Get Married in Las Vegas: What to Know

Las Vegas, Nevada, is known as the “Wedding Capital of the World,” and it’s a favorite destination for all types of nuptials, from last-minute elopements to opulent extravaganzas. With its many shops, locations, and event planners, Las Vegas has everything you need for a wedding. But is getting married in Las Vegas legal? Below, we’ll discuss the legal requirements for getting married in Las Vegas and where to get married.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Getting Married In Las Vegas?

Las Vegas Marriage Locations

For your marriage to be legal in Las Vegas, you must have a marriage license issued by the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. To obtain a marriage license from Clark County, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must not currently be married.
  • You must not be a close relative of your spouse. Nevada prohibits relatives closer than second cousins or cousins of half blood from marrying.
  • You must have at least one government-issued identification to prove your name and age.

Unlike other states, Nevada doesn’t require a blood test or a waiting period.

I Meet the Requirements. How Can I Apply for a Marriage License?

The Clark County Marriage License Bureau requests that applicants complete online preregistration within 60 days of the date they plan to wed. You and your spouse will fill out the preregistration form together, using your legal name as it appears on government-issued identification. You’ll also choose your new middle and last names, but you must change your name legally in accordance with the laws of your state or country. After submitting the application, you’ll be given a confirmation number.

You must visit the Clark County Marriage License Bureau to obtain your marriage license. When you go to the license bureau, you and your future spouse must both be present. You’ll submit your government-issued identification, confirm that all the information on your license is correct, make any necessary changes, and pay the fee. The fee is currently $102 and can be paid via cash, credit, or debit card.

The Clark County Marriage License Bureau accepts the following original forms of identification to verify your age and identity:

  • Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit.
  • Passport.
  • A birth certificate with any secondary document that contains your name and photograph.
  • Military or military-dependent ID card issued by a United States Armed Forces branch.
  • Official ID card issued by a United States state or territory.
  • Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Permanent Resident Card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Official foreign government-issued ID card, including a driver’s license with the date of birth.

Where’s the Clark County Marriage License Bureau?

The Clark County Marriage Bureau is at 201 E. Clark Ave., Las Vegas, NV, 89101. It’s open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until midnight.

How Soon Can I Get Married After Getting My Marriage License?

In Las Vegas, there’s no waiting period. You can get married as soon as you get your license. Clark County marriage licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue. Your wedding ceremony must be performed in Nevada by a Nevada-licensed officiant. Your marriage license and identification must be given to your officiant. You’ll also need someone other than your officiant to witness your vow exchange.

After you exchange vows, your officiant will complete the required paperwork and file your marriage license with Clark County within ten days of your ceremony.

Where To Get Married In Las Vegas.

The ability to get married practically anywhere, at any time, and in any manner is one of the things that makes tying the knot in Las Vegas so appealing. You can choose the venue that best suits your demands in terms of space, aesthetics, and price because dozens of options are available, ranging from the understated drive-through chapel to the lavish ballroom at Caesars’ Palace Las Vegas. Here are some places in and around Las Vegas where you can get married:

The Office of Civil Marriages

For a quick, intimate, and no-frills ceremony, the Office of Civil Marriages performs 15-minute civil marriage ceremonies by appointment. Couples must pay the applicable fees, bring their witness, and are allowed to bring up to eight additional guests.

Bliss Wedding Chapel

Bliss Wedding Chapel on the Las Vegas Strip is a full-service wedding venue with two chapels and several wedding packages. Bliss offers a modern twist on traditional, themed, and on-location weddings at exotic outdoor locations.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas

For an upscale experience, go with Caesars Palace Las Vegas, which offers more than a dozen wedding packages, eight venues (ranging from the Venus Garden to the Bacchus Pool), and a la carte services. And your after-party is taken care of by the on-site casino, eateries, and nightclubs.

The Little Vegas Chapel

The romantic and highly regarded Little Vegas Chapel in the Downtown Arts District offers full-service wedding ceremonies in two wedding chapels and various packages to fit your needs and budget. Weddings can also be streamed live from the chapel.

A Little White Wedding Chapel

Hosting weddings since 1951, A Little White Wedding Chapel is home to the original drive-thru wedding chapel, The Drive Thru Tunnel of Love. It also has five indoor chapels, an outdoor gazebo, several wedding packages, and a la carte services. It’s popular for its vintage vibe.

Why Would I Need to Consult With a Lawyer if My Marriage Is Legal?

You’d consult an attorney for several reasons after being married in Las Vegas. In addition to legally changing your last name in accordance with your state’s laws, you may want to see a lawyer to help you draft or alter your will to include your spouse. You may also want to draft a post-nuptial agreement to specify how your assets will be divided if you and your spouse divorce. Contact De Castroverde, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyer, today for a free consultation about your pre- or post-nuptial arrangements.

Photo Credit: Image by Michelle_Maria is licensed with Pixabay License