Colorado offers one of the more affordable marriage license fees at around $30, with no waiting period. However, the license is only valid for 35 days after issuance — one of the shortest validity windows in the country — putting pressure on couples to plan their ceremony quickly. If you're wondering "is online marriage legal?" — the answer is yes, and we'll explain exactly how below.
Colorado traditional marriage license requirements
* Fees and requirements are approximate and may vary by county. Verify with your local clerk's office.
Important to Know
Colorado has its own marriage laws and requirements. However, with VirtualMarriage.com, you can get legally married online from anywhere and have it recognized in all 50 states — including Colorado. Learn more about online marriage legal requirements.
Are online marriages legal in Colorado?
In Colorado, couples typically must go to a county clerk's office in person to apply for a marriage license. However, through VirtualMarriage.com, you can obtain a legal Utah marriage certificate that is recognized in all 50 states, including Colorado. Are virtual marriages legal? Yes — read our complete guide to understand why.
Traditional in-person wedding in Colorado
Getting married traditionally in Colorado requires both parties to appear in person at the county clerk's office, pay a $30 license fee. The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issuance.
Obtain a marriage license ($30)
Both parties must apply in person at the Colorado county clerk's office with valid ID and pay the required fee.
Find an officiant
Locate a registered officiant (religious official, judge, or justice of the peace) licensed to solemnize weddings in Colorado.
Plan your ceremony
Coordinate date, time, location, and vendors — keeping in mind the 35 days validity window on your Colorado marriage license.
Have your ceremony
Exchange vows and rings in front of your officiant and at least two witnesses.
Record your marriage license
Your officiant must return the signed license to the Colorado county clerk within the required timeframe.
How to get married online in Colorado
Using VirtualMarriage.com, couples can skip the $30 Colorado license fee entirely. Complete the entire process online from anywhere and get your legitimate U.S. marriage certificate in as little as 48 hours.
Sign up for VirtualMarriage.com
It's simple to get legally married online using VirtualMarriage. Technically, you'll be married through the courts in Utah state. This will be legally recognized in all 50 states — including Colorado. For a detailed explanation of virtual marriage legal status, see our comprehensive guide. Learn more about how virtual marriage works.
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Book your ceremony
Book your ceremony with a VirtualMarriage licensed officiant through our easy online portal. We're open 7 days a week, ~8am to 8pm PST.
Ceremony Options
- • Personal vows
- • Ring exchange
- • Religious prayer (optional)
- • English, Spanish, or French
What You'll Receive
- • Calendar invitation
- • Zoom link for ceremony
- • 2 witnesses (friends/family or provided)
Get your marriage license
Obtain your marriage license from the Utah courts with our step-by-step guide and premium customer support.
Requirements
- • Valid ID for both partners
- • Both partners 18+ years old
- • No divorce in the last 60 days
Celebrate your marriage online!
Get hitched online from the comfort of your home (or anywhere with internet!). The ceremony takes about 15 minutes.
Your certificate: Digital copy sent immediately after the ceremony, printed copy mailed within a few business days.
International recognition
If you need your marriage recognized in a nation other than the United States, you may need an Apostille certification.
An apostille guarantees your marriage license is valid and recognized in all nations that ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. We can process and ship your Apostille for an additional fee.
Is your Utah marriage certificate valid in Colorado?
Colorado recognizes all marriages legally contracted in other states or jurisdictions under Colorado Revised Statute § 14-2-112. Your Utah marriage certificate is valid in Colorado for name changes at DMV, social security, property rights, and all spousal benefits.
Colorado's 35-day license validity window is among the shortest in the United States, creating acute time pressure after application. Couples must complete their ceremony within that window or start the process over and pay again. Colorado's outdoor wedding culture also means many couples plan ceremonies at remote mountain venues, often with unpredictable weather windows — a constraint that doesn't exist with an online ceremony.
Common questions from Colorado couples
We want to have a celebration in Colorado but get legally married online first. Is that allowed?
Absolutely. Many VirtualMarriage couples have a quick legal ceremony online and then hold a larger celebration or vow renewal at their preferred Colorado venue. Your legal marriage can happen on your schedule, separately from any celebration.
Does Colorado's 35-day validity issue affect online marriages through VirtualMarriage?
No. Colorado's 35-day window applies only to Colorado marriage licenses. A Utah license obtained through VirtualMarriage is valid for 30 days — plenty of time given our typical 24–72 hour turnaround.