Who would want their mother’s maiden name and other information invaluable to identity thieves in such a public database? You’re allowed to self-solemnize in Colorado, meaning they don’t need the signature of an officiating party. There are mountains everywhere you turn, and it is definitely one of the more secluded and quiet locations on this list. Look no further than the Napali Coast, on the northwest corner of the island of Kauaii. So much thanks for sharing their story, and for fighting the good fight to pave the way for others who want to get married in accordance with their theistic OR nontheistic beliefs. We didn’t need a confidential one, but there indeed should be a confidential non-clergy one. Hence, regardless of how you get married, as long as you obtain that certificate, you should be good in any state or even country. In other states, the procedures for “Quaker marriage” vary. Want to see the language included in this letter? Femme’s note: It took about a month to hear back from them, but a reader in Pennsylvania who ran into problems with her county clerk managed to get a self-uniting marriage license in Berks County with the help of the ACLU. Many people don’t think of Salt Lake City when you are talking about mountains, but there are actually many beautiful mountain locations near Salt Lake City. But they all agreed that the law is unconstitutional as written, so that some accommodation needs to be made. Ultimately, you can self solemnize, but you can't have friends or family pronounce you as husband and wife. Colorado is one of just a few states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, that has legalized the act of self-uniting a marriage without the presence of a third-party officiant. Although many mountain areas are still accessible, the later in the fall it gets the more risk of road closures and snow storms. Hire any vendors like florists, hair and makeup artists, etc. All you have to do is walk into a County Clerk’s office with photo ID, fill out some quick paperwork, and sign your names. More on that here! Oh, this is such great news, Jerry! The ceremony must occur within 35 days after the license is issued in order for it to be lawfully valid. Also, beware, if you move to another state, they may not recognize your marriage. They didn't like the idea of saying vows i nfront of a lot of people so the took a couple friends to take pictures and set off in the the mountains. Anyone else needs a court order to get a copy of a confidential marriage record. (916) 445-2236. This is because there are still many winter storms but any melting snow just creates a lot of muddy conditions. That makes four possible combinations. This post includes some of the best mountain elopement locations in the United States. Maroon Bells is considered to be one of the most photographed places in Colorado, and for good reason! They may just not understand: many people can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to pay some stranger to “officiate” over your own wedding. Planning your mountain elopement: What you need to know! Plus, many locations are still not accessible until summertime. So you can forget the work, and focus on having fun! While you’re there, definitely make a visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats, a unique spot located about two hours west of Salt Lake City. So many congrats, and I’m glad the info eased the process a bit! Colorado also recognizes common-law marriage and while most states don't, they will recognize a marriage entered into in Colorado. For more information on how to self-solemnize in Colorado , head to their website for the marriage license paperwork you would need to complete. The North Cascades National Park is a wilderness area in northwest Washington state is known for its jagged peaks, glaciers, meadows, and other beautiful scenery. Being the first in your state, county or city will take more work, may take more time and might require you to face publicity and/or postpone your wedding. After a month of negotiation, and less than two hours before our appointment at City Hall with an officiant we didn’t want and didn’t want to pay for, state and county officials finally worked out a way to use the existing forms for non-clergy, confidential, atheist marriage. We were being foiled by poor forms design! Nobody could dispute that atheists don’t have clergy! “Most states make some kind of special allowance for legalizing a Quaker wedding when there is no pastor to ‘officiate,'” according to the Friends General Conference, the main network of clergy-less Quakers in the USA. Yes, even though the majority of states in the U.S. don’t allow self solemnization to occur in their state, your self uniting marriage is just as legitimate and legal as anyone else’s. Hood itself towers over the horizon in the background. Specialized groups such as FFRF and AU may be more likely to take on a case like this than a group with a wider focus like the ACLU. Everything you need to know about Colorado Marriage License & Self Solemnization. Lake Tahoe is a very large lake that covers portions of both California and Nevada. Thank you for this post, we successfully obtained our non-clergy atheist marriage license in San Luis Obispo County. Adjacent to the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is Montana’s most popular place to visit. Be able to answer how you are marrying. We were also successful in arranging a confidential, non-denominational, self-officiated marriage in Marin County – apparently their first. As far we know, this is the first instance of a successful secular, non-clergy marriage in the state of California. 2009 California Family Code - Section 420-426 :: Chapter 2. She's seen many instances of that due to the self-solemnization laws that other states don't recognize. decide who in the relationship will be listed as the officiant (spouse 1 … If local officials refuse to let you follow the same procedure as is followed by Quakers, you could ask civil rights groups that have been involved in this and similar issues, such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, or the ACLU chapter in your state. They also agreed that the state and local websites need to explain these options better – many counties don’t mention the non-clergy option, or don’t explain it properly– and that the forms and maybe the law itself needs to be clarified. We asked all three. A couple of months ago, I started talking to a reader in California who wanted to get a “non-clergy” marriage in their state. I am particular about date and unfortunately its a sunday. Flathead National Forest is just south of Glacier National Park and offers similarly beautiful views, but with far fewer crowds. