Archuleta County Genealogy Records

Archuleta County lies in the mountains of southern Colorado. It is a place of beauty. The San Juan Mountains rise here. So do hot springs. Pagosa Springs draws visitors. But the county also holds history. Families settled here long ago. Miners came. Ranchers followed. Their records remain today.

Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder

The Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder serves the public. Kristy Archuleta holds this post. The office is in Pagosa Springs. They keep many records. Marriages are filed here. So are land deeds. These help family historians. The staff is friendly. They know the records.

This is a smaller county. Things move at a slower pace. That is good for research. Staff has time to help. They can search records with you. Call ahead. Tell them what you need. They can pull files before you come.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Archuleta County

Finding records here takes some planning. The Clerk and Recorder has local documents. Marriage records go back to 1885. Land records start then too. These are in their office. You can view them there.

Birth and death records are different. The state holds most under C.R.S. 25-2-103. Some older ones may be at the Colorado State Archives. They keep records under C.R.S. 24-80. This law governs state records.

Places to look:

• Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder
• Colorado State Archives in Denver
• CDPHE Vital Records
• San Juan Historical Society
• Pagosa Springs Historical Society

Online Databases and Resources

You can start online. Many resources exist. The state archives has a search tool. FamilySearch has records too. These can guide your search. You may find names and dates. Then visit for the full records.

The Archives Search Database is free. It lists what the state holds. You can search by name. Or by record type. This helps you plan. You will know what exists before you travel.

Online tools:

• Colorado State Archives - State records
• Archives Search - Search holdings
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy
• CDPHE - Vital records
• VitalChek - Certificates online

Records Available in Archuleta County

Many record types exist. Each helps tell your story. Marriage records show unions. Land records track property moves. Probate records detail estates. Court records may hold family disputes. All add pieces to the puzzle.

Vital records have limits. C.R.S. 25-2-117 protects birth records for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Then they open. Marriage records are public. So are land and most court records.

Fees for Records in Archuleta County

Copies cost money. Plan for this. The county charges per page. The state does too. Fees vary. Call to confirm. Bring payment.

CDPHE sets vital record fees. Birth certificates cost $20. Death certificates are $13. Additional copies cost less. County fees differ. Check before you go.

Fee summary:

• Birth certificate: $20.00
• Death certificate: $13.00
• Marriage copy: Varies by county
• Land record: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: Extra fee

Nearby Counties for Research

Borders changed. Check nearby counties. Your ancestors may have lived there. Records may be there too.

Check all surrounding counties for complete research.