How to Have a Denver Courthouse Wedding in 2027

Okayyy, so you wanna get married at the Denver courthouse in 2027!!! <3

First of all, I’m so obsessed. Courthouse weddings are cute, unique, and WAY less stressful than planning a giant traditional wedding with a ton of guests, spreadsheets, and a seating chart.

You can wear the full wedding dress, carry a huge bouquet, invite your favorite people, take photos all over downtown Denver, and celebrate with dinner and champagne afterward.

Or you can literally just put on something cute, sign the paperwork, kiss your lover, and be legally married before lunch. Like??? Tell me that’s not adorable.

A courthouse wedding can be as simple or as extra as you want it to be. You can have a quick civil ceremony, plan a full downtown elopement, or use the legal ceremony as the beginning of an entire wedding day.

This guide covers everything you’ll need to know about getting married at the Denver courthouse in 2027, including marriage licenses, courthouse ceremonies, Colorado self solemnization, guests, costs, timelines, and photo locations.

One quick but very important note before we get into it: this guide was researched in August 2026 for couples planning weddings in 2027. Marriage license fees, appointment systems, courthouse locations, and judicial availability can change, so double check the official Denver Clerk and Recorder and Denver County Court websites before your date. <3

Government websites love changing things the second we finally understand them lmfaoo.

How Do You Get Married at the Denver Courthouse?

Here’s the basic process:

1. Decide whether you want a judge, your own officiant, or a self solemnized ceremony.
2. Complete the Denver marriage license application.
3. Schedule an appointment with the Denver Clerk and Recorder.
4. Receive your Colorado marriage license.
5. Contact a Denver County Court judge or magistrate if you want a judicial ceremony.
6. Confirm your ceremony date, time, building, guest rules, and photography rules.
7. Bring your marriage license with you.
8. Complete and sign the marriage certificate.
9. Return the completed certificate to the county that issued it.

That’s the quick answer. Now let’s get into all the tiny details because apparently getting married sadly involves slightly more than showing up and saying, “Yes, that one. I pick them.”

What’s a Denver Courthouse Wedding?

When someone says they’re having a courthouse wedding in Denver, they could mean a few different things.

They might be having a judge or magistrate perform a short civil ceremony. They might be picking up their marriage license and self solemnizing nearby. They could also be completing the legal part of their marriage before having a larger wedding or reception later.

Some couples also use the courthouse as the starting point for a full downtown elopement with flowers, personal vows, family photos, and dinner afterward.

The Denver Clerk and Recorder issues marriage licenses, while Denver County Court coordinates ceremonies performed by participating judges and magistrates.

Those are two separate steps.

Getting your marriage license doesn’t automatically reserve a ceremony. You’ll still need to coordinate with a judge or magistrate if you’d like one of them to marry you.

I know. Paperwork and scheduling. Extremely romantic!!!

Step One: Choose How You Want to Get Married

Before applying for your Colorado marriage license, decide who’ll perform your ceremony.

You’ve got three main options.

Have a Judge or Magistrate Perform the Ceremony

This is probably what most people picture when they think about getting married at a courthouse.

Denver County Court has participating judges and magistrates who perform marriage and civil union ceremonies. You’ll need to contact one of the listed judicial officers directly to ask about their availability.

As of August 2026, weekday ceremonies are generally available Monday through Friday around lunchtime. Some judicial officers may also offer evening or weekend appointments.

That schedule could change before 2027, so always check the current Denver County Court wedding information before planning your date.

When you reach out, ask:

• Are you available on our wedding date?
• What ceremony times do you offer?
• Where will the ceremony take place?
• How many guests can attend?
• Can our photographer photograph the ceremony?
• Can we exchange personal vows?
• How early should we arrive?
• Will we need to pass through security?
• Is there a ceremony fee?
• What forms of payment do you accept?

Don’t automatically assume your ceremony will happen inside the giant white Denver City and County Building you’ve seen in courthouse wedding photos.

Denver County Court operates in multiple downtown buildings, and your ceremony location will depend on the person performing it.

Confirm the complete building name and street address before sending the information to your guests.

You do NOT wanna be standing in one courthouse in full wedding clothes while your mom is frantically calling from another building. That’d be a little awk.

Self Solemnize Your Marriage

Okay, this is one of the coolest things about getting married in Colorado.

Colorado allows couples to solemnize their own marriage. That means you and your partner can legally marry each other without a judge, officiant, or witnesses.

Yes, seriously!!!

You can still exchange vows, wear wedding clothes, invite guests, carry flowers, exchange rings, have a first kiss, and plan a complete ceremony.

You’re just the ones making it official.

Self solemnization is perfect for couples who love the simplicity of a courthouse wedding but don’t wanna plan the entire day around a judge’s schedule.

You could pick up your marriage license, meet outside the Denver City and County Building, take photos on the steps, walk over to Civic Center Park, exchange your vows, sign the certificate, and go celebrate.

Easy. Personal. Extremely cute.

Bring Your Own Officiant

You can also have your ceremony performed by your own eligible officiant.

Colorado recognizes several types of officiants, including judges, magistrates, qualifying public officials, religious officials, tribal officials, and ordained friends or family members.

Bringing your own officiant gives you more control over the location, wording, length, and timing of the ceremony.

Maybe your best friend gets ordained. Maybe you hire a professional officiant. Maybe a family member leads something short and sweet outside.

You’ve got options!

Step Two: Apply for Your Denver Marriage License

You’ll need a valid Colorado marriage license before you can legally get married.

The Denver Clerk and Recorder currently asks couples to complete the online marriage application before scheduling an appointment. Denver offers both in person and virtual marriage license services, although the exact process may change before 2027.

Marriage license appointments can book quickly. If everything looks full when you check, don’t immediately panic. New appointment times and cancellations may become available.

The Denver Clerk and Recorder is currently located at:

200 West 14th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80204

Remember that your marriage license appointment and your courthouse wedding ceremony are not the same appointment.

The Clerk and Recorder gives you the legal paperwork. Your ceremony is scheduled separately.

What Do You Need for a Denver Marriage License?

Both partners should be prepared to provide valid identification.

Accepted identification currently includes options such as:

• A state issued driver’s license
• A state issued identification card
• A military identification card
• An eligible passport
• A passport with a certified English translation when necessary

You’ll also be asked for information including:

• Your planned marriage date
• Where in Colorado you plan to marry
• Your Social Security number, when applicable
• The cities and states where your parents were born
• Information about previous marriages or civil unions
• Divorce information, when applicable
• Information about a former spouse’s death, when applicable

The names on your marriage license will appear as they’re written on the identification you provide.

Pls check everything before leaving your appointment.

Check the names. Check the spelling. Check the dates. Check it all again.

Finding a typo after your wedding would be deeply annoying, and we’re trying to keep this experience cute.

How Much Does a Denver Marriage License Cost?

As of August 2026, a Denver marriage license costs $30.

Credit and debit card payments may include an additional service fee. The price could change before your 2027 wedding, so check the current fee before your appointment.

Compared to basically every other wedding expense, $30 feels almost suspiciously reasonable.

Finally, one part of planning a wedding that isn’t personally attacking your bank account!!!

Can You Get a Denver Marriage License Online?

Denver currently offers virtual marriage license appointments.

For a virtual appointment, both partners must be physically located in Colorado, together in the same room, and visible on the same screen.

The marriage license is then mailed to a Colorado address.

This can be super convenient, but you’ll need to leave enough time for the license to arrive before your ceremony.

Please don’t schedule your virtual appointment two days before your wedding and just hope the mail decides to enter its efficient era.

We don’t need that kind of stress.

Can You Get Married in Denver if You Don’t Live in Colorado?

Yes!

You don’t have to be a Colorado resident to receive a Colorado marriage license or get married in Denver, but your ceremony does need to take place within Colorado.

This makes a courthouse elopement a really cute option for couples traveling from another state.

You could fly into Denver, get your marriage license, have your ceremony downtown, take photos around the city, and turn the rest of the trip into a tiny Colorado honeymoon.

Just leave enough time for appointments, transportation, and any unexpected schedule changes.

Is There a Waiting Period in Colorado?

Colorado doesn’t currently have a waiting period for marriage licenses.

Your license is valid as soon as it’s issued, which means you could legally get married on the same day. Colorado also doesn’t require a blood test.

However, receiving your license that day doesn’t guarantee that a judge or magistrate will be available for a same day ceremony so you’ll still need to coordinate the ceremony separately.

Self solemnization gives you more flexibility because you won’t need to wait for an officiant once you have the license though.

Could you possibly get your license and marry yourselves that afternoon? Yes.

Would I still plan ahead instead of refreshing appointment pages while putting on mascara? Also yes lol.

How Long Is a Colorado Marriage License Valid?

Your marriage license must be signed in Colorado within 35 days of the date it’s issued.

The completed marriage certificate must then be returned for recording within 63 days after the marriage.

Put the return deadline in your phone.

Put it in your partner’s phone.

Add it to the shared calendar. Tell your most responsible friend. Tape a note to the refrigerator.

Do whatever you’ve gotta do because leaving the certificate underneath a pile of wedding cards for four months isn’t the cute newlywed activity we’re going for.

Step Three: Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony

Getting your marriage license doesn’t reserve a courthouse ceremony.

To have a Denver County Court judge or magistrate perform your wedding, you’ll need to contact a participating judicial officer directly.

Your email can be super simple:

Subject: Wedding Ceremony Request

Hi Judge or Magistrate Name!

My partner and I are planning to get married on Wedding Date, and we’d love to know whether you’re available to perform our ceremony.

We’re hoping to have approximately (Number of Guests) guests and a photographer present. Could you please let us know your available times, ceremony location, guest rules, photography rules, and any required fees?

Thank you so much!

(Your Names)

Contact more than one judicial officer if your first choice isn’t available! Fridays, meaningful dates, and popular wedding months may be harder to schedule.

The list of participating officers can change, so don’t rely on an old screenshot or blog post when you’re ready to book.

Where Does the Ceremony Actually Take Place?

This part can get a little confusing.

The phrase “Denver courthouse” can refer to multiple court and government buildings around downtown. The large white building you’ll usually see in courthouse wedding photos is the Denver City and County Building at 1437 Bannock Street.

Your actual ceremony may happen in another building.

The judge or magistrate you contact should confirm:

• The exact ceremony building
• The courtroom or meeting location
• Security instructions
• Guest limitations
• Photography restrictions
• Whether an outdoor ceremony is possible

Even if the legal ceremony takes place elsewhere, you may still be able to take portraits outside the City and County Building afterward.

Just remember that access can be affected by construction, events, government operations, and temporary closures.

Can You Get Married Outside the Courthouse?

Possibly!

Some couples exchange vows outside or take photos on the courthouse steps. Whether a judicial officer can perform the ceremony outdoors will depend on their schedule, preferences, building policies, and the weather.

I always say to before making plans.

If an outdoor judicial ceremony isn’t available, you could still self solemnize outside or bring your own officiant to an appropriate public or private space.

Keep in mind that public spaces may have other visitors, construction, events, or permit requirements.

Main character moment, yes. Private venue rental, unfortunately no.

Step Four: Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline

The actual ceremony may only last a few minutes, but your wedding day doesn’t have to feel rushed.

You can turn a short legal ceremony into a full day with getting ready photos, a first look, private vows, family portraits, downtown photos, cake, dinner, and champagne.

Here’s an example timeline:

10:00 a.m.

Get ready together or separately at home or in a downtown Denver hotel.

11:00 a.m.

Have a first look and take a few portraits nearby.

11:30 a.m.

Travel to the confirmed ceremony location.

11:45 a.m.

Park, meet your guests, and go through security.

12:15 p.m.

Get married!!!

12:30 p.m.

Take immediate family and group photos outside.

1:00 p.m.

Walk around the City and County Building, Civic Center Park, and nearby streets for couple portraits.

2:00 p.m.

Meet everyone for lunch, cocktails, cake, or a small reception.

Your exact schedule will depend on your ceremony location, judicial officer, traffic, parking, guest count, weather, and photography plans.

Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

Downtown parking, courthouse security, and relatives who were “pretty sure it was the other building” can all slow things down.

You don’t wanna spend the hour before your wedding speed walking down Bannock Street while texting your entire family in all caps.

Not sure how much photography coverage your day actually needs? Reach out with your ceremony time and what you’re picturing. I’ll help you build a timeline that covers the important moments without making the whole day feel like one giant photoshoot.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony unless your judge or magistrate gives you different instructions.

You may need time to:

• Find parking
• Walk to the building
• Meet your photographer
• Gather your guests
• Pass through security
• Find the correct courtroom
• Fix your outfit
• Use the restroom
• Take a breath

Courthouses are working government buildings. You may be sharing entrances, elevators, and security lines with employees and members of the public.

Arriving early gives you room to enjoy the moment instead of walking into the ceremony already stressed.

Can You Invite Guests?

Usually, but the exact number will depend on the judicial officer, ceremony space, courthouse building, and security rules.

Ask about the guest limit before inviting everybody.

Some rooms may only have enough space for your immediate family or a few close friends. If that happens, you can have the rest of your guests meet you outside for photos and the celebration afterward.

Colorado doesn’t require witnesses for a valid marriage, so you don’t need to invite someone just to sign the paperwork.

Invite people because you want them there, not because the state requires it.

Can Your Dog Be a Witness?

Okay, I know this question is coming.

Colorado doesn’t require legal witnesses, so your dog can absolutely attend an outdoor ceremony when the location allows pets.

Your dog can wear a bow tie. Your dog can carry the rings. Your dog can emotionally support the entire event.

However, the Denver Clerk and Recorder doesn’t allow paw prints on the marriage license.

Devastating news for all the hardworking little guys who thought they were finally being promoted to official witness.

Where Should You Take Courthouse Wedding Photos?

The ceremony might be quick, but your photos can document the entire story of the day.

That includes getting ready, walking into the courthouse, waiting for your ceremony, signing the certificate, hugging your family, and realizing you’re actually married now.

You don’t have to spend the entire afternoon standing formally on courthouse steps.

The best galleries usually combine classic architecture with movement, city streets, family reactions, and little moments that happen when nobody’s being told where to put their hands.

Denver City and County Building

The Denver City and County Building is the classic courthouse photo location.

Its large white columns, wide steps, gardens, and downtown surroundings create the formal look most couples are picturing.

Even when your legal ceremony happens somewhere else, you may still be able to use the exterior for portraits.

Just check for closures, events, construction, and access restrictions before building your entire photo plan around it.

Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park is directly across from the City and County Building, so it’s an easy addition to your photo route.

It gives you trees, open space, city views, and more room to move around.

It can also work for private vows or a self solemnization ceremony when the space is open and appropriate for your group.

The Denver Art Museum Area

The area around the Denver Art Museum gives you modern buildings, interesting shapes, and a more editorial look.

It’s perfect when you want some classic courthouse portraits without making every photo feel traditional.

Downtown Denver

The surrounding streets offer crosswalks, parking garages, storefronts, hotel lobbies, coffee shops, and tiny pockets of really good light.

Your wedding photos don’t have to be one long formal portrait session.

Go get fries. Order cocktails. Walk around downtown. Call your family. Sit down for five minutes because your shoes were cute but deeply unrealistic.

Those are the moments that’ll make your gallery feel like your wedding instead of a very stylish government appointment.

Already picturing yourselves running around downtown in wedding clothes? Send me your date and ceremony details. I’ll help you plan a photo route that fits your schedule, gives you plenty of variety, and doesn’t involve driving across the entire city.

What Should You Wear?

Literally whatever makes you feel good.

A courthouse wedding doesn’t automatically mean casual clothes.

You could wear:

• A full wedding gown
• A dramatic veil
• A short white dress
• A colorful dress
• A suit or tuxedo
• A jumpsuit
• A vintage outfit
• Matching jackets
• An outfit you already own
• Two completely different wedding looks

You’re allowed to show up in the giant dress.

You’re allowed to wear the veil through downtown.

You’re allowed to carry the bouquet that barely fits through the courthouse door.

You’re also allowed to wear something simple, comfortable, colorful, or completely nontraditional.

