A Sample of Available Ceremonies
Blended Family Ceremony
It is the coming together and merging of two families. When the bride and/or groom have children, it is appropriate for the children to be included in the wedding ceremony. With children present, the wedding ceremony also becomes the proclamation of a new family.
Unity Candle Ceremony
The symbolism of the bride and groom becoming one is often enacted in a “Unity Candle Ceremony” as two families are merged together by the joining of two people in marriage.
Blending of the Sands Ceremony
The “Blending of the Sands Ceremony” is a beautiful and meaningful alternative to the “Unity Candle” ceremony. This can be customized to include portions of the “Blended Family Ceremony”.
Hands of the Bride and Groom Ceremony
Many cultures have different ways of blessing the hands of the bride and groom. In any tradition, a hand blessing is a ritual that is meant to symbolize their union as one and draw you closer to one another.
Bundling
Some Native American perform a ritual that is called “Bundling” where the couple is wrapped in a blanket to symbolize unity.
Rose Ceremony
In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a rose. It began as a tradition that symbolized love and commitment. A bride and groom would gift one another with a red rose, with each rose symbolizing their love and commitment to each other. If you have children involved in the ceremony, you may have a rose for each of them, too.
Tree Planting Ceremony
If a wedding ceremony is performed on a family property some couples like the enduring significance of planting a tree as a symbol of the new life they are creating together. This can be customized to include portions of the “Blended Family Ceremony”.
Flower Ceremony
Members of the family place different varieties and colors of flowers in a large bouquet, representing their diversity.
Jump the Broom
The “jumping the broom” the act represents a “brushing away” of the past in order to start clean.
Ring Warming/Blessing
For a small wedding you can include guests in the ceremony by having each person bless your bands.
Wine Ceremony
The bride and groom drink from a single cup of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together. It serves to impress upon the couple that from that moment on they will share everything in life joys, as well as sorrows.
Circle the Groom (or Bride!)
In Jewish tradition, the bride circles the groom seven times to break down any barriers between them. Today, rather than the bride circling around her groom, the couple often encircle around one another.
El Paso County Marriage License Requirements
Marriage License Fee: $30.00
Citizens Service Center
1675 W. Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Ph: 719.520.6200
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m / M – F
200 South Cascade
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Ph: 719.520.6200
Fx: 719.520.6212
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m / M – F
Southeast Powers
5650 Industrial Place
Powers Blvd and Airport Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Ph: 719.520.6200
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m / M – F
North Union Town Center
8830 N. Union Blvd
Research Pkwy and Union Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Ph: 719.520.6200
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m / M – F
Application:
• Both applicants must appear in person to apply and sign the marriage application.
• If one party cannot appear due to illness, because he/she is out-of-state state, or incarcerated, the party applying must bring the absentee application along with identification for the absent party. The absentee application form must be notarized in advance.
• $30 Cash for Marriage License Fee.
• Identification for Proof of Age: Such as a Driver’s License issued in the United States, Passport, Military ID, or State-issued ID Card.
• Social Security Number: If either party does not have a social security number, they must sign an affidavit provided by the County Clerk’s office when applying for the license.
• Place of Birth (City and State) must be listed on the application form.
• Parents’ Names and Current Addresses must be listed on the application form.
ID Requirement in Colorado:
Acceptable ID includes:
• Birth Certificate
• Valid Driver’s License (or temporary issued with voided previous license)
• Passport (both expired and valid)
• Valid state identification card (or temporary issued with voided previous ID)
• Military identification
• Alien Registration Card (Green card)
• Any U.S. government issued identification containing a photo, date of birth, issue date, and expiration date
Waiting Period in Colorado: There is no waiting period for getting married in the State of Colorado.
Residency Requirement: Applicants for a marriage license need not be Colorado residents.
Previous Marriages: If either party has finalized a divorce within 30 days of applying for the marriage license, the final decree must be produced. This decree must be signed by the judge or court referee. If the divorce has been final more than 30 days, divorce information must be given regarding date of divorce, place of divorce and court in which the divorce was finalized.
Proxy Marriages: Yes, if one party cannot appear due to illness, is out of the state of Colorado, or incarcerated, then he or she can obtain an absentee application.
Cousin Marriages: Yes
Common Law Marriages: Yes
Blood test in Colorado: No. Colorado does not require blood tests.