San Miguel County Genealogy Records
San Miguel County sits in southwestern Colorado. The county seat is Telluride. It was formed in 1883. The area has a rich mining history. Gold was discovered here in 1858. The Smuggler-Union Mine made Telluride famous. Today it blends history with world-class skiing.
The Clerk and Recorder in Telluride keeps vital and land records. Documents date to 1875. The office has modern systems. You can search records online or in person. Staff can help with genealogy research.
San Miguel County Quick Facts
San Miguel County Clerk and Recorder
The Clerk and Recorder in San Miguel County handles many records. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. They also manage elections and liquor licenses. The office is on West Colorado Avenue in Telluride.
The office has records dating to 1875. Documents from 1875 to current are available. You can visit to search. Staff can help you find what you need. Some records may be on microfilm. The office also accepts mail requests.
| Address |
305 West Colorado Avenue PO Box 548 Telluride, CO 81435 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-728-3954 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | sanmiguelcountyco.gov |
Vital Records in San Miguel County
Vital records include births, deaths, and marriages. In San Miguel County, the Clerk has marriage records. Birth and death records are limited. The Colorado Department of Public Health has records from 1910. Call 303-692-2200.
Recent vital records are private under C.R.S. 25-2-117. Only family can get copies. You can order online at VitalChek. Cost is $20 per copy. Fees increase in 2026.
The Colorado State Archives has older records. Use their search database. It is free. The Archives is in Denver at 1313 Sherman Street. Call 303-866-2358.
Marriage Records in San Miguel County
Marriage records in San Miguel County go back to 1875. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all licenses. These are public records. You can get a certified copy. Visit the office or call to request one.
The State Archives marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. It includes San Miguel County. Search online for free. The index gives license numbers. Use this to find the full record in Telluride.
Land and Property Records
Land records in San Miguel County date to 1875. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds and mortgages. You can search these at the office. Indexes help you find records by name or property.
Mining claims were important here. Early settlers filed many claims. The records show who owned what. They may list partners and locations. This helps trace mining families. Land records can reveal family connections.
Historical and Genealogy Resources
Telluride has strong historical resources. The Telluride Historical Museum preserves local history. They have photos and documents. The San Miguel County GenWeb project has free genealogy resources. They can help with family history.
The FamilySearch website has San Miguel County records. Some are digitized. You can view them from home. The FamilySearch Wiki has research tips. Check their San Miguel County page.
Helpful Websites
Many resources are online. Here are key sites:
- Colorado State Archives - State-level records
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy database
- San Miguel County Clerk - Local records
- CDPHE Vital Records - Birth and death certificates
These sites can help you start your research. Many records are now digital.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors may have lived in nearby mining areas. Check these counties: