Denver, Colorado Wedding Guide
Become a Wedding Officiant in Denver as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Colorado, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Denver as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Colorado, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
There’s a reason that more than 60,000 people move to Denver, Colorado every year. It’s one of those cities that has a little bit of everything: great weather, proximity to the mountains, a lively arts and culture scene, professional sports teams, and then there’s the fact that it brews more beer than any other city. What more could you want in the place you call home?
If you’re a Denver resident or just want to tie the knot in the Mile-High City, you’re in luck. Denver has every option you could ever imagine in terms of wedding venues -- from luxury golf resorts to outdoor spaces with epic views of the Rockies. But before you start fantasizing about your mountain-desert-themed wedding, let’s get the logistics of the planning and application process out of the way.
Let’s start with the ordainment process. The following persons may perform wedding ceremonies in Colorado:
“an officiant who has been ordained or recognized by a religious denomination, a judge of a court, a retired judge, a court magistrate, a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages, a Native American tribal official or a friend or relative who is ordained.”
If you do not fall into any of these categories, we’ve got you covered. You can get ordained with AMM to qualify as an officiant within a religious denomination. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
When it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, Denver County may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee. (You can call the office of the clerk and recorder’s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person.)
Now that the easy part is out of the way, let’s prepare you for the wedding ceremony itself. You’ll want to dig through our wedding training pages, which will help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.
When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but just be sure to check that the paperwork is all correct before you perform the ceremony. That means names, dates, and any other important information is correct. You can check out some correct examples here.
After the wedding, you will sign the marriage license and hand it back to the couple to turn it in. Then, you will have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. Now, reward yourself for a job well-done by checking out one of the dozens of breweries in Denver.
For The
Couple
Let’s turn our attention to the couple’s responsibilities. If you want to get a jump start on the process, you can start your application online. First, it will prompt you to create an account with the office of the clerk. If you get lost at any point in this stage, check out the city website guide, which walks you through the process.
Once you complete the online portion, you and your partner will still need to visit the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, at the Webb Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 101 in downtown Denver.
When you go, just remember to bring:
The completed marriage certificate and attached license are due back at the Clerk and Recorder 63 days after your marriage ceremony. After that date, you'll be subject to a late fee of $20.
Issuance Office: 201 W. Colfax Ave.
Fee: $30
Waiting Period: None
Expiration: 35 days
Return: by Couple
For The Couple
& Officiant
Denver is a happening city with a growing list of annual events. So, you’ll want to avoid choosing a wedding day in which another major event is scheduled near your venue of choice. You can use this online tool to do so.
Speaking of venues, the list of Insta-pic worthy wedding spaces in the Denver area will make your head spin. There are a number of stunning wineries, charming breweries and elegant resorts that make for perfect spots to throw a banger reception, not to mention the countless outdoor options the featuring gorgeous mountain backdrops that Colorado is known for.
You’ll want to visit Denver’s blog recommendations to start your research, but make sure to look at some of the more niche options, like the Hangar at Stanley. (Yes, like an airplane hangar.) Oh, so hipster chic.
Denver's Regional Transportation District, the RTD, provides bus, and light rail services for the greater Denver-Aurora-Boulder area. If you want to get around with public transportation, this is one option. Of course, Lyft and Uber are also available in Denver, so you’ll be able to be able to get a ride in a snap.
Another thing to love about Colorado? Its mild weather. The alpine desert’s altitude and proximity to the mountains keep Denver mild year round. The state sees about 300 days of sun a year. During winter months, it can cool down to the 30s and 40s during the day, but it’s not uncommon to have a 60 degree day in the winter in Colorado.
For The Couple
& Officiant
The Denver city website has a guide to help you navigate your name change. You may need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which can be purchased at the office of the clerk and recorder for $1.25.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or you’re in the process of gaining your citizenship, Denver does not require that you provide one.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!