Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while being legally married to another. Polygamy is the practice or custom (often religious) of having more than one wife or husband at a time. Most states prohibit a party from having more than one marriage license at a time, and in most states bigamy is a crime.
In Colorado, both bigamy and polygamy are illegal. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-6-201, bigamy is defined as marrying someone while already being lawfully married to another person. This act is considered a crime in Colorado and is classified as a class 6 felony, which can result in penalties including imprisonment and fines. The state does not recognize any additional marriage licenses if a person is already legally married, regardless of whether the practice is tied to religious beliefs or customs. It is important for individuals to be aware that engaging in bigamy or polygamy can lead to serious legal consequences in Colorado.