Pitkin County Genealogy Records

Pitkin County is in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The county seat is Aspen. This area has a rich mining history. Many families came here in the silver boom of the late 1800s. Records in Pitkin County go back to 1883. The county was named after Governor Frederick Pitkin.

The Clerk and Recorder office in Aspen keeps vital records and land documents. You can find birth records from 1890 onward. Death records start then too. Marriage and land records also date to the 1880s. The office is in the Pitkin County Courthouse.

Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder

The Clerk and Recorder in Pitkin County serves as the keeper of records. This office issues marriage licenses. They record deeds and other land documents. The office also handles elections and motor vehicles. For genealogy, the records section is most useful.

You can visit the office in Aspen to search records. Staff can help you find what you need. Call ahead to check hours. The office may have records on microfilm or digital format. C.R.S. 24-80 governs how these records are kept.

Vital Records in Pitkin County

Vital records include births, deaths, and marriages. In Pitkin County, these records start in the 1890s. The Clerk and Recorder has marriage records. Birth and death records are more limited. State law under C.R.S. 25-2-117 keeps recent vital records private.

For birth and death records after 1910, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health. You can order online through VitalChek. The cost is $20 per copy. Processing takes about 30 days. Fees go up to $25 in 2026 per C.R.S. 25-2-103 rules.

The Colorado State Archives holds older vital records. They have some birth and death records from before 1908. These are public if over 100 years old. Use their online database to search. The Archives can be reached at 303-866-2358.

Marriage Records in Pitkin County

Marriage records in Pitkin County go back to 1883. The Clerk and Recorder issues licenses and keeps copies. You can get a certified copy for a fee. Bring the names of the couple and the date if you know it. Records are public under Colorado law.

The State Archives has a marriage index for 1890 to 1939. This covers Pitkin County marriages. The index gives license numbers and dates. Use this to find the full record. The Archives Search Database is online at archives-search.state.co.us.

Land and Property Records

Land records in Pitkin County date to 1883. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds, mortgages, and other documents. These show property transfers over time. You can search these records at the Aspen office. Online search may also be available.

Land records help trace family homes and businesses. Mining claims are common in Pitkin County. These were recorded with the county. Early miners filed claims in the 1880s and 1890s. The records show who staked claims and when.

Historical and Genealogy Resources

Pitkin County has active historical groups. The Aspen Historical Society preserves local history. They have photos, documents, and artifacts. Their archive is a good place for family history research. Contact them for access to special collections.

The FamilySearch website has Pitkin County records. Some are digitized and free to view. You may need to create an account. The FamilySearch Wiki has research tips for this county. Check their Pitkin County page for details.

Helpful Websites for Pitkin County Research

Start your research online. Many resources are free. Here are key sites:

• Colorado State Archives - State-level records and databases
• Pitkin County Official Site - County records information
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy records
• Aspen Historical Society - Local history and photos

These sites can save you time. Many records are now digital. You can search from home before visiting in person.

Nearby Counties

Your ancestors may have lived in nearby counties. Check these areas for more records: