Westminster Colorado Genealogy Records
Westminster is a large suburb northwest of Denver. Over 115,000 people live here. The city was incorporated in 1911. It has grown into a major population center. Westminster spans two counties. Most of the city is in Adams County. The western portion is in Jefferson County. This affects where records are kept.
The area was once home to the Westminster Castle. This gave the city its name. The town grew as a place for Denver workers. The area was once orchards and farms. Many families have lived here for decades. Your ancestors may have been among them.
Westminster Quick Facts
County Records for Westminster
Finding records in Westminster requires checking two counties. Most of the city is in Adams County. This includes the eastern areas. The Jefferson County portion is in the west. You must know which county your ancestors lived in. This determines where to search.
For Adams County portions, contact their Clerk and Recorder. They are in Brighton. For Jefferson County portions, contact their office in Golden. Each office maintains marriage and land records. Birth and death records go through the state.
| Primary County | Adams County Clerk and Recorder 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Brighton, CO 80601 720-523-6020 |
|---|---|
| Secondary County | Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80419 303-271-8168 |
Records Available for Westminster
Marriage records for Westminster are in the county of the ceremony. If married in Adams County, records are in Brighton. Jefferson County marriages are in Golden. Land records follow the same rule. Property records are in the county where the land sits.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. They have documents from both counties. You can search their database online. C.R.S. 24-80 guides records management. Birth and death records are at CDPHE. Older ones may be at the archives.
- Marriage licenses by county of ceremony
- Land records in county of property
- Court records at appropriate district court
- Probate records by county
- Census records for all areas
The Westminster Historical Society preserves local history. They have photos and documents. These tell the story of the city's growth. This can help with family history research.
Local Genealogy Resources
The College Hill Library is excellent. They are part of Anythink Libraries. They offer access to genealogy databases. You can use Ancestry Library Edition there. They also have local history materials.
The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold historical records from both counties. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry.
Adams County has a heritage center. They have historical documents and photos. The center is in Brighton. It can help with family history research.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives is essential for Westminster research. They have records from Adams and Jefferson counties. Births before 1908 may be found there. Deaths before 1900 are also held there. The Archives Search database is free to use.
CDPHE Vital Records has certificates from 1900 onward. They are at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver. Call 303-692-2200. Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, some records are confidential.
Other helpful resources include:
- Colorado State Archives: archives.colorado.gov
- Archives Search: Online database
- FamilySearch: familysearch.org
- VitalChek: vitalchek.com
- Colorado Historic Newspapers: coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
Nearby Cities
Westminster is near many Denver suburbs. Your ancestors may have moved between these cities. Check nearby areas for complete research.