Fort Collins, CO Online Ordination Guide

Officiate Weddings in Fort Collins, Colorado

What’s not to adore about Fort Collins? It seamlessly blends the vibrancy of a big city cultural scene with the charm of a small town atmosphere, all while being surrounded by breathtaking outdoor destinations. It’s an ideal locale for both living and tying the knot! Whether you envision a rustic Colorado-style celebration or a glamorous affair in the heart of the city, Fort Collins offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding dreams to come true.

Before diving into the area’s top wedding venues, let’s address the necessary legal steps to ensure your marriage goes smoothly. This includes arranging for your preferred officiant to become ordained and ensuring you obtain and fill out your marriage license accurately.

STEP 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

The ordainment process is a crucial step in ensuring your marriage is legally recognized. According to Colorado Revised Statute 14-2-109, individuals authorized to solemnize a marriage include:

1. Judges or retired judges.
2. Court magistrates.
3. Public officials authorized by law to perform marriage ceremonies.
4. Ministers, rabbis, or leaders of religious denominations or societies who are recognized by their respective religious organizations and who are authorized to solemnize marriages according to the customs of their faith.

No worries if you don’t fit into any of the mentioned categories. You can easily become ordained through AMM (American Marriage Ministries). The signup process is free and typically takes just a few minutes.

Begin Ordination

STEP 2: Prepare For Officiating the Wedding

Now that the initial steps are sorted, let’s focus on preparing for the wedding ceremony itself. While being asked to officiate is an honor, it can also feel like a daunting task. Our wedding training pages are designed to support you every step of the way, providing a comprehensive library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure it goes off without a hitch.

Explore our collection of resources, where you’ll discover everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts to helpful brainstorming prompts, preparation tips, and much more. We’ve curated a wealth of information to assist you in crafting a memorable and meaningful ceremony.

STEP 3: Officiate the Wedding

As the officiant, it’s your responsibility to complete the marriage certificate thoroughly. Ensure all fields are filled out accurately, including the county, date, and time of the ceremony, as well as the physical location. Don’t forget to sign the certificate and include your official title. Additionally, both members of the couple must sign the certificate to finalize the marriage. Completing these steps meticulously is essential for the legal recognition of the marriage.

Remember, it’s crucial to return the marriage certificate to the county clerk’s office promptly, within 63 days of the ceremony. Failure to do so may result in penalties, including a $20 late fee initially, and an additional $5 late fee for each subsequent day of non-compliance, up to a maximum of $50. Ensure timely submission to avoid any unnecessary fees or complications in the legal process.

Fort Collins Wedding Planning Logistics

Prioritize your responsibilities as a couple by first completing the marriage license application online before visiting the county clerk’s office. You can fill out the application conveniently on their website. Next, make sure to schedule an appointment by calling 970-498-7860 and selecting option 1. This ensures a smooth and efficient process when you go to pick up your marriage license.

On the day of your scheduled appointment, both members of the couple must visit the county clerk’s office located at 200 West Oak St., situated on the first floor. If you prefer, there are also additional locations available in Loveland and Estes Park to accommodate your needs.

Make sure to bring the following items with you when you visit the county clerk’s office:

• Valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, for both members of the couple.
• Payment of the $30 marriage license fee.

If available, the transaction number provided upon completion of the online application (though not required, it can be helpful). Having these items ready will streamline the process of obtaining your marriage license.

After completing your appointment, you and your partner are free to tie the knot anytime within the next 35 days, as that’s when the marriage license expires for use. Following the wedding ceremony, your officiant will take care of returning the license to the county clerk’s office for proper recording. This final step ensures that your marriage is legally recognized.

If you haven’t received your original marriage license via mail within 14 days after it has been recorded, don’t hesitate to contact the county clerk’s office at 970-498-7860 to inquire about its status. They’ll be able to provide assistance and ensure you receive the necessary documentation in a timely manner.

Fort Collins Marriage License Info

For couples seeking a marriage license in Fort Collins, Colorado, here are some key details to keep in mind:

• Issuance Office: 200 West Oak St.
• Fee: $30
• Waiting Period: None
• Expiration: 35 days
• Return: The marriage license must be returned by the officiant within 63 days of issuance.

