How to Get Married at the Denver Courthouse

Here's the Real Tea......

The Denver Courthouse wedding is iconic, intimate, efficient. Whether you're eloping with your soulmate, planning a micro-wedding with your closest crew, or just want to get legally hitched before the big celebration later, courthouse weddings are full of charm, meaningful moments, and... confusing logistics. Quite a few people have been asking me how to even start with planning a Denver Courthouse Elopement so I decided to make a clear guide!

Let me be real with you - figuring out how to actually get married in a Denver courthouse is like trying to follow a treasure map drawn by someone who forgot they buried the treasure. But never fear! I’ve done the digging, emailing, and mildly aggressive Googling for you. Consider this your go-to guide for tying the knot courthouse-style in the Mile High City.

Step One: Get Your Marriage License (The Paperwork Part)

Before anything else, you’ll need that magical marriage license. You can get this from the Denver County Clerk and Recorder’s office. Depending on your situation, you might be able to snag an appointment online, especially helpful if you’re coming from out of town. If not, you’ll need to show up in person.

What to bring:

A valid government-issued photo ID
Your partner (yes, you both need to be there)
A little patience (because: government buildings)

The good news? You can use your license right away!! There’s no waiting period in Colorado! And it’s valid for 35 days.

Step Two: Book a Judge

Now here’s where things get a little less straightforward. You’d think you could just book a courtroom online or click a cute little button that says “Get Married Here.” But nope. That would be too easy.

Instead, you’ll want to look up the list of Denver County Court magistrates (don’t worry, I’ve got the link handy if you need it - just shoot me a message). Each judge has different availability and locations they work out of, so your best bet? Send a friendly email to a few magistrates and see who’s available on your preferred date. They rotate between courthouses, so it really comes down to who’s available and where they’ll be on your date.

👉 Here’s the official list of magistrates and their contact info

They’re usually happy to work with you and guide you through what’s possible. (Pro tip: Be flexible, kind, and prompt- it goes a long way.)

Step Three: Pick a Spot (There’s More Than One Courthouse!)

Denver has multiple courthouse buildings, and you might have options based on your judge’s schedule and your own preferences. Here are the main ones:

City and County Building (1437 Bannock Street): Classic Denver architecture, epic columns, and those front steps. It’s the most photogenic spot by far and a favorite for ceremonies held outside (weather permitting).
Denver County Court (520 W Colfax Ave): Not quite as pretty, but still an option if your timing is tight.
Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse (also on Colfax): More modern, less charm, but sometimes the only choice if other spaces are booked.

Judges will sometimes perform ceremonies on the courthouse steps, especially at the City and County Building. These outdoor ceremonies are chef’s kiss if you’re going for those clean, urban courthouse wedding vibes.

Step Four: Confirm the Details

Once your magistrate says “let’s do this,” lock in the time, date, and location with them. Then ask a few key questions:

Can we bring fresh flowers?
Is our photographer allowed in the courtroom?
Any rules about where the photographer can stand or move during the ceremony?
Is there a time limit or anything else we should plan for?

Every judge is a little different, so it’s good to know what’s cool and what’s a no-go.

Step Five: Say “I Do” (And Maybe Cry a Little)

You made it! The paperwork’s done, the judge is ready, the outfits are fire, and your love is about to be legally official. All that’s left is to show up, take a deep breath, and soak in this sweet, sweet moment.

Want to level up the experience? Add a bouquet, dress up a bit, bring a handful of guests (depending on space limits), and definitely bring a photographer who knows how to capture the magic in these kinds of intimate spaces (hi, I know a gal 😉).

Bonus Tips:

Make a reservation at a favorite Denver restaurant to celebrate afterward. Courthouse weddings pair beautifully with spontaneous champagne toasts and tacos.
If you're having a few guests, plan to meet them outside the courthouse for photos-security doesn’t always let groups into the buildings.
Weekdays are your friend- Fridays especially book up fast, so snag a spot early if you’ve got a date in mind.

So there you have it: the not-so-secret, secretly-a-little-tricky roadmap to getting married at the Denver Courthouse. Simple in spirit, slightly more complex in execution, but 100% worth it.

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding and want a photographer who’s just as into the quiet moments as the big ones, I’d be honored to document your day. You bring the love, I’ll bring the camera. Let’s make it official.