How to Get Married in Vegas the Official Way

How to Get Married in Vegas: What You Need to Know

While TV and movies would have you believe that you can get legally married in Las Vegas with little to no planning, it’s actually not that easy.

Of course, there are ample places that will host your Las Vegas wedding, and you can even get married in a drive-thru if you’d like, but the nuptials are still beholden to the typical laws, such as obtaining a certified marriage certificate.

Here’s what you need to know about how to get married in Las Vegas, from having the right paperwork to how to get a license, and how much it all costs.

The Required Marriage License Information in Vegas

First, before you can get married in Vegas (if you want a legal marriage, that is), you have to acquire a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau.

In order to qualify for a marriage license and have a legal ceremony, you must meet a few requirements:

• Both parties must be 18 years of age or older (though if you’re 17 and live in Clark County, you can get a court order allowing you to get married)
• Both parties must be able to provide government identification
• Both parties must be currently single
• Both parties must not be closely related

Beyond this list of requirements, there aren’t other tasks to complete like you’d need to do in other states or counties in Nevada. For example, you don’t need to conduct any blood tests in order to get married, and you don’t need to wait a certain amount of time before getting your license to stage your big day, which is sometimes a requirement in other counties.

The Marriage License Application Process

If you meet the requirements listed above, you can start the application for a marriage license online, and then complete the process by heading to the Clark County Government Center (301 East Clark Avenue) once you arrive in Las Vegas. Both parties getting married must be present at the government center at this time, unless one of you is hospitalized or incarcerated.

After you have your wedding license, you can proceed with your ceremony. A witness and officiant licensed in the state of Nevada are both required. If you’re looking for an officiant, the Nevada Secretary of State office maintains a list of licensed providers.

Your Vegas wedding license is good for one year after the date of completing the application paperwork. If you wait any longer, you’ll have to start the process all over again.

What Acceptable Forms of Identification Will You Need for a Las Vegas Marriage License?

The Marriage License Bureau will accept a range of proof of identification when you arrive at the Government Center, including:

• Driver’s License
• Driver Instruction Permit
• Official US ID card
• Official foreign government-issued ID card
• Passport
• Matricula Consular Card
• Military ID card
• Military Dependent ID card
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Permanent Resident Card

It’s important to note that a birth certificate is only valid under certain circumstances. You’ll also need to provide your social security number.

When Will I Get a Marriage Certificate?

The marriage certificate is the official paperwork you will receive after the wedding actually takes place. Your officiant will file for the marriage certificate within 10 days of your wedding, and you’ll receive the certificate in the mail.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Vegas?

There are a few components you’ll have to pay for to get married in Vegas. First is the marriage license cost, which is $102 plus a processing fee if you pay by debit card or credit card (the only other option is cash, as checks are not permitted).

From there, the cost of a Vegas wedding will vary, though there’s something for every budget. If you want the most direct, straight-forward route, you can have a civil wedding ceremony at the county clerk’s office. This will cost $75 and the appointment must be booked in advance.

But if you’re wondering what does it cost to get married in Las Vegas in a more traditional setting, it’ll depend on your venue. It can range from as little as a few hundred dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars for a true destination wedding.

Options for Wedding Ceremony Venues in Las Vegas

When you think of a Vegas wedding venue, you might imagine a little white wedding chapel that’s hosted a handful of celebrity weddings, or a drive-thru wedding with an officiant that looks like Elvis. However, if you’re not really keen on these options, there are plenty more to choose from, too. Vegas is home to a number of hotels, resorts, and other private event spaces.

Most hotels and resorts along the Las Vegas strip and in downtown Las Vegas offer wedding packages that come with everything you need for a stress-free special day.

In addition to the venue, specialty packages might include:

• A wedding planner
• A photographer
• Fresh flowers and other decor
• A wedding cake
• Officiant services
• Music
• And more, depending on your package cost

Most wedding packages are priced based on service inclusions as well as the size of the wedding parties.

If you’re not interested in the all-inclusive model, you can also work with expert wedding coordinators at many properties to plan a totally bespoke, personalized wedding.

Is It the Right Choice to Marry in Las Vegas?

While getting married in Las Vegas is attractive thanks to the relatively low costs and simple government requirements, is it the right choice for you and your fiancé?

Before taking the plunge and deciding to get married in Vegas, consider the following:

• Do you meet all the necessary requirements?
• Will your family and friends be able to attend your wedding? (And do you want them to?)
• Can you afford a Vegas wedding, especially if it involves travel?
• Is a destination wedding right for you?

Like everything related to a wedding, the “right” decision will always be whatever is best for you and your spouse-to-be.

Getting Married in Vegas FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Vegas?

It depends on how lavish you want the ceremony to be. First, you’ll have to pay a mandatory fee to obtain your wedding license, which is $102. From there, if you want to keep things affordable, you can say your vows and sign the license with an officiant in a civil ceremony that costs less than $100. But you could also choose an extravagant, resort-set ceremony that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

Why Does Everyone Want To Know How to Get Married in Las Vegas?

It’s not called the wedding capital of the world for nothing! Vegas is a popular place to say “I do.” In fact, the city estimates that it hosts about 200 or more weddings per day.

Is It Easy to Get Married in Most Countries with a Destination Wedding?

No, it’s not easy everywhere. If you’re considering a destination wedding, and you want the ceremony to be legally binding rather than just symbolic, it’s best to hold it stateside in a popular destination like Vegas. Otherwise, you could face a variety of legal issues or even find that the certified copy of your marriage license from the other country isn’t valid in the US.

Do You Have to Wait to Get Married in Vegas?

Nope! You can get married on the same date that you complete the marriage license application process if you’d like.

Do You Need a Witness for a Vegas Wedding?

Yes, you must have at least one other person at the ceremony beyond the officiant and your fiancé who can act as an official witness.

Protect Your Wedding, Wherever It’s Held

Wherever you end up tying the knot, make sure your big day is fully protected with BriteCo’s wedding liability and cancellation insurance. If your wedding is canceled due to extreme weather, a vendor bails on you, or your fiance merely gets cold feet, wedding insurance can protect your investment.

Learn more and get your quick and easy wedding insurance quote now.

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