In some states, a domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship between members of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of a marriage relationship.
In Colorado, domestic partnerships are not recognized at the state level as a distinct legal status as of the current legal framework. Instead, Colorado recognizes same-sex marriage, providing same-sex couples with the same legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities as opposite-sex married couples. This change followed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Prior to this ruling, Colorado had a designated beneficiaries agreement, which allowed individuals to designate certain rights and benefits to another person, but this did not equate to a domestic partnership or marriage. Currently, all couples, regardless of gender, may choose to marry and thereby obtain the legal rights associated with marriage.