Self Solemnization in Colorado – A Step-by-Step Guide
WHO SHOULD SELF-SOLEMNIZE, HOW TO DO IT IN COLORADO, AND WHY IT’S RAD!
Picture this: it’s just you two, surrounded by Colorado’s epic scenery, exchanging vows in a deeply personal moment without the need for officiants or witnesses. With a self-solemnizing elopement, your love takes center stage—no permissions needed. And yes, this can be your reality!
Self-solemnization in Colorado offers couples this one-of-a-kind experience, perfect for those seeking personalization, time-saving, and ditching the traditional officiant setup. Colorado’s self-Solemnization is straightforward: no officiant or witnesses required. It’s just you and your partner, embraced by Colorado’s elopement locations, crafting a ceremony that speaks volumes about your love story. Saying “I do” on your own terms? Now that’s unforgettable and truly unique. Let’s dive into how to make it all come together!
WHAT IS SELF-SOLEMNIZATION AND IS IT AN ELOPEMENT?
Self-solemnization is an awesome option in Colorado where a couple can marry themselves without needing an officiant or witnesses. It’s a legal way to get married, allowing couples to exchange vows and tie the knot in a private, intimate ceremony within the framework. And yes, self-solemnization totally counts as an elopement! Elopements and weddings are both legally binding in Colorado, provided the legal documents are met and followed according to Colorado state laws. Keep on reading below and I’ll give you the step-by-step for how to self solemnize in Colorado!
SELF SOLEMNIZATION PROCESS – STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Self-solemnizing your marriage in Colorado involves more than just exchanging vows. Simply submit the necessary paperwork before departing the state, and your self-uniting marriage becomes legally recognized. To solemnize your marriage in Colorado is straightforward: present your identification to the county clerk, complete the paperwork, and you’re officially married. It’s as simple as that. But here is a step-by-step breakdown for all the little things in between!
LOCATE THE CLOSEST COUNTY:
Visit the closest county clerk’s office in Colorado (no residency required!). Now, we gotta wait a little – 35 days to be exact – for that marriage license to be official. Patience is a virtue, right?
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
If you are traveling from outside of the state, you can schedule this for the same day as your elopement, but I would advise against that. Try and buffer and schedule this at least a few days before the day day just in case anything pops up! For locals, you can do a virtual appointment and skip the in person stuff.
PICK UP YOUR COLORADO MARRIAGE LICENSE:
Don’t forget your essentials: Bring your ID to the clerks office, and $30 to seal the deal. With all that in hand, you’re just one step away from making your marriage a reality. Let’s do this thing!
GET MARRIED IN COLORADO!
You’re all set to self-solemnize your marriage in Colorado! Just a friendly reminder: as you’re heading out of town, make sure to drop off your paperwork or pop it in the mail within 63 days to keep everything shipshape and legally sound! Let’s make those vows official!
BEST SELF-SOLEMNIZATION CEREMONY IDEAS
Skipping the officiant’s signature in Colorado doesn’t mean your ceremony has to lose its magic. Some couples keep things sweet and simple, while others sprinkle in unique moments to make their day unforgettable. It’s all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you. After being part of over 300 elopements, trust me—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do this. You can hold on to those classic wedding vibes while weaving in personal touches that make your story shine.
Here are some fun self-solemnization ceremony ideas I’ve seen first hand:
• WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS
When it comes to your wedding script, I’m a firm believer that writing your own is the way to go—especially if you’re skipping the officiant for your elopement. Without the usual “in sickness and in health” lines to fall back on, this is your moment to pour your heart out to your partner. And don’t stress about being the next Shakespeare—you don’t need to write the most poetic vows ever. What matters is speaking from the heart. Your partner will love hearing how you feel about them, and with a self marrying ceremony, it’s much easier to get vulnerable knowing you aren’t doing it in front of 100 guests! Pro Tip: Write your vows at your Airbnb beforehand and have your photographer document it for some awesome shots!
Brittni & Levi Self-Solemnization
“My husband and I both get camera awkward, but Sean made this so much easier by capturing so much love in the candid moments and even during the posed photos, he made it painless and fun. This was the most incredible winter day, spent with someone who felt more like a friend to us.”
