Grand County Genealogy Records
Grand County sits in the Colorado mountains. It surrounds the headwaters of the Colorado River. Hot Sulphur Springs serves as the county seat. About 15,000 people live here today. The area is famous for outdoor recreation. Winter Park attracts skiers worldwide. But families lived here long before resorts. Ranching built the community.
The county was named for the Grand River. This was the Colorado River's old name. Settlers arrived in the 1870s. They found mountain valleys perfect for ranching. The hot springs drew visitors early. Tourism grew slowly at first. Now it dominates the economy. Records tell both stories.
Grand County Quick Facts
Grand County Clerk and Recorder
The Grand County Clerk and Recorder keeps vital records. The office follows C.R.S. 25-2-103. They issue birth, death, and marriage certificates. Staff help with genealogy searches. Records date to 1874. The county formed from Summit County. The courthouse is in Hot Sulphur Springs.
The hot springs gave the town its name. They were known to Native Americans first. Settlers came for the healing waters. The town grew around the springs. Records reflect this history. Ranching families stayed year-round. Tourists came seasonally. Both appear in documents.
| Office |
Grand County Clerk and Recorder 308 Byers Avenue Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-725-3062 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.grand.co.us/clerk |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Grand County
Begin at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have vital records available. Birth and death certificates are on file. Marriage licenses date to 1874. Staff can search databases. Bring specific information. Names and dates help.
The Grand County Library District helps researchers. They have local history collections. Newspapers are on microfilm. High school yearbooks exist. The library offers computer access. Genealogy databases are available. Staff assist researchers.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Visit them in Denver. Their online portal is free. Search before traveling. Staff know Grand County history. They can suggest record groups.
Online Databases and Resources
The State Archives portal is essential. Access it from anywhere. The database is comprehensive. Results show what exists. Some images are online. Others need in-person viewing. C.R.S. 24-80 governs access.
FamilySearch has Colorado collections. Create a free account. Grand County appears in searches. Census records are complete. Some probate records exist. Check the catalog regularly. New items are added often.
VitalChek handles online orders. Use them for certified copies. They work with Colorado offices. Service fees apply. Records come by mail. Visit vitalchek.com to start.
Records Available in Grand County
Grand County offers several record types. Birth certificates start from 1874. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are available. Land records trace ranch ownership. The county attracted hearty settlers. Records tell their stories.
Ski resort history matters here. Winter Park opened in 1940. It was built by the city of Denver. Early employees and residents appear. Resort records may exist. Local papers covered skiing. These tell modern history.
- Birth records from 1874
- Death records from 1874
- Marriage licenses from 1874
- Land and ranch records
- Probate court records
- Resort and tourism records
Newspapers documented local life. The Sky-Hi News serves the area. Older papers existed too. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was thorough. The library has microfilm copies.
Fees for Grand County Records
Fees follow state guidelines. Certified copies are $20. Additional copies cost $13. Death certificates match these rates. Marriage certificates are $17. Plain copies cost less. Research fees may apply. Call for current rates.
Typical fees include:
- Certified birth certificate: $20 first copy
- Additional copies: $13 each
- Certified death certificate: $20 first copy
- Marriage certificate: $17
- Plain copies: Variable rates
Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, privacy laws apply. Birth records are private for 100 years. Death records are private for 75 years. Only family can access these. Proof of relationship is required. The Clerk verifies carefully.
Nearby Counties
Grand County borders several others. Jackson County is to the north. Larimer County lies to the east. Boulder County is to the southeast. Clear Creek County sits to the south. Summit County is to the southwest. Eagle County is to the west. Check all for complete research.