Solemnize My Own Marriage?

LastGypsy

My fiance and I aren't religious and don't like the idea of choosing an officiant off the internet. I've done some research and I know that you can solemnize your own marriage in Colorado. From what I understand, we could essentially go to the courthouse, sign our license ourselves and be good to go. 

With this in mind, is there anything wrong with having my dad essentially officiate the ceremony and then just signing the license oursleves? 

If not, how would he end it? "By the power vested in me from the bride and groom?"

Is that cheating the system?

sakana1840

this is the way to go. i guess techincally someone can "perform" the ceremony and you can sign the liscense

i don't think that's cheating the system

ksheeks

My husband and I did this for our wedding (2011) so I can confidently say "yes" you can, I think it's very cool that it's an option in Colorado.  I think it's an awesome idea to have your dad officiate, and by the way, you don't have to have the ceremony at the courthouse and yes, you can sign the license yourselves (no witnesses required).

Here's what we did: we wrote the whole ceremony ourselves (we're not religious either and wanted something personal and special).  We held it outdoors (we love the mountains) and asked 4 family members to officiate - I'm so glad we did this instead of some random officiant that didn't really know us.  They each read parts of the ceremony and my hubbie and I read love letters we'd written to each other especially for the day.  You asked how to finish and of course, t's really up to you.  We did our vows, then exchanged the rings afterwards and then my hubbie said "by the power vested in us by the state of Colorado, we pronounce ourselves husband and wife" and I then said "you may now kiss the bride" 

Whatever you do, I'm sure it'll be great, good luck and have fun!

EADenver

ksheeks, I LOVE your ending. :-) Too cute! 

Agree with all other comments: we looked into this extensively because we aren't religious and didn't want a random judge to marry us. As she brought up above, remember, you can't have a family member (unless they happen to be a judge) sign your marriage certificate. You have to either have a judge, member of the clergy etc or sign it yourselves. 

Another fun thing about Colorado is that you don't need real witnesses. You can have a baby footprint, dog paw, thumb print or anything else you want on your witness line! 

goodmanr

Just a note to the above, we had a friend officiate and he was able to officially sign the certificate after getting ordained online.  He actually went to seminary but his license had expired-- this worked for us, since we wanted him to officially marry us.  Otherwise, yes-- do yourself, a judge, or you can have someone else get "ordained."