• YOU CAN GET MARRIED WITHOUT AN OFFICIANT
This is the obvious one, but without the need for an officiant, you have so many more options for your ceremony. Imagine trekking through a dense pine forest and emerging at the snow-covered summit amid the peaks – reading your vows surrounded by sweeping views of the valleys below.
There are absolutely no rules for your self-solemnizing elopement – and you won’t have to search for an officiant who’s willing to join you for whatever adventure you have planned for your ceremony!
“Sean took away the stress leading up to our special day by meticulously planning, communicating, and preparing us. He responded quickly and professionally to our questions, and provided amazing resources for everything, from expectations to packing lists. All we had to do was get our outfits and show up on the day as our true and authentic selves.”
• YOUR FRIEND CAN STILL OFFICIATE YOUR WEDDING
Who needs a fancy officiant’s signature to make it official in Colorado? Not you! If there’s a friend or family member that you want to marry, this can be a really great way to add a personal touch to your self-solemnizing elopement. It’s like having your own personal storyteller! No need for them to stress about getting ordained either. Let the ones who truly know you both, who’ve witnessed your journey firsthand, be the ones to seal the deal.
• HAVE TWO ELOPEMENT CEREMONIES
I have a lot of couples who have a self ceremony by themselves and then have another more traditional ceremony with friends and family later on. This is great for couples who want to share some private vows away from the crowds, while still appeasing their family’s wishes of being there for the traditional ceremony. I love this option because couples can focus on each other without having stage fright!
My intimate Colorado elopement package is great for couples looking to do this option!
• BE YOUR OWN OFFICIANT
Alright, hear me out: you can start with the traditional ceremony script and seamlessly transition into your personal vows. I’ve witnessed couples effortlessly weave between traditional officiant-led vows and their own, creating a beautiful blend of old and new in their self-officiated ceremony! Remember, there are no rules here—feel free to get creative and make it your own!
“From the very start, Vows & Peaks, under Sean’s expert guidance, exceeded our expectations in every aspect of our elopement planning. Sean’s talent in art direction, detailed coordination, and providing comprehensive elopement packages, complete with invaluable tips, advice, and curated vendor lists, was nothing short of remarkable.”
ADVANTAGES OF SELF-SOLEMNIZING IN COLORADO
Self-solemnizing your marriage in Colorado unlocks a world of unique advantages that make this experience truly special. Here’s why choosing self-solemnization in the Centennial State is a game-changer for you and your partner:
• IT’S PERSONAL AND INTIMATE
One of the biggest reasons that couples choose to elope is because they want their wedding day to be a personal and intimate experience. They want to feel free to do whatever they want and to be completely present and vulnerable with each other – without feeling like they have an audience.
A self-uniting marriage is an ultimate way to ensure your day is exactly what you want, and that your ceremony is private and intimate – shared only with your partner, and maybe a few of the people you love most if you choose to invite guests.
• THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ARE SIMPLE AND EASY
There aren’t a lot of rules to marrying yourselves in Colorado. You can get married the same day, you won’t have to worry about finding an officiant, getting ordained, or the logistics of whether they’re down for the 8-mile hike you have planned. The legal part? Barely a blip on the radar. Which means you get to focus on what really matters—saying your vows, exploring the wild beauty around you, and starting your marriage with an unforgettable adventure.
• YOUR DOG CAN SIGN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
If you’re anything like me, your dog is basically family. The best part? Your Colorado marriage license still has a spot for an officiant’s signature—but since you don’t need one, why not let your dog do the honors? Fur real! Just bring an ink pad and put their paw print on there. These ink pads from amazon are my favorite. I would suggest doing a test run beforehand!
• YOU CAN BE SPONTANEOUS
The fun of marrying yourselves is that you can change the plan and go with the flow. Maybe you see a spot that looks like it would be fun to explore, or you stumble across a view that just screams “get married here!” When you self solemnizes, you won’t need to worry about meeting your officiant at a certain time or being in a certain place – you have the freedom to get caught up in the moment and to be spontaneous! I have so many couples who book me last minute and fly out here to get married because of how easy it is. This could be you!
• YOU CAN STILL INVITE FAMILY
Just because you’re marrying yourselves, doesn’t mean your family can’t tag along. You can still self marrying with guests at the ceremony or celebrate with them afterward. Self-solemnizing elopements leave a lot of wiggle room for couples to outline the day exactly how they want! You can split the day up with them, include them in everything or have them in just the ceremony. Totally up to you!
