What is self solemnization in Colorado?

Self solemnization in Colorado is when a couple can legally marry themselves without an officiant nor a witness to be present to sign their marriage certificate.

An interesting fact about Colorado is that you can have your pet sign your marriage certificate if you want! You can put ink on your dog’s paw or cat’s paw to sign. How cool is that? If you are like me that love their fur babies then I think this would be absolutely perfect to have them involved in your elopement day.

How to get your marriage license in Colorado?

It is fairly easy to get your marriage license in Colorado. Here is a step by step guide:

  1. Go to a county clerk and recorder’s office
  2. You will both need to bring your driver’s licenses or passports or birth certificates and social security numbers with you to apply for a marriage license. The fee is $30.00
  3. You will need to complete your marriage license within 35 days.
  4. Once you are married, you will need to file your marriage license back at the same county clerk and recorder’s office within 63 days of your elopement date. You will receive a late fee if you file it late.

Here is an example on how to fill out your marriage license for reference.

Due to COVID, there might be some counties that may want you to book an appointment, and/or be a Colorado resident (I can help you in this situation). I know of a few counties that are still welcoming walk ins and out of state residents.

Is self-solemnization legal?

Yes, it is! As long as your marriage license comes from a state and county where self-uniting ceremonies are legally binding. Please check the link below for those states in America.

Are there other self-solemnizing states in America?

Yes! Here is a list of self-uniting marriage states but they are a little bit more complicated than Colorado.

In the list are California, Washington DC, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

That is why I think Colorado is the best place to elope because there aren’t many hoops to jump through. It’s pretty easy!

How to plan your self-solemnize ceremony?

If you have decided to self-solemnize there are still so many options you can do to have your ideal ceremony!

You can have a long or short ceremony. It’s completely up to you! You can have a family member or friend act as an officiant. They can ready something that represents your relationship. You can pick the location you want while we explore the surrounding areas on your elopement. You can forgo the traditional vows and take a minute to write them on the spot or exchange meaningful letters. It is all about what you two want. Let your imagination go wild!

4 reasons why you should consider having a self-solemnized ceremony:

  1. You want to have an adventurous elopement. There aren’t many officiants who are willing to hike up a mountain with you, or go sky giving, or ride a snowmobile, or go on a jeep adventure, etc.
  2. You want to keep it just the two of you. If you are a couple that wants to have their wedding day with just the two of you! This is the perfect reason to self-solemnize.
  3. You want your family member or friend to conduct your ceremony. This is a special way to include a family member or friend in your elopement.
  4. You are not religious. So you can craft your ceremony the way you both want.

My husband and I had a self-uniting ceremony. We went with number 1 and 2. I wouldn’t change our ceremony for anything. It was magical and it was just us two.

If self-solemnizing in Colorado sounds like the perfect vision for you then send me a message! Let’s plan your dream elopement!

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