Officiating a wedding in Colorado
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: larimer.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Colorado sets no officiant registration, and it does not require an officiant at all: the two people may solemnize their own marriage. Judges and retired judges, magistrates, public and tribal officials whose powers include solemnization, and recognized clergy may also solemnize. The couple gets the license from a County Clerk and Recorder and must use it within 35 days of issuance. Witnesses are not required.
Who returns the license, and by when
Anyone may return the completed license, whether the couple, the officiant or a third party, to the County Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the ceremony. A late return draws a county-administered late amount. The 35-day license window and the 63-day return window are easy to swap, so confirm both with the issuing clerk.
Suggested return window: about 63 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an officiant in Colorado?
No. Colorado allows the two people to solemnize their own marriage, so the officiant question is genuinely optional there. Judges, certain officials and recognized clergy may also solemnize, and none of them registers with the state.
Where does the couple get the license in Colorado?
From a County Clerk and Recorder. It must be used within 35 days of issuance, and county clerks state that witnesses are not required.
Who returns the marriage license in Colorado, and by when?
Anyone can: the couple, the officiant or a third party, to the County Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the ceremony. A late return costs money, so confirm the date with the issuing clerk.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:larimer.gov.