These important facts ensure a smooth and efficient process for obtaining and finalizing your marriage license in Larimer County.

Wedding Planning Tips

For couples seeking breathtaking views and the tranquility of nature for their wedding, consider these stunning mountain resorts near Fort Collins, each located just about an hour away in Rocky Mountain National Park:

1. Della Terra Mountain Chateau: Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Rockies, Della Terra offers a luxurious and romantic setting for weddings. With its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and panoramic views, it’s an ideal venue for couples seeking a mountain-inspired celebration.
2. The Landing at Estes Park: Situated on the shores of Lake Estes, The Landing offers picturesque waterfront views and rustic charm. Its scenic outdoor spaces and cozy indoor accommodations provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and memorable wedding.
3. Taharaa Mountain Lodge: Perched on a hillside overlooking Estes Park, Taharaa Mountain Lodge combines mountain grandeur with modern amenities. Its spacious event spaces, outdoor patios, and mountain vistas create a magical setting for couples exchanging vows amidst the beauty of nature.

Whether you’re envisioning a rustic outdoor ceremony, an elegant indoor affair, or a combination of both, these mountain resorts offer unparalleled beauty and romance for your special day.

For couples preferring a wedding venue centrally located in Fort Collins, there’s no shortage of excellent options. Among them is Edwards House, renowned for its elegant charm and historic allure. This beautiful mansion boasts lavish decorations and provides a sophisticated backdrop for weddings. With its timeless ambiance and impeccable service, Edwards House offers couples a truly elegant setting for their special day right in the heart of Fort Collins.

Before finalizing your wedding venue, it’s essential to check local events calendars to ensure your chosen date doesn’t coincide with major events in Fort Collins, such as university games or festivals. Avoiding potential conflicts will help prevent traffic congestion and ensure smooth logistics on your special day. Be sure to consider the impact of local events when setting your wedding date to minimize any disruptions and ensure a seamless celebration for you and your guests.

Transport Around Fort Collins

Navigating Fort Collins is convenient and straightforward, thanks to its reliable public transportation system, Transport. Whether you’re exploring the city by bus or enjoying a ride on the refurbished Birney streetcar during the summer months, getting around is a breeze. Additionally, many locals opt for biking as their preferred mode of transportation, given the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure.

However, for your wedding day transportation needs, consider taking advantage of one of the many limousine services available in town. Arriving in style in a luxurious limousine adds an extra touch of elegance and convenience to your special day, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience for you and your guests.

Outdoor Weddings and Weather

Fort Collins offers ideal wedding weather year-round, catering to various preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

1. Spring and Fall: Mild temperatures make for comfortable outdoor ceremonies, with temperatures typically ranging from the 60s to 70s. These seasons showcase blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall, creating picturesque backdrops for your celebration.
2. Summer: Warm temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s provide the perfect setting for outdoor weddings. With long daylight hours, summer offers ample opportunities for enjoying the outdoors and hosting memorable events.
3. Winter: Although temperatures may dip into the 30s, winters in Fort Collins are relatively mild. While there’s a possibility of snowfall from December through February, it rarely accumulates on the ground for an extended period. Winter weddings can evoke a cozy and romantic atmosphere, especially with festive decorations and warm indoor venues.

Regardless of the season you choose, Fort Collins’ favorable weather ensures a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day festivities.

Summer weddings in Fort Collins offer a relaxed atmosphere with fewer college students in town, resulting in less traffic and a more laid-back vibe. However, spring and fall are often considered the most pleasant times temperature-wise, making them popular choices for weddings.

If you dream of a winter wonderland wedding, consider an early winter celebration at one of the Rocky Mountain lodges. With the possibility of snowfall and picturesque mountain scenery, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic and memorable white wedding.

Ultimately, the best time for your wedding depends on your preferences, priorities, and vision for your special day. Whether you prefer the mild temperatures of spring and fall, the relaxed ambiance of summer, or the snowy charm of winter, Fort Collins offers options to suit every couple’s taste and style.