The goal isn’t to look like someone else’s idea of a courthouse bride or groom. You should look back at the photos and recognize yourselves.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Downtown Denver?

You can have a courthouse wedding during any season, but each part of the year comes with different planning considerations.

Spring

Spring can bring flowers, comfortable temperatures, wind, rain, or surprise snow.

Yes, possibly all in the same afternoon. Colorado likes to keep things interesting.

Bring an umbrella and have an indoor backup plan for photos.

Summer

Summer gives you longer daylight, green landscaping, and more flexibility for outdoor portraits.

Midday sunlight can be strong, though. Since many weekday ceremonies happen around lunchtime, plan shaded locations or save your longer portrait session for later in the afternoon.

Fall

Fall can bring comfortable temperatures and beautiful colors, especially during September and early October.

Popular dates may book quickly, so contact judicial officers and photographers early.

Winter

Winter weddings can feel extremely cute, especially around the holidays.

You’ll need warm layers, weather appropriate shoes, and extra travel time if snow is expected.

Wear the dramatic coat. Bring hand warmers. Walk between locations in boots and change into the cute shoes for photos.

We’ll make it work.

How Can You Make a Courthouse Wedding Feel Special?

The paperwork makes your marriage legal. The personal details make the day feel like yours.

You could:

• Get ready in a downtown hotel
• Exchange handwritten letters
• Have a first look
• Write personal vows
• Carry flowers
• Invite a few close friends
• Wear a veil
• Bring a small wedding cake
• Make a playlist for the drive
• Book a private dinner
• Stay in a hotel that night
• Plan a larger reception later
• Call your family after the ceremony
• Get matching tattoos
• Order late night food
• Visit the place where you had your first date
• Bring a disposable camera
• Pop champagne outside
• Exchange gifts before the ceremony

You don’t need a ballroom, a huge guest list, or an entire wedding weekend to create a day you’ll remember.

You just need a plan that feels unique to the two of you.

How Much Does a Denver Courthouse Wedding Cost?

The legal portion can be relatively inexpensive, but your total budget will depend on how you choose to celebrate.

Here’s a general example:

Marriage license: Currently $30

Judicial ceremony: Ask your judge or magistrate about current fees

Wedding outfits: $0 to $2,000 or more

Flowers: $50 to $500

Hair and makeup: $200 to $700

Photography: Varies based on experience and coverage

Hotel: $200 to $600

Dinner or reception: $100 to $3,000 or more

Transportation and parking: $20 to $200

You could keep the whole day extremely simple or turn it into a full micro wedding with professional photography, flowers, dinner, and a hotel stay.

A courthouse wedding isn’t automatically free, but it gives you more control over where your money goes.

Instead of paying for a huge venue and dinner for 150 people, you can spend your budget on the parts you actually care about.

Do You Need a Photographer?

Technically, no.

But as a wedding photographer, I’m obviously gonna say it’s worth considering lol.

Courthouse weddings happen fast.

You might walk into the room, exchange a few words, sign the paperwork, kiss, and suddenly you’re married.

The ceremony can feel like it happened in approximately four seconds.

A photographer documents the moments you don’t get to fully notice while they’re happening:

• Your partner waiting for you
• Your hands shaking
• Your parents crying
• Your best friend fixing your outfit
• Your first kiss
• Everyone’s reaction when you walk outside
• Your first portraits as a married couple
• The moment you look at each other like, “Wait, we actually did it.”

You also don’t need eight or ten hours of photography coverage.

A few thoughtfully planned hours can tell the full story without turning your wedding into an all day photoshoot.

Courthouse Wedding Checklist for 2027

Here’s your little screenshot worthy checklist!!!

