George Boyle
Las Vegas weddings are a popular choice for couples looking for a unique and exciting way to tie the knot. With its neon lights, glamorous venues, and celebrity endorsements, it's no wonder that many consider Sin City as their dream wedding destination. But are these weddings legal outside of the United States, specifically in New Zealand? In short, yes. Vegas weddings are legally binding in most countries, including New Zealand. However, there are a few legal requirements that couples need to be aware of before exchanging vows in Vegas, such as obtaining a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau and presenting valid IDs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality in NZ | Vegas weddings are legal in NZ, but a certified copy of the marriage certificate and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State are required. |
| Legality in other countries | Vegas weddings are legally binding throughout the US and in most countries. |
| Legality in the US | Vegas weddings are legally binding throughout the US. |
| Requirements | A marriage license is required, which can be obtained from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. Both parties must present valid IDs. |
| Cost of license | $102 USD |
| Additional costs | Certified copy of the marriage certificate ($20 USD), apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State ($20 USD), certified copy of the marriage license ($6.50 USD). |
| Age requirement | 18 for both men and women |
| Other requirements | A witness is required, and the ceremony must be performed by a licensed officiant in Nevada. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegas weddings are legally binding in NZ
If you're planning a wedding in Las Vegas and wondering if it will be legally recognised in New Zealand, here's what you need to know.
Firstly, Vegas weddings are legally binding in most countries, including New Zealand. However, it's always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities in your country to be sure. Marriages in Las Vegas are considered valid and legally binding, just like those performed anywhere else in the United States.
To ensure that your Vegas wedding is legally recognised in New Zealand, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, you'll need to obtain a marriage licence from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. Both parties must present valid government-issued photo IDs, such as passports, to the county clerk, who will issue the marriage licence for a fee of $102 USD. It's important to note that you must collect the licence in person before the wedding, as the ceremony cannot take place without it.
On your wedding day, the marriage licence and IDs must be presented to the person performing the ceremony, who must be a licensed officiant in Nevada. The ceremony must also be witnessed by someone other than the officiant. After the wedding, the officiant will file the marriage certificate with the government, and you can obtain a certified copy as proof of your marriage. This certificate is recognised as valid proof in most countries, including New Zealand, and can be used as evidence of your marital status.
It's worth noting that some countries may have additional requirements for recognising foreign marriages. Therefore, it's recommended to contact your country's consulate office in the U.S. to inquire about any specific certifications or procedures that may be necessary to ensure your marriage is legally recognised back home.
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Requirements for a legal Vegas wedding
Marriages in Las Vegas are legally binding throughout the United States and in most countries around the world. However, states and countries have their own laws, so it is important to check with your home country regarding the recognition and legality of marriage in the United States. Here are the requirements for a legal Vegas wedding:
No Blood Tests or Waiting Periods
Neither blood tests nor waiting periods are required for a legal Vegas wedding. You can receive your marriage license and get married on the same day. The Marriage License Bureau is open from 8 am to midnight, 365 days a year, and does not require appointments.
Legal Age
The legal age for marriage in Las Vegas is 18 for both men and women, and proof of age is required.
Licensing Fees
The licensing fees for a marriage license are $102, payable by credit or debit card only.
Valid IDs
Both parties must present valid IDs to the county clerk, who will issue the marriage license.
Verbal Commitment
With the papers in hand, the couple must verbally commit to each other in front of a licensed marriage officiant, judge, or justice of the peace, and a witness. The witness must be someone other than the officiant.
Marriage Certificate
Immediately after the certificate is filed, you may order a certified copy to use as proof of marriage. Some officiants will file the certificate on the same day, allowing you to obtain a certified copy before leaving Las Vegas. The cost of each certified copy is $20.
Apostille
In addition to the certified copy of your marriage certificate, most countries require an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State, which costs $20.
Ceremony Location and Officiant
The ceremony must be performed in Nevada by an officiant licensed in Nevada. The marriage license and IDs must be given to the officiant before the ceremony.
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Obtaining a marriage license
- Complete the Pre-Application Form: Both parties must fill out a pre-application form online in advance. This form should be submitted no more than 90 days before the wedding. Ensure that the names entered on the form match the IDs that will be presented when picking up the marriage license.
- Visit the Marriage License Bureau: Both parties must go in person to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau at 201 E. Clark Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. The office is open 365 days a year from 8 am to midnight, and no appointment is necessary.
- Provide Required Documents: Bring two valid, government-issued photo IDs (one for each person) and proof of name and age. If you are a US citizen, you will also need to know your social security number. If you have been previously married, you may need to provide additional information such as the date, city, and state of divorce or widowhood.
- Pay the License Fee: The marriage license costs \$102 when paid in cash or \$105.29 with a credit card. This fee must be paid using cash, credit, or debit card.
- Obtain the Marriage License: After submitting the required documents and paying the fee, you will be issued your marriage license. The license is valid for one year, and you must have a wedding ceremony within this period for the marriage to be legal.
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate: After the wedding ceremony, you may order a certified copy of your marriage certificate for \$20. This serves as proof of marriage and may be required by your home country.
It is important to note that the information provided is specifically for obtaining a marriage license in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the marriage is legally recognized in most countries, including New Zealand, it is always advisable to check with your home country's consulate office in the US to inquire about any additional requirements or certifications needed.
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Certified copies of marriage certificates
Marriages in Las Vegas are legally binding throughout the U.S. and in most countries around the world. However, each country has its own laws. For instance, if you reside outside the US and live in a country that participates in the Hague Convention, you will most likely need an Apostille. An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Nevada Secretary of State that authenticates a document for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention. It is recommended that you check the local requirements where you reside.
The Clark County Clerk's Office does not solicit the sale of any documents filed in the office. If you receive a phone call or email solicitation, they are not affiliated with the office.
It is recommended that you have at least two copies of your marriage certificate at all times. Many times, when you have to send in a copy to a government agency, it can take a few weeks for them to mail it back to you. If you do not have multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate, getting your name changed and your benefits will likely be delayed.
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Same-sex marriage legality in Vegas
Marriages in Las Vegas are legally binding in the US and most countries worldwide. However, each state and country has its own laws. A Vegas wedding is a legal marriage recognised around the world, but some countries may require a certified copy of the marriage certificate and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Nevada since 2014, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States reached the same conclusion in Obergefell v. Hodges. Finally, in 2020, Nevada became the first state to protect same-sex marriage in its state constitution.
In 2019, there were 420 same-sex spouses from Mexico, 350 from England, 326 from China, 213 from the Philippines, 147 from Canada, 143 from Germany, 115 from France, 90 from Australia, and 87 from Brazil. The 2020 US census showed that there were 8,518 married same-sex couple households and 5,986 unmarried same-sex couple households in Nevada.
Same-sex couples entering into a domestic partnership must sign and file a notarized declaration with the Nevada Secretary of State. Most rights and obligations granted to married couples extend to couples in a domestic partnership in Nevada, although some rights, such as federal tax advantages, are only available to married couples.
In Nevada, couples who do not wish to have a legal ceremony may opt for a commitment or vow renewal ceremony, in which they publicly declare their commitment without getting legally married. No license is required for these types of ceremonies, and participants may be asked to sign a waiver stating that they understand the ceremony is not legally binding.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegas weddings are legal in most countries. NZ residents will need to obtain a certified copy of their marriage certificate and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State.
You will need a government-issued ID with a photo, such as a passport, and a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau.
The marriage license costs USD 102. A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs $20, and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State costs $20.
The legal age for marriage in Vegas is 18 for both men and women.
Yes, you need someone other than the officiant to witness your wedding.
