There are a few unique things about eloping in Colorado that you’ll want to know before moving forward with your plans. But, those details are the same things that make Colorado such a perfect place to elope! Keep reading and you’ll learn how to elope in Colorado, what self-solemnization means, and what you’ll need to do to legally get married. 

 

 

Colorado Elopements and Self Solemnization

You can marry yourselves in Colorado! Yep, you read that right. Self-solemnization is the ability to officiate your own wedding. Basically, it means the state does not require an officiant to preside over your elopement ceremony, and you can sign your own marriage certificate! Self-solemnization isn’t unique to only Colorado, but this state is one of those most familiar with the process, and it can help make your elopement planning easier.

• Self-solemnization is super easy and cuts down your elopement planning time and costs.
  • No one except you two is required to be present and your elopement can be more private.
  • You don’t need to worry about hiring another vendor (ie. an officiant).
    • Saving costs
    • Not worrying about having a stranger join both of you in marriage.
    • Signing your own marriage license.
    • Planning a ceremony without working around an officiant’s schedule.

 

Colorado’s self-solemnization allowance gives couples so much freedom to do their wedding their own way! But with this freedom comes very little direction during your ceremony. It’s just the both of you sharing your vows and exchanging rings. If you want some more help with how to organize this time, let me know!

 

 

How Many People Need to Be At A Colorado Elopement?

Most states require a minimum of five people for an elopement to be a legally binding marriage ceremony. Most states require the couple, an officiant, and two witnesses. 

 

In Colorado, you legally only need two people present at your elopement. I’d argue, you need three – the two getting married, plus a rad photographer ready to document the day! 

 

Of course, if you want to invite friends and family as guests, you’re more than welcome to! However, it’s nice that you don’t NEED anyone else to be there. If it’s your preference, we can plan an elopement day where no one except you and your partner is present.

• We can scout a location far out in the mountains where you’ll have privacy to share your vows, enjoy nature’s beauty, and spend time together without life’s typical distractions.
• I’ll step back, take photos, and help guide you if you’re new to the area. I like to think of Colorado as a “choose your own adventure” place to get married, and that level of freedom can be exciting!

 

 

 

Colorado Elopements: The Legal Stuff

To get legally married during a Colorado elopement, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license in person (both of you must go). If you are not able to apply in person, you can provide an Absentee Affidavit to the county you’re applying to and you’ll just need a copy of her/his valid I.D. and notarized signature. Click HERE for more information. 

What You’ll Need

• $30
• an I.D. (passport, driver’s license, military I.D.)
• your social security number. 

 

Questions You’ll Need to Answer

• The date that you are getting married
• Where you are marrying (license only valid in Colorado) 
• The exact date and location of your divorce or previous spouse’s death.
  • Both parties must be able to provide this information.
  • If you were previously in a civil union and are marrying someone else, you must provide the name of your partner in the civil union.
• Know your relationship if related by blood
• The city and state where parents of both parties were born

 

Important Facts

• There is no waiting period to get married in Colorado, so once you have your license you’re good to go!
  • However, I do recommend obtaining your papers at least a few days before your elopement – that’ll be one less thing to worry about!
• You’ll have 35 days to sign the license and become married.
• Then you have 63 days to return your license for processing.

 

Whether you want to get the paperwork processed before your elopement, or if you want to sign the certificate as part of your ceremony, the choice is entirely yours. To learn how to fill out your marriage license click HERE.

 

Unlike other places where there are waiting periods, officiant requirements, and witness requirements, Colorado is one of the most elopement friendly states in the country. 

 

 

 

*This blog post is to help guide you in your process but should not be used as legal advice. Please review all Colorado law requirements to understand how to legally get married.*