{"id":16691,"name":"Aurora","state_id":10,"county_id":618,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:36:36.372-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-10T05:56:21.328-07:00","meta_description":"Learn how to legally officiate weddings and plan wedding ceremonies in Aurora, Adams County, Colorado. Learn about online ordination, marriage licenses, venue booking tips, ceremony planning and more.","head_tag":"An Aurora Guide for Wedding Ministers and Couples -- Plan Your Big Day the Right Way!","tagline":"The Gateway to the Rockies","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re thinking of planning a wedding in the Denver area, don\u0026rsquo;t make the mistake of lumping Aurora in with its bigger nextdoor neighbor. While the two cities are in close proximity, this alpine borough, known as the Gateway to the Mountains, is a community all its own.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the state\u0026rsquo;s third largest and most diverse city, it has the amenities you could want -- its own unique food and arts scene, sports teams, hiking trails, awesome breweries -- with less hustle-and-bustle than Denver.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding in the area, we think you\u0026rsquo;ll be surprised at what Aurora has to offer in terms of wedding venues, too. We\u0026rsquo;ll get into that more later on, but first, let us help you get the paperwork of your marriage out of the way.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Aurora\u0026rsquo;s website, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies: Judges, retired judges, magistrates, Indian tribe officials and clergy, or a specific ordination such as Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Imam, Monk, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiant a wedding, but do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained\u003c/a\u003e with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, the Arapahoe County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee. (You can call the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Aurora\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the couple has applied for and received their marriage license certificate, help them complete it in black ink (a requirement of Arapahoe county clerk offices.) You, the officiant, should sign on the line titled \u0026ldquo;Signature of Officiating Party\u0026rdquo; and write your title (minister) on the line titled \u0026ldquo;Print Title of Officiating Party.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter you have helped the couple complete their marriage license and certificate, remind them that they must return the completed marriage license and certificate for recording to one of Aurora\u0026rsquo;s branch locations within 63 days of the marriage. Then, give yourself a pat on the back and call it a day. Your duties as an officiant are complete!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFile for a Marriage License from the Arapahoe County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities. You can start by \u003ca href=\"https://countyfusion8.kofiletech.us/countyweb/login.do?countyname=Arapahoe\"\u003ecompleting the application\u003c/a\u003e on Arapahoe\u0026rsquo;s website, which will help speed up the process. Or you can start the application process when you head down to one of their offices in person.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAurora\u0026rsquo;s state offices close at 4 p.m., so you must arrive before 4 p.m. to be served. You can \u003ca href=\"http://co-arapahoecounty.civicplus.com/1272/index.aspx?NID=1557\"\u003echeck wait times\u003c/a\u003e at their locations before your visit.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth members of the couple will need to go together to one of the three branch locations \u003ca href=\"https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/clerk_and_recorder/marriage___civil_union_licenses.php\"\u003elisted on this page\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eState-issued photo IDs\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security numbers (social security card is not necessary)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eParents\u0026rsquo; names and current addresses\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$30 cash\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you\u0026rsquo;ve successfully completed the application process, there is no waiting period before you use your marriage license, so you\u0026rsquo;re all set to use it the same day if you want to.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMany people think of Aurora as a suburb of Denver, but this little city is really its own independent entity. If you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding here, you won\u0026rsquo;t be disappointed at what it has to offer.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to host your event close-in, there are a couple of great options. For a more traditional event, you\u0026rsquo;ll probably like the\u003ca href=\"https://www.heritageeaglebend.com/index.php\"\u003e Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club\u003c/a\u003e, one of the most popular wedding venues in the area, which has all the amenities you could ask for -- an elegant ballroom, bridal dressing room, outdoor patio with a view of the mountain range, catering and liquor options, etc. Plus, it\u0026rsquo;s just a 20-minute drive from the downtown.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe\u0026rsquo;d also be remiss to leave out the highly-anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.marriott.com/hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/dengr-gaylord-rockies-resort-and-convention-center/\"\u003eGaylord Rockies\u003c/a\u003e, a huge alpine-themed resort and convention center that was finished in 2018. Overall, it\u0026rsquo;s super impressive. If you want to a venue right in town with everything included and accommodations for guests, check this one out.