members, or religious leaders. Colorado law recognizes a variety of individuals who can officiate weddings, such as:

• Judges or retired judges
• Court magistrates
• Public officials with solemnization powers
• Religious leaders
• Friends and Family (including those ordained online by organizations like The Provenance Center)
• The couple themselves, if they choose to solemnize their own marriage

How to Become an Officiant in Colorado

If you're looking to officiate a wedding in Colorado, the process is straightforward:

1. Meet the Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Get Ordained: Online ordination through The Provenance Center is recognized in Colorado. No prior religious affiliation or training is necessary.
3. No Residency Requirement: You do not need to be a resident of Colorado to officiate a wedding in the state.

Once ordained, you are legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in Colorado. Keep a copy of your ordination credentials, as some counties might request them for verification.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Colorado

Officiating a wedding in Colorado involves a few key steps to ensure the ceremony is legally binding:

1. Prepare for the Ceremony: Work with the couple to understand their preferences and script the ceremony. Provenance.co offers a fantastic platform to craft personalized ceremony scripts, ensuring the event is meaningful and memorable.
2. Conduct the Ceremony: The couple must express their consent, and you must make a pronouncement declaring them married. While Colorado does not mandate witnesses, having them can add a special touch to the occasion.
3. Complete the Marriage License: After the ceremony, fill out the marriage license accurately. Include your title ("Minister") and the ordaining body (e.g., The Provenance Center), along with your home address as the church address.
4. Return the Marriage License: Submit the completed and signed license to the county clerk and recorder within 65 days to avoid late fees.

How to Fill Out a Marriage License in Colorado

Filling out a marriage license correctly is crucial to ensuring the marriage is legally recognized. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the Ceremony Details: Enter the date and location of the wedding.
• Signatures: Ensure all required parties sign the document. This includes the couple and the officiant.
• Title and Ordaining Body: As the officiant, list your title (Minister) and the ordaining body (e.g., The Provenance Center).
• Submit Promptly: Forward the completed license to the county clerk and recorder within 65 days. Delays can incur additional fees, starting at $20 with an extra $5 for each day up to $50.

Getting Married in Colorado: Essential Details

Before tying the knot in Colorado, couples need to obtain a marriage license. Here’s a quick guide:

• Who Picks Up the License: Either member of the couple can pick up the license in person from any county clerk and recorder’s office in Colorado.
• Cost: The fee for a marriage license is $30.
• Identification: Bring a valid photo ID or birth certificate.
• Validity: The license is valid for 35 days from the issue date, and there is no mandatory waiting period.
• No Blood Test Required: Unlike some states, Colorado does not require a blood test or proof of divorce (if applicable).

General Tips for Officiating a Wedding

If you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding, congratulations! It’s an incredible honor and responsibility. Here are some general tips to help you prepare:

• Meet with the Couple: Take time to understand their vision for the ceremony. Discuss their preferred tone, any traditions they’d like to include, and specific vows or readings they’ve chosen.
• Write a Meaningful Ceremony Script: Craft a script that reflects the couple’s personality and story. For inspiration and structure, visit Provenance.co, a platform that helps you create personalized, professional-quality scripts.
• Practice the Ceremony: Rehearse your lines and the ceremony flow to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day.
• Stay Out of the Way for the First Kiss: When the time comes for the couple’s first kiss, step to the side or back to allow photographers to capture the moment without obstruction.
• Maintain a Calm Presence: Be a source of calm and reassurance for the couple. Your confidence and preparedness will set the tone for the ceremony.

‍

FAQs about Officiating a Wedding in Colorado

1. Can a friend or family member officiate our wedding in Colorado? Yes, as long as they are at least 18 years old and ordained, even through an online organization like The Provenance Center.
2. Is it necessary to have witnesses at our wedding in Colorado? No, Colorado does not require witnesses for a marriage to be legally binding.
3. Can we officiate our own wedding in Colorado? Yes, self-solemnization is permitted, allowing couples to marry without an officiant.
4. What documents do I need to officiate a wedding in Colorado? No specific documents are required to be submitted before the ceremony, but keeping your ordination credentials handy is recommended.
5. How do I become ordained to officiate weddings in Colorado? You can get ordained online through organizations like The Provenance Center, which is recognized in Colorado.
6. How soon before the wedding should we apply for a marriage license? You can apply for a marriage license up to 35 days before the wedding. There is no waiting period, so you can use it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Officiating a wedding is both a privilege and a responsibility. By taking the proper steps to get ordained, preparing thoroughly, and adhering to Colorado's legal requirements, you can help create a memorable and legally sound ceremony. To learn more about becoming an officiant, check out the Guide to Becoming a Wedding Officiant. For state-specific ordination details, visit Which States Allow Officiants Ordained Online.

‍

Please Note: State and county marriage certificate requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, and we would always advise that you contact the office of your local marriage authority or a licensed attorney to address any specific questions or concerns you may have. While Provenance will aim to update this information as relevant and as able, you should reach out to the local county clerk for the most up to date information.