How to Officiate a Wedding in El Paso County, Colorado
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Colorado.
Get Ordained NowEl Paso County by the Numbers
- Population
- 744,215
- Since 2020
- +1.6%
- Households
- 290,190
- Median Age
- 35.1
- Median Household Income
- $90,363
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 5,800
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 2,792
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: June, July & August (avg 68°F) · golden hour in July: ~7:24 PM–8:24 PM
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Helen Hunt Falls, Crystal Park & Rainbow Falls
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Colorado's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license). Golden hour: computed for the county seat, mid-month.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Colorado since 2014. The story of marriage equality in Colorado →
Eloping in El Paso County?
Elope-friendlyno waiting period — marry the same day you get the license · no witnesses required · self-uniting licenses available (no officiant legally required — though we know where you can find one)
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
✓
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
Colorado accepts online ordinations and also allows self-solemnizing marriages. Verify with the county clerk.
Colorado State Law
Colorado allows ordained ministers and self-solemnization (couples can marry themselves). Very ordination-friendly.
Colorado Rev. Stat. § 14-2-109Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- None
- License Valid For
- 35 days
- Witnesses Required
- None
- Blood Test Required
- No
- Return Deadline
- 63 days
- Self-Uniting
- Allowed
County Clerk Contact
El Paso County Clerk's Office
1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd, Suite 2201, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Get directions →Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the El Paso County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (719) 520-6202 and confirm that El Paso County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the El Paso County clerk within 63 days. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
El Paso County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in El Paso County, Colorado?
Yes — El Paso County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Colorado accepts online ordinations and also allows self-solemnizing marriages. Verify with the county clerk.
Do officiants need to register with El Paso County before the ceremony?
No — El Paso County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
How many witnesses are required at a El Paso County wedding?
None — no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license in El Paso County, Colorado.
When must the signed license be returned in El Paso County?
The completed marriage license must be returned within 63 days. As the officiant, returning it is usually your job — don't leave it in a glovebox.
How do I contact the El Paso County clerk?
El Paso County Clerk's Office — 1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd, Suite 2201, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 — phone (719) 520-6202.
Other Colorado Counties
Ready to Officiate?
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.