Common Law Marriage in Colorado
State-specific overview · Family Law
Colorado recognizes common law marriage if parties agree to marry, live together, and hold themselves out as married.
How Colorado treats Common Law Marriage
Colorado allows common law marriage without a formal ceremony or license, requiring only mutual consent to be married, cohabitation, and public representation as a married couple. The state does not impose a minimum cohabitation period. Courts examine the parties' conduct, statements, and how they presented themselves to the community. A common law marriage in Colorado has the same legal status and dissolution requirements as a ceremonial marriage.
The general definition of Common Law Marriage
A marriage created by mutual agreement and cohabitation, without a formal ceremony or license.
Common law marriage is a legal marriage that exists without a wedding ceremony or marriage license, based simply on a couple's agreement to be married and their living together as spouses. Not all states recognize it, but those that do treat common law marriages the same as formal ones for purposes of property division, inheritance, and divorce. The couple must meet specific requirements, like living together for a certain period and presenting themselves publicly as married.
Read the full Common Law Marriage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.