Getting a marriage license in La Plata County takes two steps, one online and one in person. The Clerk and Recorder's Office now books licenses by appointment. The city does not issue licenses at all, which surprises people who start at City Hall. Everything below comes from the county's own licensing page, read on Oct. 22, 2026.
How do you get a marriage license in La Plata County?
The office describes the process in four moves (La Plata County Clerk and Recorder):
1. Fill out the online application. One of you enters your information as Party One, and your partner fills in Party Two. 2. Submit the form, then use the bookings link on the confirmation page to pick an appointment. 3. Book it for any time from 35 days before your wedding up to the wedding day itself. You sign the application and pick up the license at that visit. 4. Watch for the confirmation email. If you asked a question on the application, staff say they will email an answer.
Both of you must be there for the appointment, with valid ID and $30. The county says a license must be obtained in person.
Where is the office, and when is it open?
The Clerk and Recorder's Office is at 679 Turner Drive, Suite C, Durango, CO 81303. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. It is closed Friday. The County Assessor is in Suite A of the same building, which helps if you are also sorting out property records. The county's licensing page lists 970-382-6281 for copy requests. The City of Durango says licenses are issued by the county and gives the Marriage License Bureau number as (970) 382-6280 (City of Durango). Two numbers differ by one digit, so use whichever connects.
What do you need to bring?
Photo ID is required to prove identity and age, and the county accepts several kinds:
- A Colorado driver license or ID card, or a valid out-of-state photo license or ID
- A valid U.S. military ID, or a DD214 that is not marked "Not to be used for identification"
- A tribal ID card
- A certificate of naturalization with an intact photo
- A valid foreign passport with an I-94, or a permanent resident card
The county will not accept a Matricular Consular Card, a novelty ID, a jail ID, a souvenir birth certificate or a temporary license. The application asks for each person's place of birth, parents' names including the mother's maiden name, and divorce details if you were married before: date, place and the court that granted it.
Who can officiate?
Colorado lets you choose. The county lists magistrates, tribal officials and clergy, and says out-of-state clergy do not need to register in Colorado. Judges and retired judges can marry you too, but for a civil ceremony you contact the La Plata County Courthouse by email. The third option surprises many couples. The two of you can sign the officiant line yourselves, which makes you your own officiants.
The license itself records the county where you sign, the date, and the place, such as a venue, trailhead, address or coordinates. That place must be in Colorado. If you are planning a larger event, our guide to planning a Durango wedding walks through venues, and the directory lists wedding planners, venues and photographers.
Who cannot get a license?
The county's page lists these limits:
- One of the parties is still married to another person
- The parties are brother and sister, uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, whether by half or whole blood
- Legal age without parental consent is 18 for both people, and for applicants 16 and older the county says a judicial court order is required, so call the La Plata County Courthouse at 970-247-2304
What if one of you cannot attend?
Both people should apply together. If that is impossible, one may come with a notarized Absentee Affidavit and a photocopy of the absent party's government ID. You can get the affidavit by calling the office or visiting. Colorado also allows proxy marriages under C.R.S. 14-2-109 in narrow cases, such as a partner stationed away in support of a U.S. military operation, with at least one party a Colorado resident and both 18 or older.
How do you get copies after the wedding?
Certified copies cost $1.25 each, and the county recommends them if you plan to change your name. Anyone may request a certified copy of a license. Copies of the application itself go only to either spouse or an immediate family member, and the request form must be notarized. Name changes usually involve the state licensing office next, so see where the DMV is in Durango and where to get a passport. Questions about records outside the county go to the state: vital.records@state.co.us or 303-692-2200, option 4.