Read more on how to include your family on your elopement!
• YOU CAN SAVE MONEY
Looking to allocate some cash somewhere else? You can save a good chunk of money on an officiant by choosing to self-solemnize. The truth is, hiring an officiant can be pricey depending on their experience level, how customized you want the ceremony, and the location. The cost of officiant can be upwards of $500, while self-marrying yourselves is free outside of obtaining your marriage license!
• YOU CAN EMBRACE THE COLORADO TRADITION
Self-solemnization in Colorado runs deep, just like the roots of those majestic mountain trees. The self solemnizing tradition dates way back to the 1800s, embracing the wild pioneering spirit and individuality that defines this great state. It’s a nod to the fearless pioneers who carved their paths through these mountains, and a celebration of the free spirit that pulses through the very heart of Colorado. So, if you’re ready to blaze your own trail to marital bliss, why not do it the Colorado way? Embrace the wild, embrace the adventure, and let your love story be as epic as the landscape that surrounds you
• THE OPTION TO SELF SOLEMNIZE IS YEAR ROUND
In Colorado, the option to marry yourselves is available year-round, regardless of the season. This means that you can get married any time of the year, whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. The flexibility of this allows you to plan your wedding according to your, schedules, and the different seasons. This is especially great for elopements because of the last min and spontaneous nature of them, which is something I especially enjoy and specialize in!
• YOU HAVE FLEXIBILITY IN CEREMONY LOCATION
You know what’s absolutely killer? Ditching the whole courthouse or church vibe for your big day. With self-solemnization, you’re free to choose the best Colorado elopement spot. I’m talking about endless possibilities, my friend. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas, serene alpine lakes, or cozy mountain towns with tons of character. The choice is yours, and the options? They’re off the charts.
SHOULD WE SIGN OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE BEFORE OR AFTER WE GET MARRIED?
BEFORE BENEFITS
If you get into town a few days early and have time, consider visiting the courthouse or county clerk and recorder before your official date to get everything done. This way, you can get all that paperwork squared away before your official date rolls around. And here’s the kicker: you can even invite your family to join in on the signing festivities before you embark on your self-marriage adventure. Now, here’s the catch: since your photographer likely won’t be tagging along the day before, you might miss out on snapping those signature moments.
AFTER OR DURING BENEFITS
Now, here’s a nifty little trick for ya: why not hold off on signing that marriage license until the day of or even the day after? Picture this: you’re surrounded by those majestic mountains, the perfect backdrop for sealing the deal with your signature. Or, if you’re more about that post-wedding chill, you can always bring it back to your digs and make it a part of your farewell festivities with friends and fam the next day as you’re hittin’ the road. Either way, it’s smooth sailing! Just make sure you drop it off on your way out of town, and you’re golden!
DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN COLORADO TO SELF-SOLEMNIZE?
Many couples worry that their marriage won’t be recognized if they marry themselves in Colorado. But this isn’t the case at all!
No matter where you’re from, if you self-solemnize, your marriage will be recognized across the country (and in most cases, across the world). You don’t have to live in Colorado to marry yourselves, and a lot of couples travel here to self-marry because of how easy it is! If you don’t live in Colorado and applied for a marriage license there, the county clerk’s office may mail the license to you at the address you provided during the application process and you will be set!
WILL SELF-SOLEMNIZATION IN COLORADO BE RECOGNIZED BACK HOME?
After you’ve exchanged vows and made it official, celebrate! Your marriage will be recognized across state borders. But before you ride off into the sunset, there’s a catch: You can’t simply use your Colorado license to tie the knot in another state. Each state has its own regulations, after all. So, while Colorado is where the magic begins, other states will acknowledge your union once it’s properly registered.
DO ALL STATES RECOGNIZE SELF SOLEMNIZATION?
Regrettably, not all states share Colorado’s embrace of this beautiful practice. While some states embrace it wholeheartedly, others remain steadfast in their legal requirements for an officiant to make things official. Thus, the legal recognition of self-solemnization varies from state to state, much like the landscapes we traverse in search of eternal bonds.
Here are a few states that allow self-solemnizations as legal marriages.
