Marriage Licenses
The Custer County Clerk & Recorder issues marriage licenses and civil union licenses in accordance with Colorado law.
Marriage License Information
A license to marry in Colorado may be obtained during regular business hours. The license is valid upon issue and must be used in Colorado within 35 days.
License Fee: $30.00
Requirements
Important requirements and guidelines for obtaining a marriage license in Custer County.
Age Requirements
- 18 and older: No parental consent is required
- 16 and 17: Judicial approval is required
- Younger than 16: Consent as listed above AND judicial approval (court order) are required. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Identification Requirements
Both parties must furnish valid ID. Listed are valid forms of ID:
- Passports
- Driver's license
- Birth Certificate
Blood Test Requirements
As of July 1, 1989, blood tests are NOT required for either party in the State of Colorado.
Social Security Numbers
Social Security Numbers ARE required on marriage license applications (C.R.S. § 14-14-113).
If a party does not have a Social Security Number, the Affidavit Concerning Social Security Number must be completed and submitted at time of application for a marriage license. It may be signed and notarized in advance or signed in front of the County Clerk or Deputy County Clerk at the time of application.
Prohibited Marriages & Civil Unions
Marriages and civil unions that are prohibited under Colorado law.
Prohibited Relationships
- One of the parties is still married to another person - all divorces must be final.
- Marriage between the following is prohibited regardless of whether the relationship is by half or whole blood:
- Ancestor and descendant
- Brother and sister
- Uncle and niece
- Aunt and nephew
- Marriage between cousins IS PERMITTED in Colorado.
- Civil union licenses are issued to male/female couples or couples of the same sex
- Marriage license applications issued by another state are NOT valid for solemnization in Colorado
Application Process
How to apply for a marriage license in Custer County:
Witness Requirements
Witnesses are NOT required in Colorado. Some clergy, judges, or public officials may request them.
Application Requirements
- Both parties must complete and sign the marriage application form
- At least ONE of the parties must apply IN PERSON
- If one of the parties cannot appear in person, he/she MUST complete an Absentee Affidavit with a notarized signature and provide a copy of valid identification showing proof of age of the absent party
- If either party has been divorced, he/she must recite the date the divorce was finalized, city and state divorce took place, and the type of court. A divorce decree is not required at the time of completing the marriage application
- A couple already married, who wish to renew their marriage vows may obtain a license by stating that they are married to each other
- Applicants for a marriage license need not be Colorado residents
Ceremonies & Certificates
Information about marriage ceremonies and certificate completion.
Who Can Perform Ceremonies
Couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage (C.R.S. § 14-2-109). Marriages can also be solemnized by:
- Judges
- Retired judges
- Magistrates
- Public officials authorized to perform marriages
- In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by a religious denomination or Indian Tribe or Nation
Important: Not anyone can solemnize a marriage. Although the couple may solemnize their own marriage, that does not mean a friend or relative, who is not otherwise authorized to perform marriages can solemnize their marriage. Clergy from out-of-state need NOT be registered in Colorado.
Marriage Certificates
The person solemnizing the marriage shall complete the marriage certificate form and forward it to the Clerk & Recorder's Office within sixty days (60) after solemnizing the marriage.
IMPORTANT: Any person who fails to forward the marriage certificate to the Clerk & Recorder's Office shall be required to pay a $20.00 LATE FEE AND AN ADDITIONAL $5.00 LATE FEE may be assessed for each additional day of failure up to a maximum of $50.00.
Return Completed License To:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252
The marriage certificate must include:
- The county and location where the marriage took place
- The date of the marriage
- The officiating party's signature and title
- The bride and groom's signatures
Contact the Clerk
Phone:
719-783-2441
719-783-0441
Fax:
719-783-2885
Email:
custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Office Location:
Custer County Courthouse
205 S. 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Quick Information
License Fee: $30.00
Valid For: 35 days
Valid In: Colorado only
Blood Test: Not required
Return Certificate To:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Must be returned within 60 days of ceremony.
Key Requirements
Valid ID required
Social Security Numbers
At least one party in person
$30 fee
Valid 35 days