Self-Solemnization in Colorado – A Step-by-Step Guide
Last Updated on March 11, 2026 by vowsandpeaks
WHAT IS SELF SOLEMNIZING, HOW TO DO IT IN COLORADO, AND WHO SHOULD DO IT!
Self-solemnization is Colorado’s unique way for couples to say ‘I do’ on their own, no officiant or witnesses required. That one legal quirk, combined with the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery in the country, makes Colorado one of the best places to elope. Bold claim? I think not!
I’ve been shooting elopements in Colorado full-time since 2018, and self-solemnization is honestly one of my favorite things to tell couples about when they’re first exploring the idea of eloping here. You get to skip the officiant hunt entirely, write whatever vows you want, say them wherever you want, and make the whole thing yours from start to finish. Epic 14er backdrop? Yep. Sunrise ceremony at an alpine lake? Go for it. Just the two of you on a ridge in the San Juans with nobody else for miles? That’s my personal favorite!
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to self-solemnize in Colorado, the legal steps, why it’s worth it, and ceremony ideas to make it unforgettable!
If you’re still figuring out where to actually do this, check out my Colorado elopement packages to see how I can help you plan the whole thing.
WHAT IS SELF-SOLEMNIZATION?
Self-solemnization in Colorado means you and your partner perform your own marriage ceremony and sign your own marriage license with no officiant, no witnesses, and no restrictions on location or timing. Colorado is one of only a handful of states where this is fully legal and recognized nationwide.
To make it official, you need a Colorado marriage license, which costs $30 and is valid for 35 days. After your ceremony, you have 63 days to return the signed license to the county clerk. I’ve guided hundreds of couples through this process and I’m going to walk you through every step next!
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE FOR SELF SOLEMNIZATION:
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. Who can solemnize a marriage in Colorado? In short — you can! 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:
Your license can come from any Colorado county clerk regardless of where your ceremony is happening. I suggesting picking the one closest to your elopement location and check their appointment availability before locking in a date.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
If you are traveling from outside of the state, you can schedule this for the same day as your marriage, but I would advise against that. Most counties let you schedule your appointment online before you arrive. Things come up and you don’t want a paperwork delay eating into your elopement day!
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!
SELF MARRIED IN COLORADO!
Before you leave Colorado, make sure to drop off your signed license or mail it back to the county clerk within 63 days. And yes, you can get your marriage license and marry the same day in Colorado if your timeline is tight.
WHAT ARE SOME CEREMONY IDEAS FOR SELF SOLEMNIZATION IN COLORADO?
No officiant doesn’t mean no ceremony. It means your ceremony can be exactly what you want it to be. Some couples keep it short and private, just the two of them and their vows. Others build out a whole production with music, readings, a friend leading the ceremony, and a champagne pop at the end. I’ve photographed every version of this and they’re all great.
Here are some of my favorite self-solemnization ceremony ideas I’ve seen first hand:
• WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS
Writing your own wedding script is the way to go, especially if you’re skipping the officiant and self-solemnizing. Forget the traditional lines—this is your chance to speak from the heart. No need to be poetic; just say how you feel. One of the best parts of a self-marrying ceremony is how easy it is to get vulnerable without 100 people watching! Pro Tip: Write your vows at your Airbnb beforehand and have your photographer document it for some awesome shots!
• YOU CAN GET MARRIED WITHOUT AN OFFICIANT
No officiant to hire, no one to get ordained, no coordinating schedules with a third party. The legal requirements for self-solemnizing in Colorado are about as minimal as they get. Pick up your license, sign it together, return it within 63 days. That’s the whole checklist. I’ve had couples book me two weeks out, fly into Denver, and pull off a completely legal mountain wedding without breaking a sweat on the logistics.
• YOUR FRIEND CAN STILL OFFICIATE YOUR WEDDING
Who needs a fancy officiant’s signature to make it official? 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
This is one of my favorite options for couples who want a truly private moment but also have family who want to be included. You self-solemnize alone, just the two of you at sunrise on a mountain somewhere, and then celebrate with family later in the day or back home with a more traditional ceremony. You get both versions of the day without having to compromise either one. My Colorado elopement packages work really well for couples who go this route.
My intimate Colorado elopement package is great for couples looking to do this option!
• BE YOUR OWN OFFICIANT
You can open with a traditional ceremony structure if that framing feels grounding, then transition into personal vows. I’ve watched couples blend the two seamlessly, starting with something familiar and then shifting into words that were entirely their own. There are no rules here, which means you can borrow whatever structure helps you feel settled and then make the rest completely yours.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELF SOLEMNIZATION IN COLORADO?
60% of married adults say they wish they had eloped. Let that sink in for a second. More than half of married people would go back and do it differently if they could. Self-solemnizing in Colorado is your chance to skip that regret entirely — and honestly, there’s nowhere better in the country to do it! Colorado is one of only two places in the U.S. with zero caveats. No officiant, no witnesses, no restrictions on where you do it. Just you two, a $30 marriage license, and every mountain in the San Juans as your backdrop.
Here’s why choosing self solemnization in the Centennial State is a game-changer for you and your partner—and how it opens the door to an unforgettable, soul-filled wedding experience.
• IT’S PERSONAL AND INTIMATE
Design your ceremony your way — heartfelt vows, no script, no limits. 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. Skip the stress of finding someone who’s licensed and willing to hike with you. It’s just you, your partner, and your vows.
• 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! I’ve also had couples have their cats sign as well.
• YOU CAN BE SPONTANEOUS
1 in 4 U.S. weddings is now a destination wedding, and Colorado keeps showing up at the top of the list for couples who travel specifically to get married. A big reason for that is how easy self-solemnization makes the whole thing. There’s no officiant to coordinate with, no meeting spot to hit at a specific time, no ceremony script you’re locked into.
If you stumble across a view on the way up that just screams “get married here” — you do it there! If the weather shifts and we need to move the whole plan then we move it. I’ve had couples book me two weeks out, fly into Telluride, and pull off one of the best days of their lives because this state makes it that simple. That kind of spontaneity is genuinely one of my favorite things about what I do out here. This could absolutely be you.
• YOU CAN STILL INVITE FAMILY & MARRY YOURSELVES
You’re free to include loved ones in the ceremony or keep it private — both are valid choices. You can still self marrying with guests at the ceremony in places like San Sophia for a Telluride elopement 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 in places like Lake Isabelle, have them in just the ceremony or they can sign your marriage license. Totally up to you!
Read more on how to include your family on your self solemnizing elopement!
• YOU CAN SAVE MONEY
The average wedding in Colorado runs $39,808 in 2025. Officiants alone can add $300 to $500+ on top of that, and if you want someone who’s actually willing to hike with you, that number climbs fast. Self-solemnizing costs you nothing beyond your $30 marriage license. That’s real money back in your pocket — money that can go toward a better Airbnb, a killer dinner after your ceremony, or putting more of your budget into the photography you’ll actually have forever.
• SELF MARRYING EMBRACES THE COLORADO TRADITION
This Colorado tradition runs deep, just like the roots of those majestic mountain trees. Self-solemnization in Colorado goes back to the 1800s. It was built into the state’s DNA from the start, rooted in the same independent spirit that drew people out here in the first place. Getting married on your own terms, in these mountains, without anyone else telling you how to do it? That’s pretty on brand for Colorado! It’s one of the things I love most about this state!
• THE OPTION TO SELF-SOLEMNIZE IS YEAR ROUND IN COLORADO
The option to marry yourselves in Colorado 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 a winter elopement. The flexibility of this allows you to plan your wedding according to your, schedules, and the different seasons. This is especially great for self marrying 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 friends. Think of a hiking elopement with jaw-dropping mountain vistas, serene alpine lakes, or cozy mountain towns like Breckenridge with tons of character. The choice is yours, and the options are off the charts!
• NO TIME LIMIT OR RESTRICTIONS
Worried your ceremony might drag on too long? Or maybe you’re nervous you won’t have enough time to say everything that matters to you? Don’t sweat it! When you self-marry, you have total freedom to make your ceremony as short and sweet or as heartfelt and lengthy as you’d like.
