How to Get Ordained in Colorado: Requirements for Wedding Officiants
Colorado is one of the most beautiful and most unique states in the country when it comes to wedding law. Whether the ceremony is planned for a mountain venue in the Rockies, a vineyard on the Western Slope, or a city ceremony in Denver, Colorado couples have real options when it comes to how they structure their wedding — including who officiates it.
If you've been asked to officiate a wedding in Colorado, or if you're considering becoming a professional wedding officiant here, this guide will walk you through the legal requirements, the fastest way to get ordained, and what makes Colorado's marriage laws a little different from most states.
Colorado's Self-Solemnization Option (And Why It Still Matters for Officiants)
Colorado is one of a small number of states that allows self-solemnization — meaning a couple can legally marry without any officiant at all. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-2-109, parties to a marriage may solemnize their own marriage.
This is worth knowing because it reflects how Colorado approaches marriage: as a legal contract between two people, with flexibility built in. However, the vast majority of Colorado couples still want a ceremony with an officiant — someone who leads the ceremony, personalizes the experience, and makes the day meaningful.
For those couples, having an ordained minister perform the ceremony remains the standard practice and your All Faith Ministry ordination is legally recognized for this purpose throughout Colorado.
Is Online Ordination Legal in Colorado?
Yes. Under Colorado law, an ordained minister of any religious denomination or society may solemnize a marriage. Online ordination from a legitimate religious organization like All Faith Ministry satisfies this requirement.
All Faith Ministry is a legally established religious organization. Your AFM ordination credential confirms that you are an ordained minister in good standing which is all Colorado requires for you to legally officiate a wedding.
How to Get Ordained in Colorado: Step by Step
Here is the complete process for getting ordained and officiating a wedding in Colorado:
Step 1: Get Ordained Online Through All Faith Ministry
Visit the All Faith Ministry ordination page and submit your application. The process is entirely online and typically takes only a few minutes.
Step 2: Receive Your Ordination Credentials
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your official AFM ordination documents. These confirm you are an ordained minister authorized to perform religious ceremonies, including weddings.
Step 3: The Couple Obtains a Marriage License
In Colorado, the couple must apply for a marriage license from the county clerk in the county where the ceremony will take place — or from any county in Colorado. The license is valid for 35 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period after applying.
Step 4: Perform the Ceremony
As an ordained AFM minister, you are authorized to perform the ceremony. Colorado does not require officiants to pre-register with a government agency before performing a ceremony.
Step 5: Sign and Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony, the officiant and both parties must sign the marriage license. The signed license must be returned to the county clerk's office within 63 days of the ceremony. This is one of the longer return windows among U.S. states, but don't let that lead to procrastination return it promptly.
Do I Need to Register as an Officiant in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not require officiants to file paperwork with a government office or court before performing a ceremony. Unlike some states where officiants must register in advance, Colorado simply requires that you be ordained by a recognized religious organization.
Bring a printed copy of your AFM ordination credential to the ceremony. While venues and county clerks will rarely ask for it, having it on hand demonstrates professionalism and can resolve any last-minute questions from venue staff or the couple's family.
Officiating Outdoor and Mountain Weddings in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most popular states for outdoor and destination weddings. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Telluride, Vail, Aspen, and dozens of other venues draw couples from across the country.
As an AFM-ordained officiant, you can perform ceremonies at any of these locations. A few practical notes:
Altitude Considerations
If you or the couple are not acclimated to high altitude, plan extra time before the ceremony to adjust — this is especially relevant for ceremonies above 8,000 feet.
Venue Permits
Some outdoor venues on public land (including national parks and state parks) require a permit for wedding ceremonies. This is a venue issue, not an officiant issue, but it's worth mentioning to the couple during planning.
Weather Backup
Colorado mountain weather can change rapidly. A weather contingency plan is essential for outdoor ceremonies above the Front Range.
What Happens if the Signed License Isn't Returned?
If the signed marriage license is not returned to the county clerk's office, the marriage will not be officially recorded in the state's records. While the ceremony itself may have been legally performed, the couple will have no official marriage record until the license is returned and processed.
As the officiant, you are the key link in this process. Confirm with the couple in advance who is responsible for returning the license, get a return address from the county clerk, and treat the return deadline as a hard commitment.
Get Ordained in Colorado Today
Getting started as a wedding officiant in Colorado is simple with All Faith Ministry. The ordination process is entirely online, takes only minutes, and gives you the legal credential you need to perform ceremonies anywhere in Colorado.
Once ordained, you'll be ready to lead ceremonies in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, or anywhere in the Rockies with the credentials to back it up.
Colorado's approach to marriage law is straightforward and officiant-friendly. Get ordained with All Faith Ministry, make sure the couple has their license from the appropriate county clerk, perform a ceremony you're proud of, and return the signed license within 63 days. With the right credential and a little planning, you'll be ready to officiate weddings at some of the most spectacular venues in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform a wedding in Colorado with an online ordination?
Yes. Colorado law recognizes ordained ministers of any religious denomination or society. Online ordinations from established organizations like All Faith Ministry are legally valid for officiating weddings throughout Colorado.
Does Colorado require me to register as an officiant?
No. Colorado does not require officiants to register with a government office before performing a ceremony. Your AFM ordination credential is sufficient.
How long does the couple have to get their marriage license before the ceremony?
Colorado marriage licenses are valid for 35 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period after applying. The license must be returned to the county clerk's office within 63 days of the ceremony.
Can couples in Colorado get married without an officiant?
Yes. Colorado allows self-solemnization, where the couple legally marries without an officiant. However, most couples still prefer to have an ordained officiant lead the ceremony, and your AFM ordination fully qualifies you for that role.
