How to Get Married in Vegas

If you’re looking to get married in Vegas, your options are as numerous as all the Elvis impersonators you’ll see on the strip. But if you’re planning — or not planning — a last-minute Vegas wedding, there are still some things you have to do before you and your partner can tie the knot. Without each of these things, your wedding could be delayed or cancelled, so make sure you’ve got everything in order before you embark on this life changing experience.

First, if you want to get married in Vegas you’ll have to ensure that you’re eligible to get married in the state of Nevada. At a minimum, you and your partner must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with the consent of a parent or guardian. Additionally, you and your partner must not be related or have no living husband or wife, otherwise you could face incest or bigamy charges. Most importantly, however, you do not need to be a Nevada resident, which is why many couples from all over the U.S. elope in Las Vegas each year.

Second, you must apply for a marriage license in Clark County, the county that includes Las Vegas. Whether it’s your wedding day or up to 60 days before, you can show up to the Las Vegas Marriage Bureau or preregister online — there’s no waiting time between submitting an application and receiving your marriage license. On busy days, however, preregistering online can save you some time at the marriage bureau, which could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how busy the bureau is. Note that the persons to be married must use their legal name as it appears on their government-issued I.D., such as a driver’s license, but you don’t need a marriage license for vow renewals or commitment ceremonies.

The third step in our guide to how to get married in Las Vegas is to plan a trip to the Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau. This must be an in-person trip, and you won’t be able to send away for it, but you can visit the Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau on the same day you’re to be married, provided you have enough time. If you’re applying and picking up a marriage license, you’ll do it in the same visit. If you’ve already pre-applied, you’ll just need to pick up the license in person, which should only take a few minutes. For those applying and picking up a license, it’ll likely take longer, especially if the bureau is busy.

Couples can pick up their marriage license anytime between 8am and midnight, but you must bring with you a government-issued identification card such as a driver’s license, passport, I.D. card, military I.D. or resident alien card. The actual license costs about $80, and you can pay with cash or credit, but not traveler’s checks, personal checks or business checks.

Once you have your marriage license, you have up to one year to get married in the state. If your timing is on point you can actually get a license and get married in the same day, which is a common thing in Las Vegas. In addition to the presence of you and your partner, you’ll need one witness during the wedding ceremony, though most chapels and venues in the area can provide one if needed, particularly in the case of tourists and other elopers. During the ceremony, you and your partner can recite your own vows or use a standard set of vows, and within 10 days of the ceremony your officiant must file the wedding paperwork with the Clark County clerk. Legal officiants include anyone possessing a Certificate of Permission to Perform Marriages from the County Clerk from the State of Nevada, which most chapels, venues and religious institutions should already possess. Out-of-state officiants will need prior authorization to perform a wedding in the state of Nevada, so if you’re bringing someone in, make sure they’re certified to do the job.

Lastly, within 10 days of the ceremony, you’ll have the ability to order a certified copy of your marriage license from the County Clerk. They only cost $15, but you’ll need one to change your name or get a new driver’s license or social security card. The license legally codifies your marriage, and once you’ve obtained a license, you’re done — your marriage is legal anywhere in the world, though international couples may need an apostille and a marriage certificate to register the marriage outside the U.S.

What if you don’t want to get married like a tourist?

So that’s how to get married in Las Vegas if you’re eloping or going for a last-minute Vegas wedding. But, if you’re a local, you don’t have to get married like a tourist to do a Las Vegas wedding right. There are many venues in the area that cater to Vegas residents and locals — in fact, we work directly with six fabulous venues all across the larger Las Vegas area, so whether you’re in Henderson, North Las Vegas, Pahrump, Primm or in central Las Vegas itself, there’s a beautiful venue near you ready to host you, your partner and your close friends and family, no matter the number of guests or the size of your wedding party.

From beautiful outdoor weddings to traditional indoor ceremonies, our resorts and clubs can give you the wedding of your dreams without the pretense of the strip. We’ll match you with the right venue to suit your unique needs, no matter your style or taste, and our experienced and unwavering team of event professionals ensures that your wedding will go off without a hitch — except, of course, you getting hitched to your partner. 

For those requiring a more hands-on approach, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from the ceremony through the reception, and all you have to do is say “I do” when the time comes. From flowers to photographers and all the other little things that make up your special day, we’ll work diligently behind the scenes to give you and your partner the day that you deserve, all at a price that works for any budget. Our customizable experiences means that your wedding will be as unique as your love for one another, and we can even help you throw a bridal shower or a groomsmen golf outing at one of our exquisite resorts in the lead up to your wedding day.

If you’re interested in how we can help throw you the Las Vegas wedding of your dreams, book your Vegas venue today with Occasions4.us!