What is Self-Solemnization in Colorado?
Colorado is a self-solemnization state, which is important information to know if you’re thinking of getting married here. But what does self-solemnization in Colorado mean and how does it affect your wedding plans? With my years of wedding and elopement photography in Colorado, I thought I’d put together this little resource to answer these questions and more!
What Does Self-Solemnization Mean?
Self-solemnization means that you can get legally married without needing an officiant or witnesses. (Solemnization is a fancy word for honoring or observing an occasion.) So if you’re wondering: can you marry yourself in Colorado? The answer is yes! Well—to clarify—that doesn’t mean you can get married to yourself, but that you and your spouse can choose to tie the knot completely in private if that’s what you want.
Why Opt for Self-Solemnization in Colorado
The thing about Colorado self-solemnization is that it’s an option, not a requirement. So if you are hoping to have a spiritual leader or loved one preside over your wedding ceremony, go for it! But if you’re open to other options, here are some reasons you may want to consider self-solemnization:
- You Can Get Married in Private. As wonderful as it is to profess your never-ending love to each other in front of an audience, you may prefer a little more privacy for this special moment. In a self-solemnization state like Colorado, you can officially get married with just the two of you there.
- You Can Have a Non-Certified Officiant. Even though you don’t need one, you may still want an officiant at your wedding! And because of the self-solemnization law, you don’t have to worry about finding an ordained minister or asking a friend or family member to get certified before they conduct the ceremony.
- You Can Tie the Knot Anywhere. If you’re an adventurous couple, you can take advantage of Colorado’s self-solemnization law to get married just about anywhere. How about the top of a mountain? A hike to an alpine lake? While carving fresh powder? The possibilities are endless…
- You Can Save Some $$$. If you’re on a tight budget, choosing self-solemnization in Colorado is a great way to cut some costs. Hiring a legal officiant for the ceremony can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so opting for self-solemnization instead means one less wedding expense.
What You Need for Self-Solemnization in Colorado
In order to self-solemnize in Colorado, all you have to do is get a marriage license. For that, you’ll need your IDs. Some courthouses or county clerks offices where you pick up marriage licenses also require appointments, so check ahead of time.
Exchange vows however you’d like, just make sure you sign the marriage license within 35 days and give it or send it back within 63 days. (Any Colorado marriage license needs to be filed in Colorado, regardless of where you live.) You may also be able to bring a marriage license from your home state to Colorado, although that will depend on your state’s laws.
Once you have a marriage license taken care of, the rest is up to you! You’ll need whatever clothes you want to wear for the ceremony, vows to exchange, your favorite people (and pets) in attendance, and a wedding photographer to capture each precious moment.
Self-Solemnization Ceremony Ideas
Still not sure how to go about self-solemnizing in Colorado? Here are some creative ideas for your ceremony, whether you’re planning on a large-scale wedding or an intimate elopement (or anything in between!).
- Have Your Dog Be Your Witness! Colorado is a dog-friendly state if there ever was one, and what better way to involve your pup in this special day than to use them as your witness? Your dog can even “sign” the marriage license, marking the official document with a paw print.
- Invite a Friend to Officiate. Do you two share a friend who has been with you through life’s ups and downs? Someone who has always supported your relationship? Consider asking them to officiate! You can request a traditional ceremony or something totally unique and tailored to the two of you.
- Elope in Private Then Celebrate With Friends. Maybe you want the moment you get married to be a private one shared between just the two of you. With self-solemnization, that’s totally doable! You can hike to a mountain peak at sunrise to exchange vows, rent a boat and get married on one of Colorado’s beautiful lakes or reservoirs, or even sign the papers casually over coffee in your home or Airbnb. If you want to celebrate later with friends, go for it! There are lots of great restaurants and wedding venues in Colorado where you can throw a big party to honor your love.
- Have a Courthouse Wedding. Maybe you are looking for a traditional courthouse elopement, in which case you can choose from one of Colorado’s beautiful courthouses to tie the knot, like the Byron White courthouse in Denver.
Colorado Self-Solemnization FAQs
Just in case you still don’t understand what self-solemnization in Colorado means for you, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Does it matter where you do self-solemnization in Colorado?
The great thing is that you can get married just about anywhere! Keep in mind that some places (like national or state parks) may require a permit for a ceremony or celebration, so research the location beforehand to make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Other than that, you can self-solemnize at an enormous wedding venue, in your apartment, and pretty much anywhere in between!
Do you have to be a Colorado resident to get married in Colorado?
Nope! You can come to Colorado from anywhere to get married and take advantage of self-solemnization while you’re there.
Is your Colorado self-solemnization wedding recognized in all states?
Yes. As long as you get married in Colorado and follow all the guidelines for the marriage license (meaning you submit it in time), then your marriage is legal throughout the US.
Are all states self-solemnization states?
Self-solemnization is actually pretty rare in the US—Colorado is one of just eight states (plus the District of Columbia) that allow you to marry yourselves. Many of the other states allow self-solemnization with some caveats, but Colorado’s law is much more lenient!
Do we need a different kind of marriage license to self-solemnize?
No, the marriage license is exactly the same for an elopement or self-solemnization as it would be for a wedding—there’s nothing special you have to do.
Don’t Forget the Photos!
However you choose to self-solemnize in Colorado, you’ll want to remember it for the rest of your lives. Which is why it’s important to have an elopement photographer along for the ride. I can join you for a hike, walk in the woods, visit to a local park—wherever it is you want to do the thing! If you’re hoping for a unique location, a celebration with friends, or a full wedding, I’m also happy to chat through your options, giving you tips for my favorite locations, vendors, and venues to help make planning the perfect day even easier.
Navigate to my contact page to learn more!