- Colorado and Washington D.C. are the only places where you can self-solemnize with no caveats.
- California has a separate marriage license and application system for a “non-clergy” marriage, but you will still need two witnesses.
- Pennsylvania does not require an officiant, but does still require two witnesses – and some counties do not offer these types of marriage licenses, so double-check this before heading to the county clerk’s office.
- Wisconsin and Illinois allow you to self-solemnize if it is in accordance with your religion or denomination. Wisconsin will take your word for it, but Illinois may require proof.
- Nevada, Kansas, and Maine allow you to marry yourselves only if you are a member of the Quakers or Friends, and you get married in a way that is in accordance with their practices.
SELF-SOLEMNIZING COLORADO PHOTOGRAPHER
Navigating the marriage regulations in different states can feel like deciphering a cryptic code! But fear not, because self-solemnizing elopements offer a stress-free solution with breathtaking backdrops to boot. Call me biased, but there’s something truly magical about exchanging vows amidst nature’s grandeur. Whether you’re a local or jetting in from out of state, self-marrying elopements are hands down the smoothest and most delightful way to tie the knot.
Ready to self-solemnize in Colorado? Check out my All inclusive Colorado elopement packages here! Use my best places to elope in Colorado guide for inspiration!
SELF SOLEMNIZING FAQ
Where can I have a self-solemnizing elopement in Colorado?
You aren’t limited to any space in Colorado for your self-solemnizing elopement. You can hold your ceremony anywhere you like and just follow the necessary legal portion to complete it fully!
Do we need an officiant to self solemnize our marriage?
Self-solemnizing in Colorado is simple and does not require an officiant or witnesses.
Is there a waiting period to self solemnize in Colorado?
There is no waiting period to marry yourselves in Colorado. In short, you can set up your appointment and get married the same day, making it super easy and quick to do your ceremony and marriage license in the same day.
How do we ensure our self-solemnizing elopement is legally recognized?
To ensure your self-solemnizing elopement is legally recognized, you have to follow the step-by-step process listed above. But in summary, you must obtain your marriage license, pay for your license, and remember to file any necessary paperwork.
What elements should we include in our self-solemnizing ceremony?
You can include any elements you’d like, but traditionally, the couples I work with exchange vows and rings for their self-solemnizing ceremony. Some couples opt for unique ceremonies like handfasting, but keeping it traditional is the most common.
Can we still have witnesses at our self-solemnizing elopement?
Yes! I’ve had plenty of couples who invite guests to join them at their self-solemnizing elopements, allowing witnesses to share in the special moment.
Is officiating your own marriage the same thing as marrying yourselves in Colorado?
Yes! Officiating your own marriage is the same thing as self solemnizing yourselves in Colorado. This is considered legal by the state of Colorado.
Where do we get our marriage license for our self solemnization?
I suggest locating the closest county where you are going to be solemnizing your elopement and making an appointment in the days before your wedding day. This will keep everything close and easy!
Do we need to be residents to self marry ourselves in Colorado?
That’s okay! Colorado marriage licenses are valid for everyone, no matter where you’re from.
Is the marriage license the same for self solemnization as it is for regular traditional weddings?
Yes! All marriage licenses in Colorado will be the same whether you are self solemnizing, having an officiant or having a traditional elopement. Follow the step by step guidelines above to get your marriage license!
SELF-SOLEMNIZATION ELOPEMENT GALLERIES
Seeking some inspiration for self-solemnizing your marriage? Explore these breathtaking examples to envision the possibilities for your special day!
Ian & Miranda Self-Solemnizing Elopement
Ian and Miranda shared a private ceremony with their pets and we explored the upper basin area before heading down the mountain and basking in the fall colors in the lower elevations.
Ashley & Kyle Self-Solemnization in Colorado.
They then solemnized their vows at sunrise before we explore the surrounding area for couples photos where they took in the epic landscape surrounding them.
Rachel & Steve Self Marrying Ceremony
We then hiked over to a different spot near the lake where they shared their vows with the snow-capped peaks and half-frozen lake behind them. It was such a surreal and beautiful backdrop for their vow ceremony!
LGBTQ Self Solemnizing Elopement
They drove up a mountain pass and exchange their vows privately and self married themselves with just the sunrise and mountain peaks as their witness.
