Self solemnization in Colorado is the concept of marrying yourselves. This is also referred to as a self-uniting ceremony. But did you know – that only a few states allow this? Luckily, Colorado is one of the few states that allow self solemnization, so if you are planning on getting married in Colorado it can be one of easiest processes during your wedding planning.

Defining Self-Solemnization

Self-solemnizing takes out the complication of having a third-party there to witness your marriage on the day of your elopement or wedding. 

After your ceremony you will need to file the paperwork with the local court house that you picked your marriage license up from. There are many reasons why you should file for your marriage and make it legal by government standards. Some of these reasons include taxes, health support, immigration, children, etc. 

I know that the legal side of things can seem daunting but it is a simple process, and I am happy to help you sift through it.

Eloping and Self-Solemnization

Self-solemnization is a great option for couples who are looking to have an adventurous outdoor elopement. You won’t have to find an officiant to come along, which can be difficult if you are looking to do a lot of hiking. Additionally, self-solemnization gives you the option to do the paperwork before your elopement, the day-of, or afterwards!

States that Allow Self-Solemnization

Pennsylvania: allows self-uniting ceremonies but requires two witnesses to sign in place of an officiant. 

Colorado + Washington DC: These locations are probably the easiest self-solemnization states. They allow you to perform a self-uniting marriage ceremony without any other conditions or applications. 

California: has a separate marriage license application for couples who identify with a “non-clergy” belief system. However, it still requires two witness signatures. 

Nevada, Kansas + Maine: allow self-solemnizing for people who identify as ‘Friends’ or ‘Quakers’ and get married through the avenues typical of these organizations. 

Illinois: allows self solemnization in accordance with religious or indigenous ceremonies. 

Wisconsin: allows self solemnization but, does require a form to be signed acknowledging the government. They also cannot guarantee a self-uniting marriage will be acknowledged in all contexts.

What to Do if Your State Doesn’t Allow Self-Uniting Ceremonies

There are still two great ways you can still have an epic elopement day if your state doesn’t allow self-solemnization. 

The first way is to get legally married at the courthouse prior to your elopement and have a commitment ceremony on the day of your wedding.

The second way is you can have me sign as your officiant! AND we can definitely find two-witnesses to sign off on the legal documents. We could find people that are hiking on the same trail as us, ask hotel guests, or people at a restaurant!

Self-Solemnization Tips + Ceremony Ideas

Write Your Own Vows

Writing your own vows is an incredibly intimate detail of your elopement day. It allows you to take time before you commit yourself to each other to take a second and remember, why. Eloping allows couples the privacy to read their own vows to each other without an audience, so really dig deep.

We don’t often take the time to actually write out why we love our partner. Make yourself a cup of tea, sit down in a comfy spot, and day-dream about your relationship. Write down whatever sticks out to you! Writing personal vows is a great way to personalize your elopement day and can inspire real emotions to come out during your ceremony (my favorite thing to photograph). I also recommend purchasing some cute little journals to write them in! This is a great way to feel inspired and committed to writing your vows. Also, they are super cute in photos!

Have Someone Special Sign Your Marriage License

Having someone special sign your marriage license can be a really emotional moment and allows this person to feel involved. Couples who choose to elope, sometimes have their guests present for only a portion of the day. So having them sign your marriage license makes them feel included in your special day even if they will only be there for the ceremony + legal aspects of your day. This is just one of the many ways you can truly personalize your elopement. It helps to make your ceremony a bit more intimate than having some random person sign-off on your marriage license. 

Take Your Ceremony Somewhere Epic

The great thing about eloping and having a self-uniting ceremony is that you can literally go anywhere. You can choose to have your ceremony on a mountain top, in a brewery, or at a lake. There are so many options when you choose to self-solemnize. 

Guest Participation

There are several ways to include guest participation in your self-solemnization ceremony. I absolutely love when loved ones get to share a reading, a poem, or even just some words of wisdom. It is really special to see how other people view your love and what makes your relationship stand out to them.

Perform a Unity Ceremony

There are many forms of uniting ceremonies; from hand-fasting, to candle lighting, from collecting sand and combining it into one. I highly recommend adding this in addition to your self-solemnizing ceremony. Some unity ceremonies have tangible items that can make for decor in your home. Unity ceremonies definitely help to preserve the memory of your ceremony day.

Conclusion

Self-solemnization is the concept of marrying yourselves without having a third-party present. This is a great option for couples who are looking to keep their elopement ceremony very personalized and private. 

Self-solemnization is different for every state and only some states actually allow it. You will want to make sure to do your research in advance and have all of the legalities figured out ahead of time! 

The good thing is if your state doesn’t allow self-solemnization and you are considering having a destination elopement you may want to consider a state that allows this. 

Lastly, make sure that if you are choosing to self-unite take time to consider how you can personalize your ceremony and make it extra special for you and your partner!

Ready to Start Planning You Elopement? Considering having a self-solemnization ceremony?

Allow me to help you plan an epic elopement experience and I can help give you my insider tips on how to make your self-solemnization ceremony extra special! Contact me here to get started!