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. And of course Mt. It’s worth noting that you can only have your ceremony and say your vows at the 13 sites designated for weddings. This blog is written for entertainment purposes only. Your email address will not be published. Breckenridge is a beautiful mountain town just a couple hours west of Denver, Colorado. States have various requirements regarding officiants and/or witnesses, which means that you may need to have an officiant or witness with you. It is a beautiful blue-green color and has areas with stunning mountain views. Yosemite is known for its stunning and iconic mountain vistas, and this makes it a very popular spot for elopements! In other states, the procedures for “Quaker marriage” vary. We filled that out with our two witnesses — at a time and place of our convenience — and brought it back to the clerk’s office. Easier said than done, as I found out in California. For example, in one state, a mayor, magistrate, county clerk, city clerk, judge, or justice may perform the solemnization. California allows "non-clergy marriage" by "members of a particular religious society or denomination not having clergy for the purpose of solemnizing marriage or entering the marriage relation," provided that specified forms, including the signatures of two witnesses, are properly completed and filed. This means that it can get very hot in the summer compared to other mountain elopement locations! Shoot Femme an email if you’re facing this problem as a Californian and she’ll get you connected to the appropriate people. That's the part you have to be careful about. The Adirondack Mountains are the highest peaks in New York State. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited locations in Colorado, and has a number of beautiful sites to have your elopement or microwedding. Colorado allows self-solemnization without requiring a special form of application or witnesses. However, you might run into a problem if the self-solemnization is not done here in CO. Why don't you conduct whatever ceremony you want in NM and then return to CO and self-solemnize the marriage in CO. Solemnization Of Marriage FAMILY.CODE SECTION 420-426 420. But it will set a precedent that will help the next couple. However, after your ceremony, you can take pictures at any other location in the park, which leaves plenty of opportunities to explore all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer! We bounced ideas off of each other, and the couple did the hard work that led to successfully obtaining the type of marriage license they wanted so they could dedicate themselves to each other in the way that best celebrated their understanding of God (or lack thereof) and Love. Simply put, self solemnization is where the couple legally marries themselves, without the need for an officiant or a witness to be present to sign their marriage certificate. I’d be honored to help you with photographing your elopement or microwedding. For more details, please view our full disclosure. Helping couples create their dream day is what I do best! Photographers have a personal interest in making sure their clients have the most amazing location that will truly make for epic photos! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Some of its unique features include geysers like Old Faithful and volcanic calderas. Judge? Provide the names of both parents for each applicant. How to find a mountain elopement location, Deciding what season to elope in the mountains. Although the winters are very harsh here, the summers offer a lot of great activities and mountain views. Pingback: Self-Uniting Marriage Can Save Brides Money | Femme Frugality. While there’s no guarantee of privacy on any public lands, certain areas such as National Parks will always be very crowded. Required fields are marked *. They could check with either the San Francisco County Clerk’s office or, perhaps better, the office in Sacramento that was involved. We did the self solemnization route 15 years ago. Your email address will not be published. In the end, everything went smoothly. This is basically where an eloping couple can “marry themselves.” You essentially sign as your own officiants on the officiant line on your Colorado elopement day. The custom is rooted in the Quaker faith and is actually part of a formal wedding ceremony. Palmer, Alaska is just one of many amazing mountain elopement locations in Alaska. These copies were provided on the spot. Colorado is the only state that allows self solemnization with no restrictions or caveats, and it really is as easy as just signing and filing the marriage license. Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision! Here are just a few things that come with having me as your photographer, adventure partner, friend, and guide: To summarize, here are the basic steps to planning a mountain elopement: When looking for the mountain elopement location that will be the perfect fit for you and your partner, my number one recommendation would be to get help from a photographer! this post for more information on an elopement in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, elopement and intimate wedding photographer, Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in Adventure Elopements, Hire a photographer (they can help you find and choose a location!). If you want less people around while saying your vows, consider a less trafficked area. Yes, you heard that right. This does not necessarily mean the marriage is not valid in other states; however, insurance companies or other entities may require a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Here’s a little more info, though not as state-specific: https://femmefrugality.com/nix-the-officiant-self-uniting-marriages-can-save-budget-conscious-brides/, Your email address will not be published. Colorado is the only state that allows self solemnization with no restrictions or caveats, and it really is as easy as just signing and filing the marriage license. There are fun activities to do in every season. Illinois. Check out this post for more information on an elopement in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Apparently they developed the forms for confidential marriage and non-clergy marriage separately, and never thought about the possibility of someone who wanted non-clergy solemnization and confidential recording. We filled out the application form at the County Clerk’s office at City Hall, and were given a non-clergy marriage license. But if you’re not planning to hire a photographer, or if you just want to get a head start on your research, these questions and tips will get you started! There are lots of outdoor recreation areas