Continuing our exploration of state marriage laws takes us to New Mexico and Colorado. The beauty in these two states makes them ideal for destination weddings (though truth be told, every state we’ve looked at so far seems to have a great reason to call themselves a destination wedding spot. So let’s take a look at New Mexico and Colorado.
New Mexico
When you think of New Mexico, do you think of a beautiful desert state? You wouldn’t be alone in that. It’s also a beautiful mountain state and a state with some fantastic ski resorts and much more. When applying for your New Mexico marriage license, you will need to provide your driver’s license (if you are over the age of 24.) Applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 needs to present their driver’s license, birth certificate and Social Security numbers. There is no requirement for a blood or other medical test to apply for your marriage license. Fees for a marriage license vary from county to county, so check with the county where you plan to apply for your marriage license.
If you were married previously, you will need to provide the date of the final divorce decree or the date on which your previous spouse died. If you are under the age of 18, you will need your parent’s consent to get married. If you are under the age of 16, you will need a court order as well as your parent’s consent. New Mexico also requires 2 witnesses to the marriage ceremony. There is no waiting period following your New Mexico wedding application.
New Mexico does not allow for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage
New Mexico does allow for cousin marriage. Your marriage license is valid for one year. To get a copy of your New Mexico marriage certificate:
Vital Statistics
New Mexico Health Services Division
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: (505) 827-2338
Colorado
Planning a wedding in Colorado? Be sure to check with the county where you plan to get married as each county may have its own special requirements governing marriage licenses and laws. When applying for a marriage license, you will need to bring a valid form of identification as well as your social security card.
If you were married previously, you will need to bring a certified copy of your spouse’s death certificate or final divorce decree. There is no waiting period once you have received your marriage license. Colorado does not allow for covenant marriage at this time. Same sex marriages are also not recognized in Colorado. They do allow for proxy marriage if one partner is too ill, out of state or incarcerated. You will need to obtain an absentee application and it must be completed and notarized by the absent partner.
Cousin marriages are allowed as is common law marriage. According to the Colorado Uniform Marriage Act , you must both be 18 when you entered into the common law marriage for it to be recognized whether it is recognized in another state or not.
Applicants under the age of 18 will need to have the consent of both parents. If under the age of 16, you must have the consent of both parents as well as a court order. Your Colorado marriage license is valid for 30 days. To obtain a copy of your Colorado marriage certificate:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, Colorado 80346-1530
Telephone: (303) 692-2234
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans