Las Vegas Weddings: Legal In The Uk?

are las vegas weddings legal in uk

Las Vegas is a popular wedding destination for UK couples. With over 300 weddings taking place every day, it has earned the nickname Wedding Capital of the World. Las Vegas weddings are legal in the UK, and all you need is a marriage license, a valid passport, and a birth certificate. However, it is important to note that the process of obtaining additional copies of marriage certificates is easier in the UK, so it is recommended to obtain multiple copies while in Las Vegas. Daily flights from major UK airports to Las Vegas make it a convenient choice for destination weddings, and the city offers a range of unique chapels, speedy marriage licenses, and iconic photo spots.

Characteristics Values
Legality in the UK Legal
Required documents Marriage license, passport, birth certificate, proof of previous marriage/name change/widower status
Ease of obtaining official marriage certificates Easier in the US
Required vaccinations Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 unless a returning US citizen or exempt
Recommended tests Viral test within 3-5 days of arrival
Average rainfall 26 days per year
Outdoor venues Landscaped gardens, terraces, courtyards
Number of weddings per day Over 300
Average ceremony duration 10 minutes
Customization options Extra readings, personal flourishes
Notable chapels Chapel of Flowers, A Little White Wedding Chapel, Little Church of the West, Graceland Wedding Chapel, Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel

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Las Vegas is a popular destination for weddings, with its unique chapels, quick marriage licenses, and iconic photo spots. It is known as the "Wedding Capital of the World", with over 300 weddings taking place each day.

There are daily flights from several UK airports to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, making it an accessible wedding destination. The average ceremony is about 10 minutes long and can be customized with extra readings and personal touches.

If you are entering the US for your wedding, it is essential to check the latest travel advice and visa requirements. As of the latest advice, fully vaccinated travelers to the USA are recommended to take a viral test within 3 to 5 days of arrival. The rules can change quickly, so staying updated is important.

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You need a marriage licence, passport and birth certificate

If you're a UK resident and want to get married in Las Vegas, you need to obtain a marriage licence, passport, and birth certificate. Here is a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

Marriage Licence

First, you must obtain a marriage licence from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, located at 201 E. Clark Avenue in Las Vegas. The Marriage License Bureau is open 7 days a week, from 8 am to midnight, including holidays. There is a licensing fee of $102, payable by credit or debit card only. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and present valid IDs to the county clerk, who will issue the marriage licence.

Passport

A valid passport is required for international travel and serves as proof of identity. When getting married in Las Vegas, you must present your passport or another valid ID to the county clerk when obtaining your marriage licence.

Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate is another essential document for getting married in Las Vegas. It provides proof of your identity and date of birth. If you are a transgender individual with a full gender recognition certificate, you can obtain an updated birth certificate that reflects your acquired gender.

In addition to these documents, if you have been married before, you will need to bring proof, such as a certified copy of your final order or decree absolute. If your previous marriage was outside the UK, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a death certificate. It is always a good idea to check with the local authorities to ensure you have all the required paperwork.

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It's easy to get married in Vegas—licences are speedy

Marriages in Las Vegas are legally binding in the UK and most countries around the world. If you're planning a Las Vegas wedding, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the Marriage License Bureau. Here's why it's easy to get married in Vegas with a speedy license process:

No Waiting Period or Blood Tests

There are no waiting periods or blood tests required to obtain your marriage license in Las Vegas. This means you can walk into the Marriage License Bureau and obtain your license on the same day, making it a speedy process.

Online Application

To expedite the process even further, you can fill out the marriage license application online before arriving at the bureau. This way, you can avoid waiting for an available computer at the courthouse and save time.

Walk-Ins Welcome

The Marriage License Bureau is open daily from 8 am to midnight, including holidays, and welcomes walk-ins. No appointments are necessary. Simply show up with your fiancé and the required documents, and you can obtain your license within about 15 minutes, depending on the crowd.

Nearby Wedding Venues

After obtaining your license, you can walk into a wedding chapel nearby and get married on the spot. Venues like Vegas Weddings, located across the street from the Marriage License Bureau, offer inexpensive and quick ceremonies.

International Recognition

Your Las Vegas marriage license will be recognized internationally. Most countries require a certified copy of your marriage certificate and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State, which you can easily obtain and provide for legal recognition of your marriage.

So, if you're planning a Las Vegas wedding, rest assured that the license process is straightforward and speedy. With no lengthy waiting periods or complicated procedures, you can obtain your license and have a legally recognized wedding with ease.

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You can have a custom wedding ceremony

If you're a UK resident looking to get married in Las Vegas, you can have a custom wedding ceremony. The Vegas wedding scene caters to a huge range of tastes and styles. The most famous is the wham-bam, thank-you-ma'am service on The Strip, but there are also a lot of hidden gem wedding venues within the city.

Most simple elopement services are 10 minutes long and involve a welcome message, the exchange of legal vows, and a few closing words. However, extra readings and personal flourishes can easily be added to create a custom wedding ceremony. Custom ceremonies involve extra organisation and more of the celebrant's time, so the cost goes up.

There are so many chapels in Vegas, with a huge variety of different themes. Some of the most famous ones include Chapel of the Flowers, A Little White Wedding Chapel, Little Church of the West, Graceland Wedding Chapel, and Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. Most big hotels have their own chapels, too.

You can also wed outside in the lush landscaped gardens, on a sophisticated terrace, or in a romantic courtyard—safe in the knowledge that the sun will continue to shine!

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It's a very accessible wedding destination with daily flights from the UK

Las Vegas is a highly accessible wedding destination for UK residents, with daily flights from several UK airports. Direct flights to McCarran International Airport depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh, with a travel time between 10 and 13 hours. This convenient travel option eliminates the hassle of lengthy layovers or multiple connections, making it a straightforward journey to your dream wedding location.

The accessibility of Las Vegas as a wedding destination is further enhanced by the city's efficient marriage license process. Couples can obtain a marriage license on the same day, streamlining the legal aspect of their wedding plans. This swift and straightforward procedure adds to the appeal of Las Vegas as a choice for UK couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience.

The wedding scene in Las Vegas caters to a diverse range of tastes and styles. The city boasts numerous chapels, each with its unique theme, ensuring that couples can find a venue that aligns with their vision. From the famous chapels on The Strip, like the Chapel of Flowers and A Little White Wedding Chapel, to the hidden gem venues within the city and beyond, Las Vegas offers an array of choices for an unforgettable celebration.

Additionally, Las Vegas provides a welcome escape from the unpredictable weather in the UK. With an average of only 26 days of rainfall per year, compared to 156.2 days in the UK, couples can confidently plan outdoor weddings in the city's lush gardens, sophisticated terraces, or romantic courtyards, secure in the knowledge that their special day will be blessed with sunny skies.

Las Vegas truly earns its reputation as the "Wedding Capital of the World," hosting over 300 weddings daily. The city's vibrant energy, bright lights, and world-class entertainment options contribute to its allure as a wedding destination. The ease of accessibility, combined with the unique and diverse wedding offerings, makes Las Vegas a highly desirable choice for UK couples seeking a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Las Vegas weddings are legal in the UK. You will need a marriage license, a valid passport, and a birth certificate. If you have been married before, changed your name, or are a widower, you will need to bring proof of that too.

If you are changing your name, you will need to send your marriage certificate along with a cover letter to any organisation that needs to know (e.g. banks, mortgage companies, utility providers).

Marriage licenses can be obtained quickly in Las Vegas. You can apply online before you arrive, or get one the same day you arrive—some couples get a limo from the airport to the courthouse to do this.

Las Vegas is known as the "Wedding Capital of the World", with over 300 weddings taking place every day. Wedding ceremonies can be as short as 10 minutes, or you can pay for a custom ceremony with extra readings and personal touches.

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