How to Elope at the Denver Courthouse
While on your wedding journey, has the traditional style of wedding been something that gives you too much stress, or not quite your vibe? Have you thought about a Denver Courthouse Wedding? With this option, you can have a small, intimate gathering with friends and family or something just between the two of you. Kiara & Evan decided that the traditional vibe was just not for them! They planned an elopement in Italy, just the two of them, but also wanted to include something that their closest friends & family could be part of. Cue A Denver courthouse wedding!
Planning YOUR Denver courthouse wedding
When getting ready, you want to make sure you are crossing off the important to-dos for your special day(they don't have to all be in the order as listed, but I recommend keeping one as your first step)!
Get your marriage license from Denver County at the Wellington Webb Building.
Start by reading the requirements and completing your application online before your appointment.
Schedule your in-person appointment
GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE! (Arrive at the appointment with/ your partner and all of the required items)
You’ll need to sign your license within 35 days of receiving it, then return it within 63 days of receiving it, so plan accordingly!!
When your wedding ceremony is done, sign your license and send it back via mail, or use the Clerk and Recorder drop box in front of the Webb Municipal Building
2. Find your Officiant and location
You will want to find an officiant to guide your marriage ceremony (information can be found here)—some magistrates, if the weather permits, may officiate a ceremony on the Denver County Court steps. If you're looking for a more personal option, consider having a family member/friend, or even one of you, become ordained, or opt for self-solemnization (info on self-solemnization can be found here).
In your email, you’ll want to make sure you both agree on a date, time, and location. You also need to confirm whether they allow certain things in the courtroom, like fresh flowers, photographers, and videographers.
If you decide to go with a magistrate, they typically require payment in cash on the day of the ceremony, so plan ahead to grab that from the ATM a few days before the ceremony.
3. Decide on vendors, and after the ceremony details
Are you going to wear that special outfit you found? Do you want special flowers for the day? Do you want to go get dinner after? Do you want to rent a cool car for a “just married” vibe? Do you want a photographer for the whole time, after the event, or for “whole day coverage”? As a Denver Elopement Photographer, I firmly believe that the photos from your wedding day are one of the most important aspects. They will last throughout your love and marriage, to help provide memories and stories for years to come. If you're feeling like a yes to the photographer, I’d love to connect!
4. GET MARRIED!
Dreamy Denver Courthouse Wedding and Elopement Photographer
When you choose me as your Denver Elopement Photographer, I work with my clients to bring their perfect vision to life and create lasting memories. Your day doesn't have to be hours & hours of coverage, nor does it need all the bells & whistles; just good people & your best friend. Kiara & Evan are a great example of that and are one of my absolute sweetest clients who chose to do a 2-hour elopement with me. They read vows, said yes, took a bunch of family photos, and then we ran around the exterior of the courthouse taking a mix of candids & editorial shots. The Denver courthouse gives an excellent opportunity for Editorial Downtown Denver Courthouse Elopement style of images. You can still experience all the bells and whistles without committing to the time, and it won't take over your day. Courthouse elopements are some of my favorites because I love capturing your important moments and getting to know the most important people in your lives. I’d love to photograph your Denver Courthouse Elopement!
