spoiler: your dog can literally sign your marriage license
Planning a wedding can be… a lot. Between the endless Pinterest scrolling, choosing between 47 shades of ivory, and trying to seat Aunt Karen *not* next to your college roommate, the logistics can start to feel a little overwhelming. But if you're getting married in Colorado? Take a deep breath — because you just hit the wedding jackpot.
Here’s why Colorado is hands-down the easiest (and, let’s be real, the most fun) state to tie the knot in.
Your dog can be your witness. Seriously.
Since Colorado doesn’t require any witnesses for a marriage license to be valid, couples have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to who (or *what*) signs it. And yes — that includes your dog. You can literally have your furry best friend “sign” your marriage license with a paw print, and it’s 100% legal. I’ve seen couples bring their pups to the courthouse or trailhead, gently press that little paw into an ink pad, and stamp it right onto the license next to their own signatures. It’s one of the cutest and most personal touches you can add to your day — and let’s be honest, it makes for a killer photo op. (Pro tip: bring some treats, a towel or baby wipe for clean-up, and maybe do a test run at home first.) For dog lovers and adventure elopers, it’s a small moment that turns into a forever memory.
Easy license process (and no waiting period).
You can walk into any County Clerk’s office in Colorado and walk out with your marriage license the very same day — no appointment needed, no drama, no red tape. Seriously, it’s that simple. There’s *no waiting period* so you don’t have to plan around timing or come back days later just to make things official. And unlike some states, there’s no blood test required, which is one less weirdly outdated thing to worry about. The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes, and the fee is super reasonable — around $30 (cash or card depending on the county). All you and your partner need are valid government-issued IDs (like a driver’s license or passport), and you're good to go. You’ll leave with your license in hand, ready to sign it whenever, wherever — whether that's at the top of a mountain, in your backyard, or five minutes later in the parking lot. Flexibility like that is hard to beat.
Here’s the official City & County of Denver webpage detailing Colorado’s marriage license process
Click here to view CO Marriage application
Epic backdrops are literally everywhere.
Want to get married on a mountaintop at sunrise? Say your vows by a crystal-clear alpine lake? Dance barefoot in the middle of a wildflower field with nobody around but the trees and your person? Colorado makes it all possible — and surprisingly easy. The state is packed with unreal scenery: snow-capped peaks, golden aspen groves, red rock canyons, open meadows, and forests that look like something straight out of a fairytale. And the best part? Most of it is public land— which means you can often get married in these jaw-dropping locations with just a simple permit (and in some places, no permit at all). Whether you're hiking in with just your backpacks or bringing a small group of guests for a mountaintop picnic, there’s a wild, beautiful spot waiting for you. Colorado isn’t just photogenic — it’s a full-on playground.
It’s made for adventure lovers.
Colorado is a haven for couples who want to ditch the rulebook and do things their own way — whether that means hiking in their wedding clothes, skiing down the aisle, or saying "I do" during golden hour on a cliffside with the wind in their hair and mountains all around. This state was practically made for the wildly-in-love, the barefoot-in-the-woods types, and anyone who wants their wedding day to feel more like an unforgettable adventure than a stiff, traditional ceremony. Whether you’re planning a quiet sunrise elopement with just the two of you, a mountaintop vow exchange followed by beers at a local brewery, or a full-on weekend getaway with your closest people in a cabin tucked deep in the forest, Colorado has you completely covered. From rugged trails to cozy towns, this place gives you the freedom to build a wedding day that feels just right for you.
list of top Colorado locations:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
2. Maroon Bells
3. Telluride
4. Great Sand Dunes
5. Garden of the Gods
6. Sapphire Point
7. Loveland Pass
8. Crested Butte
9. Blue Lakes
10. Lost Gulch Overlook
So yeah, Colorado keeps it simple — and wildly beautiful.
So yeah, Colorado keeps it simple — and wildly beautiful.
As a wedding photographer who’s been lucky enough to shoot all kinds of love stories here, I can say this with confidence: Getting married in Colorado isn’t just easy. It’s magical, laid-back, and a little wild — just like the best kind of love.
Thinking about making it official here? Let’s chat. I know some epic spots (and I always carry extra treats for your furry witness).
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