It’s perfect for couples who might be short on time or have a crew of guests waiting to dive into the celebration. This day is all about you. Plan it, shape it, and express yourselves exactly how you want. Because let’s be real—this is your story to tell, and you deserve to tell it your way.
When Should You Sign Your Marriage License: Before or After Your Ceremony?
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 here 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! If you have trouble getting an appointment or something mailed, you can always have it sent to my house and I can get everything handled for you as well.
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 state license to tie the knot in another state. Each state has its own regulations, after all. So, while self marrying in Colorado is where the magic begins, other states will acknowledge your union once it’s properly registered.
SELF-SOLEMNIZING ELOPEMENT 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. I am well versed in this Colorado tradition and have written articles for USA Wire and Influencer Daily going over my experience.
Ready to self-solemnize in Colorado? Check out my All inclusive Colorado elopement packages and best places to elope in Colorado!
SELF-SOLEMNIZING FAQ
In Colorado you do not need an officiant to elope. It’s one of the few states that allow self-solemnization, which means you and your partner can legally marry each other without a third party. To understand exactly how this works, check out my guide to self-solemnizing your Colorado elopement. Many couples also wonder if they can get their marriage license and marry the same day in Colorado, and the answer is yes.
Yes, though technically if you have an officiant present and they sign your marriage license, that becomes a traditional ceremony rather than a self-solemnization. In Colorado you have a lot of flexibility here. A friend or family member can lead your ceremony without being ordained, someone can sign your license as a witness, or you can split the day and self-solemnize privately first and celebrate with others later. It really comes down to how you want the day to flow.
Once you pick up your marriage license it’s valid for 35 days. That’s plenty of time to wait out a weather window, scout your location, or just let the excitement build. After your ceremony you have 63 days to return the signed license to the county clerk.
Follow the four steps above: obtain your marriage license from the closest county clerk, bring your ID and $30, sign the license at your ceremony, and return it to the county clerk within 63 days. That’s it. No additional filings, no witnesses, nothing else required.
There are no legal requirements for what your ceremony has to include. Most couples exchange vows and rings, but the format is completely up to you. I’ve photographed everything from two-minute sunrise ceremonies to full productions with readings, music, and champagne. Some couples do handfasting, some write elaborate scripts, some just say what comes naturally in the moment. All of it counts.
Yes. In Colorado your friend doesn’t need to be ordained or certified to lead your ceremony. They can write a script, say a few words, or just stand there and cheer you on. The only legal requirement is that you and your partner sign the marriage license yourselves. Your friend’s involvement is purely ceremonial.
Yes to both. Self-solemnization has no witness requirement in Colorado, but you’re absolutely free to invite guests, bring a photographer, or have your whole friend group there if that’s what you want. The only people who need to sign the license are the two of you.
Yes. Officiating your own marriage, self-solemnizing, and self-uniting are all terms for the same thing in Colorado. You perform your own ceremony, you sign your own license, and the state recognizes it exactly like any other legal marriage.
From the county clerk’s office in whichever Colorado county is closest to where you’re getting married. I recommend scheduling your appointment a few days before your ceremony rather than the same day, just to give yourself a buffer if anything comes up. Out of state couples can often have the license mailed to them, and Colorado locals can do a virtual appointment.
No. Colorado marriage licenses are available to anyone regardless of where you live. A lot of couples fly in specifically because Colorado is one of the few states where self-solemnization is legal with no strings attached. If you’re coming from out of state, the county clerk can often mail your license to your home address after you apply.
A traditional elopement still requires a licensed officiant to sign your marriage license. A self-solemnized elopement does not. In Colorado, self-solemnization is about as close to the original spirit of eloping as you can get. Just the two of you, wherever you want, doing it entirely on your own terms.
You and your partner are the only required signatures on a Colorado self-solemnization marriage license. That said, you can invite friends or family to sign as well if you want. There’s no limit, and I’ve seen couples fill both sides of the license at a celebration after the ceremony.
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.