with beautiful views of mountains with jagged peaks. The information that is found here are my opinions and the opinions of other readers and should not be taken as financial advice. For what it’s worth, the San Francisco County Clerk, San Francisco City and County Attorney, County Clerks elsewhere in the state they consulted, and the state vital records office all said they had never heard of anyone asking for an atheist non-clergy marriage or a confidential non-clergy marriage. Simply put, self solemnization is where the couple legally marries themselves, without the need for an officiant or a witness to be present to sign their marriage certificate. Located just south of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons are one of Wyoming’s most stunning mountain locations. There are lots of public lands in the area such as national forests and state parks to consider for your mountain elopement. Bozeman is a town in southern Montana in the Rocky Mountains. Colorado is one of a select number of states in the US that allows self solemnization. But if you absolutely want to sign your legal paperwork on the day you get married, you’ll need to consider the state laws where you are eloping. All these groups get more worthy people asking for help than they can handle, so don’t be surprised if they decide not to take your case. This post may contain affiliate links. There are over 170 recreation sites and tons of trails to explore. Get more elopement and microwedding info here! The power of self-solemnization comes with great responsibility; chiefly making sure the marriage is properly recorded with the state and that two witnesses to the ceremony are logged on the marriage record. Colorado allows for three types of solemnization: Religious, Civil, or Self. That’s why I offer help in ways that most photographers don’t! Download it here. Other states that allow some form of self-uniting marriage are Wisconsin, Colorado, The District of Columbia, California, Maine and Nevada. There’s no waiting period, so … The North Georgia mountains may not be the first place you think of to elope, but its Blue Ridge mountain views will not disappoint. Yellowstone is definitely one of the country’s most unique National Parks. While not terribly high in elevation, the views are spectacular. Once you find out the procedure Quakers use in your state, your next task is to get local officials to allow you to follow that procedure, even though you aren’t a Quaker. When you work with me, you’re getting more than just a photographer. Learn more below! What’s included in my elopement photography package? Kansas law requires two adult witnesses attend your marriage ceremony. There are a few more states that having a form of self uniting marriage here, with certain caveats. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. MCA 40-1-403. To see a full list of states that allows this practice, check out our list of states that allow self-uniting marriage. The San Juan Mountains are some of the most beautiful mountains in the state of Colorado, and certainly some of the least crowded. We were treated politely and pleasantly throughout. The District of Columbia allows couples to officiate their own wedding. We entered “atheist” in the box for religious denomination. Known for it’s towering sea cliffs, this location is a popular place to visit–and to elope! Plan out details like activities, timelines, and ceremony choices. Hood National Forest is one of the most visited National Forests in the U.S. our list of states that allow self-uniting marriage, there have already been lawsuits over this, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, 8 Ways to Help Loved Ones in Abusive Relationships, Self-Uniting Marriage Can Save Brides Money | Femme Frugality, https://femmefrugality.com/nix-the-officiant-self-uniting-marriages-can-save-budget-conscious-brides/. You must have $30.00 cash. Explain that you aren’t a Quaker, but want to marry without an officiant, as Quakers do, and ask them how Quakers register their marriages in your state. Does the place I want to elope require any permits? This leaves so many options for many couples from having a more personalized ceremony. Smith Rock State Park is located in central Oregon in what is considered the High Desert region. Don’t expect local officials to have a clue, especially in areas with few Quakers. One of the factors you’ll want to think about in your elopement planning process is what time of year you’d like to get married. And finally Spring elopements, which are in truth the least popular time of year for mountain elopements. I need to know this as well as mine is a Saturday! While PA and CO are the only states that allow marriages without an officiant, those marriages are valid in all 50 states. I’m here to help you with all of the planning resources you need to have the most amazing elopement day ever! this guide to California Airbnb Wedding and Elopement venues! It’s also very close to Seattle so you can still celebrate your elopement at a fantastic restaurant or bar in the city. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers couples the option of a self-uniting marriage license. If hiking doesn’t suit you, there are also beautiful mountain passes you can drive like the 50 mile Going-to-the-Sun road over Logan Pass. Saving on clergy fees? Each of these states offer iterations of a self-uniting marriage: Pennsylvania Illinois Wisconsin Colorado District of Columbia California Maine Nevada Kansas Learn more about planning an elopement in Breckenridge! If you’re having trouble deciding between the mountains and the beach for your elopement, then Hawaii should definitely be a place you consider eloping. So am I to understand that if u believe in God, you must be married by someone. Snoqualmie Pass is a mountain pass through the Cascade mountain range that summits at 3,015 feet. In some states, such as Pennsylvania, there have already been lawsuits over this. All involved hope that this story paves the way for other couples. The contributor’s story was unique because it was the first atheist non-clergy marriage in their state. Jerry H. I would be very interested to hear how you got your non-clergy license in Marin county. Best Mountain Elopement Locations in the United States. Congratulations to our couple on their marriage! I am also in CO, my FH cousin just did the Self-Solemnization ceremony with her now husband on the top of a 14ner. Want a private California elopement location with epic views? What I am understanding from the law is that, the states like Colorado where self-solemnization is recognized, you obtain the regular marriage certificate afterwards. 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