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like the idea of a beachfront ceremony, Cherry Creek State Park has you covered. It\u0026rsquo;s just a 10-minute drive south of Aurora, offering gorgeous views of the mountain range facing West, and of course, the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, where couples say \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rdquo; on its romantic shoreline. You can contact \u003ca href=\"https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/Reservations.aspx\"\u003eColorado Parks \u0026amp; Wildlife\u003c/a\u003e to get more info on licensing info and pricing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOr, if you\u0026rsquo;d like to go through a private venue, there\u0026rsquo;s the beautiful \u003ca href=\"https://pbcherrycreek.com/lake-house/weddings/\"\u003ePelican Bay Lake House\u003c/a\u003e, located on the reservoir, which will hook you up with catering, decorations, and everything else you\u0026rsquo;ll need.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you\u0026rsquo;re open to venturing further outside the Aurora area, there are dozens more options to consider in Denver, Littleton and surrounding towns. For a more casual vibe, check out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.breckbrew.com/visit/littleton\"\u003eFarmhouse at Breckenridge Brewery\u003c/a\u003e, which makes a great spot for a laid-back wedding. Its garden is perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony, while its cozy Great Room, with high ceilings and a grand fireplace, is ideal for a reception. But it goes without saying that its fine Colorado ales are the real attraction of this venue. Make sure to take your time exploring all the venues in the area -- there\u0026rsquo;s plenty to choose from at a range of price points.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re from out of town, you have a few options for getting around. The public transportation system in Aurora is an extension of the bus system serving Denver, but it\u0026rsquo;s still pretty frequent and reliable. One cool perk is its \u0026ldquo;Pace on Demand\u0026rdquo; ride share program, which offers curb-to-curb transportation if you call in advance or \u003ca href=\"http://www.pacebus.com/sub/schedules/on_demand.asp\"\u003ebook online\u003c/a\u003e. This can be useful for reaching destinations that are off-the-beaten-path, and it\u0026rsquo;s surprisingly cheap. If you\u0026rsquo;d rather avoid using the public transit system altogether, Lyft and Uber are available 24/7 as well.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be difficult to complain about the climate in Aurora. The area gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, which beats San Diego. Weather is pretty beautiful and warm from May to October, and the summers bring a dry heat that usually stays below the 90s. Snow is known to fall anytime between late October and April, but it doesn\u0026rsquo;t stay on the ground for very long in the Aurora-Denver area.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on your preference, any season could be a good choice to plan a wedding. Most couples choose a date in September, October, or between March and May according to the Knot, so if you want to find the best deals on venues and accommodations, consider choosing a date outside of these months.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo both members of the couple have to be there in order to apply?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eUsually, yes. But if only one member can make it in person because he/she is ill, out-of-state or incarcerated, you can complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.arapahoegov.com/DocumentCenter/View/1272\"\u003eAbsentee Application Form\u003c/a\u003e and have it notarized in advance. The party applying must bring the absentee\u0026rsquo;s application and their identification.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s offices accept debit/credit cards?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the only payment accepted for the marriage license fee of $30 is cash, so make sure to hit the ATM before you go to apply.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we need to return to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in person to submit our marriage license after the wedding?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo need. You can mail it in, just follow the office\u0026rsquo;s instructions \u003ca href=\"http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/1588/Record-Marriage-License?NID=1588\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e, and remember that it is due within 63 days of the marriage.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat happens if we miss the 63-day deadline to submit our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou just have to pay $20 fee to the Recording Division at 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO, 80120. You can go in, in person or send it via mail. More info on that is available \u003ca href=\"http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/3617/Marriage-License-Instructions?bidId=\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes my name change automatically once we\u0026rsquo;ve gotten married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, you\u0026rsquo;ll need to start by ordering a copy of your marriage license and then contacting a laundry list of \u003ca href=\"http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/3618/Name-Change-Checklist?bidId=\"\u003egovernment offices \u003c/a\u003eto notify them of your name change.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"http://co-arapahoecounty.civicplus.com/1272/Locations-and-Hours\"\u003eFour to choose from\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee: \u003c/strong\u003e$30\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 63 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e by Couple\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}