How to Get Married in Las Vegas

Co-authored by Ivy Summer

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 References

Getting married in Las Vegas isn’t always a snap judgement ordeal. Some people actually plan to get married in Sin City. And why not? It’s a breeze, and it has everything you could ask for in a wedding destination, and maybe even more. Whether you're planning a year in advance, or you're in Vegas right now and just can't wait, there are some things to consider.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Applying for Your Marriage License

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Know the laws. First things first: you have to have a marriage license to get married no matter where you are. Thankfully, acquiring a marriage license in Clark County, Nevada is pretty simple.
- Both parties must be 18 and not currently married.
- You must both appear before a Clerk at a Clark County Marriage Bureau location.
- You can't marry a relative closer than your first cousin.
- Both parties must also provide identification that proves name and age. Refer to the Clark County website for a list of acceptable identification.
- Non-U.S. citizens should check with officials in their home country or embassy to find out if a union in Las Vegas will be recognized in their home country.
2
Apply for the license. While you will have to appear before a Clerk to receive a marriage license, you can submit a Marriage License Pre-Application online to speed the process.
- The completed Marriage License Pre-Application stays on file for 60 days.
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3
Pay the fees. It costs money to receive a marriage license. The Clark County website has a more in-depth list of acceptable payment options, but the easiest way to pay is with cash, travelers’ checks, or money orders. You should expect to pay $77.00 to apply for the license. If you wish to have the ceremony at the Office of Civil Marriages, it is another $75.00.
4
Get the License! No blood test is required, and marriage licenses are issued the same day as application. There is no waiting period.
- Your marriage license is good for one year from the date it was issued.
- The license simply allows you to marry in the state of Nevada. It is not a proof of marriage.
- Your marriage license is a public document.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Selecting the Venue

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Choose the date. When planning a wedding in Vegas, it’s important to consider when you’ll be getting married. Not only is Las Vegas a massive tourist attraction, it is also in the middle of the desert. The best times to get married in Vegas are spring and fall.
- Avoid holiday weddings. While it may seem like a sweet idea to get married on Valentine’s Day, you’re almost guaranteed a long wait to do so. Same goes for other big days like New Year’s Eve, for example.^{[1]
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Consider your guests. You’ll likely want to bring friends to help you celebrate your big day, and they’ll need places to stay as well. If you plan your wedding for a common vacation time, you’ll need to plan very far in advance. Even then you may not have an easy time accommodating everyone.
- Keep in mind the number of people attending the wedding and plan accordingly. If the number of guests is relatively small, don't book a lavish reception hall built to hold hundreds of people.
3
Find the right spot. Las Vegas has countless options when it comes to marriage venues. To find the spot that suits you, it’s best to know what you’re looking for.
- Many hotels in Vegas not only have wedding chapels in them, but they offer entire wedding packages, complete with photographers, florists, reception services, and transportation if needed.^{[2]
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- If your marriage is a spur of the moment decision, Vegas offers plenty of quick wedding chapels. All you have to do is walk-in (with your marriage license, of course). Some chapels even offer license services to make the process easier.^{[3]
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Pick a wedding theme. If you’re looking for a themed wedding, Vegas has you covered. Get married by Elvis, or ride motorcycles through the chapel.
- Some places offer drive-thru weddings. A popular option for couples on the go, the drive-thru wedding actually started as a novel way for disabled couples to get married.
- Vegas is the go-to spot for crazy weddings. The potential for unique weddings is nearly endless. You can even get married underwater!^{[4]
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- Check with the various wedding chapels to see if your crazy idea can be accommodated. Most likely someone in Vegas can help make your dreams come true.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Planning the Wedding

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Pick out a dress. If you don't already have a dress, don't worry. There are plenty of places to buy (or rent) a dress for your wedding day.
- When shopping for a wedding dress consider things like the time of year you'll be getting married, your body type, and gown styles.
- Don't forget to set a budget. Wedding dresses can be very expensive. Setting a budget beforehand may help narrow your choices.
- While shopping for the groom's tuxedo is likely to be less stressful than shopping for a dress, it is still important. Thankfully, most places that allow you to shop for dresses have options for the men in your wedding as well.
2
Feed your guests. After the wedding ceremony is complete, you'll want to have a reception. Decide if you want to have a dinner reception or a cocktail reception with simple finger foods and drinks.
- Many casinos and hotels in Vegas offer catering services for your wedding. If you plan on having the ceremony at one of the many Vegas hotels, consider having them cater your wedding as well.
- If you plan on opting for a cocktail reception, make sure your guests know that a full meal will not be served.
- Keep in mind the dietary restrictions of your guests. Make sure you have options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free guests.
3
Shop for a wedding cake. As with searching for your wedding dress, when shopping for wedding cake be mindful of the budget, especially in Vegas.
- There is no shortage of options for extravagant wedding cakes in Las Vegas. You could even have your wedding cake made at Carlo's Bakery, of Cake Boss fame.
- You don't have to go crazy with the cake. There are plenty of pre-made wedding cakes to fit any budget.^{[5]
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Hire a wedding planner. If shopping for a dress, planning a reception, and finding a cake all sound like too much to handle on top of planning a trip to Vegas, hire a wedding planner. It is their job to make your life easier and ensure a smooth wedding.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should I look for in a wedding bartender?

Ivy Summer
Certified Wedding Planner
Ivy Summer is a Certified Wedding Planner and the Owner of Voulez Events. Ivy has over 10 years of experience consulting, planning and coordinating weddings around the globe. She has also created a DIY online wedding planning workshop for couples, called "Plan Your Wedding Like A Pro." She currently resides in Greece where she continues to work with a worldwide network of planners and wedding professionals.

Ivy Summer

Certified Wedding Planner

Expert Answer

Look for someone who has some experience. Ask them what their policy is around people who drink too much, and how they might communicate to de-escalate that kind of scenario.
Question

Will my Las Vegas marriage license be accepted in my home state of Florida?

Community Answer

Just the marriage license won't be (you would have to get a marriage license in Florida to get married there), but if you get married in Las Vegas, the marriage will be recognized in Florida.
Question

Can I get my marriage license in the state I live in?

Community Answer

Generally speaking, whichever state you get the marriage license in is the state where you must also get married.

Warnings

It's illegal to make a false statement on your marriage license as per Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 122.200. "Any person who shall make a false statement in procuring a marriage license with reference to any matter required by NRS 122.040 and 122.050 to be stated under oath shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor."^{[6]
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