Before the Wedding

• Choose between a judge, officiant, or self solemnization
• Pick your wedding date
• Complete the marriage license application
• Schedule your marriage license appointment
• Contact a judge or magistrate, if needed
• Confirm the ceremony building and address
• Confirm the ceremony time
• Ask about guest limits
• Ask about photography rules
• Ask about judicial fees
• Hire your photographer
• Choose your outfits
• Order flowers
• Plan transportation and parking
• Reserve lunch or dinner
• Create a weather backup plan
• Check the current 2027 marriage license requirements

Bring With You

• Your marriage license
• Valid identification
• Confirmation emails
• Rings
• Written vows
• Flowers
• Payment for any ceremony fee
• Parking information
• Tissues
• Comfortable shoes
• Weather appropriate layers
• A safe folder for your paperwork

After the Wedding

• Check that the certificate is completed correctly
• Return it to the county that issued the license
• Submit it within the required timeframe
• Request certified copies when needed
• Complete any name change paperwork you’ve chosen to do
• Celebrate because omg you’re married!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a super specific paperwork question? Denver has an official marriage and civil union FAQ covering circumstances like absentee applications, proxy marriages, previous marriages, and other less common situations.

Can You Get Married at the Denver Courthouse?

Yes. Participating Denver County Court judges and magistrates perform marriage and civil union ceremonies. You’ll need to coordinate directly with a judicial officer to confirm the date, time, and location.

How Do You Schedule a Courthouse Wedding?

First, apply for a valid Colorado marriage license. Then contact a participating judge or magistrate directly to ask about ceremony availability. Receiving the license doesn’t automatically schedule the ceremony.

How Much Is a Denver Marriage License?

As of August 2026, the marriage license fee is $30. Credit and debit card payments may include a service fee. Check the current fee before your 2027 appointment.

Do You Need Witnesses in Colorado?

No. Colorado doesn’t require witnesses for a valid marriage.

Can You Marry Yourselves in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado allows self solemnization, which means the couple can legally solemnize and sign their own marriage certificate without an officiant or witnesses.

Can You Get Married the Same Day You Receive Your License?

Your Colorado marriage license is valid immediately because there’s no waiting period. A same day courthouse ceremony will still depend on the availability of a judge or magistrate.

Do You Have to Live in Colorado?

No. Colorado residency isn’t required, but the marriage ceremony must take place within Colorado.

How Long Is the Marriage License Valid?

The license must be signed in Colorado within 35 days of being issued. The completed certificate must be returned for recording within 63 days after the marriage.

Can You Bring Guests?

Possibly. Guest limits depend on the judicial officer, ceremony space, building policies, and security rules. Ask before inviting everyone.

Can You Take Photos During the Ceremony?

Photography rules may depend on the judge, magistrate, courtroom, and building. Let the judicial officer know that you’ll have a photographer and ask about any restrictions beforehand.

Are Weekend Ceremonies Available?

Some judicial officers may offer evening or weekend wedding ceremonies. Availability can change, so contact them directly.

Can Your Dog Sign the Marriage License?

No. Colorado doesn’t require witnesses, and paw prints aren’t permitted on Denver marriage licenses.

I’m sorry. I don’t make the rules.

Is a Courthouse Wedding Right for You?

This kind of wedding could be perfect if you want:

• A smaller guest list
• A simple legal ceremony
• A more affordable wedding
• Less stressful planning
• A downtown celebration
• A short civil ceremony
• A self solemnized wedding
• More flexibility with your budget
• Less tradition
• More time with your partner
• A day focused on the actual marriage

Small doesn’t mean unimportant.

Simple doesn’t mean boring.

And a short ceremony doesn’t mean you can’t dress up, take a million cute photos, cry during your vows, and celebrate like it’s the biggest day ever.

Because it is kind of a big deal!!!

You’re getting married!!!

Planning a Denver Courthouse Wedding in 2027?

A courthouse ceremony may be short, but there’s still so much to document.

It’s the nervous getting ready photos. The walk into the building. Your family tearing up in the hallway. The way you look at each other while signing the certificate. The first few minutes when you’re officially married and can’t stop smiling.

I help my couples plan timelines that leave room for all of that.

I’ll help you figure out when to arrive, where to take photos, how to keep family portraits moving, and how to turn a quick legal ceremony into a wedding day that actually feels exciting.

You can be nervous. You can be awkward. You can cry the second you see each other.

I’ve got you.

Planning a Denver courthouse wedding in 2027? Reach out to check your date and tell me what you’re picturing. Whether you want something tiny and relaxed or a full downtown adventure, we’ll build a day that feels like you and looks really freaking good.