Marriage records in Arapahoe County, Colorado, can be accessed through several channels. ArapahoeCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder's Office, which issues marriage licenses and records returned certificates. In-person visits, mail requests, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) vital records portal provide additional ways to obtain copies.
Arapahoe County Marriage Records Search
The Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder is the local authority responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records filed in the county. Under Colorado law, county clerks issue marriage licenses and record the completed marriage certificates once they are returned by the officiant or the couple (Colorado allows self-solemnization). The office's collection includes marriage licenses issued in Arapahoe County and marriage certificates filed after the ceremony. Historical marriage records for the county may also be available, though very early records could be held at the Colorado State Archives. Statewide marriage records dating from 1900 forward are maintained by CDPHE. For records of marriages that took place in Arapahoe County, contact the Clerk and Recorder directly.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Arapahoe County
Fees for marriage record services in Arapahoe County are set by the Clerk and Recorder's office and by Colorado statute. The state vital records office (CDPHE) also charges its own fees for statewide searches and certified copies. The table below summarizes typical fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license application | $30.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (county) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy from CDPHE (state vital records) | $17.75 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, CDPHE) | $6.00 |
| Search fee (state vital records) | Included in copy fee |
Fees are based on current published schedules from the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder and CDPHE. Payment methods accepted at the county office typically include cash, check, and credit or debit card. Confirm current fees before submitting a request, as they may change.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Arapahoe County
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate connected to Arapahoe County:
Online
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment operates an online vital records ordering system for marriage certificates recorded statewide from 1900 to the present. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the marriage, and the county where the license was issued. Orders placed online are mailed to the address you provide, and processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
In Person
Visit the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder at the address listed above during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Some in-person services may require an appointment, so call ahead to confirm. Certified copies of marriage certificates on file with the county can usually be issued the same day.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the county, send the following to the Clerk and Recorder's office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and the reason for the request
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- The applicable fee (check or money order payable to "Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder")
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You can also mail a request to CDPHE for a statewide search if you are unsure which county holds the record. Download the application form from the CDPHE vital records page. Mail processing at the state level generally takes several weeks.
For additional Arapahoe County public records questions, including records covered under the Colorado Open Records Act, contact the Clerk and Recorder's office or visit the county's public records page. If you need help locating marriage record information online, ArapahoeCourt.us provides search tools for publicly available records in the county.