Franklin Dean
Nevada is a popular wedding destination, known for its Las Vegas elopements and drive-through chapels. The state also offers scenic outdoor weddings and luxury weddings. The process of obtaining a marriage license in Nevada is straightforward and simple. Both parties must be 18 years of age and appear before a clerk with valid identification. The cost of a marriage license is $77, and it is valid for one year. There is no waiting period between applying for the license and getting married. The wedding ceremony must include the couple's consent and be officiated by an authorized official. The officiant must be a licensed or ordained minister, a notary, or a judge. They must fill out their portion of the marriage license and submit it to the county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
What You'll Learn
Who can perform wedding ceremonies in Nevada?
Nevada is known for its Las Vegas elopements, but there are also traditional destination weddings, micro weddings, and scenic outdoor weddings. The state has some of the simplest requirements for a marriage certificate and name change. The marriage license bureau is open every day of the year, and there is no waiting period between applying for your marriage license and being able to get married.
Legal Requirements
Each party must be 18 years of age and have a form of identification. Once at the Marriage License Bureau, they'll need to pay for the license, have a witness for the ceremony, and have a legal officiant perform the ceremony.
Who Can Officiate?
Ministers or officials who are licensed or ordained and in good standing with their religious organization can perform ceremonies. A notary in good standing with the Secretary of State and judges in good standing with state government can also officiate. All officiants must be at least 18 years old and can obtain or renew a certificate or permit to perform marriages.
Retired Clergy
Retired clergy who can demonstrate being active for at least three years, ministers serving in interim positions, or a U.S. Army chaplain currently on assignment in Nevada can obtain a certificate. Their application must include the full names and addresses of the couple, the date and address of the ceremony, and other relevant documentation related to ordination. There is a \$25 application fee.
Out-of-State Officiants
Out-of-state officiants may obtain permission to perform a specific wedding ceremony in Nevada. NRS 122.062 states that a licensed, ordained, or appointed minister, or church or religious official may be authorized to perform a specific marriage in the county where the ceremony is taking place if they are in good standing with their church or religious organization. There is no residency requirement for a single-ceremony certificate. A separate authorization is required for each marriage, and an officiant may perform no more than five marriages in Nevada in a calendar year.
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How to get a marriage license in Nevada
Nevada is a popular destination for weddings, especially in Las Vegas, with its famous chapels and last-minute affairs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a marriage license in Nevada:
Where and When to Go
To obtain a marriage license in Nevada, both parties must appear before a clerk at a government marriage bureau. The marriage bureau in Las Vegas is open seven days a week from 8 am to midnight, even on holidays. Different counties in Nevada have their own marriage bureaus with varying hours. The cost of a marriage license is $77 in Las Vegas, payable by credit card, and $60 in Washoe County.
Documentation
Both parties must bring approved photo identification to confirm their identities and ages. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, military ID, permanent resident card, or voter identification card. If you want your middle name on your marriage license, ensure that it is listed on the ID you present. There is no need to provide a blood test or proof of divorce. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with guardian and court approval.
Filling Out the Application
The couple must fill out a marriage license application, which can be done online in advance to save time. The license is valid for up to one year after issuance and is valid anywhere in the state. There is no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you obtain the license.
The Ceremony
A marriage license does not mean you are legally married. You must still have a marriage ceremony and say your vows. Remember to bring your marriage license to the ceremony, as the officiant cannot legally process the paperwork without it. After the ceremony, the officiant will file a marriage certificate with the government bureau, which serves as your proof of marriage. You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate online for $20.
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Requirements to perform a wedding in Nevada
Nevada has long been a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot, with Las Vegas being a particularly famous wedding location. If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Nevada, there are a few things you need to know and some requirements you need to meet. Here are the key requirements and steps to perform a wedding in the Silver State:
Age and Other Requirements:
Firstly, you must be at least 18 years old to officiate a wedding in Nevada. There is no maximum age limit, and retired ministers can also perform wedding ceremonies.
Get Licensed or Ordained:
To perform a wedding in Nevada, you must be licensed or ordained by a religious or secular organization. The state recognizes ministers, officials, judges, and notaries who are in good standing with their respective organizations or the state government.
Register with the County Clerk:
According to Nevada law, all wedding officiants must register with the County Clerk in the county where the wedding will take place. This process can cost around $25 to $100 and may take 2 to 6 weeks to complete. Keep in mind that this registration only allows you to officiate weddings in that specific county. If you plan to officiate in multiple counties, you must register with each County Clerk separately.
Obtain a Certificate of Permission:
After registering with the County Clerk, you will need to obtain a certificate of permission to perform marriages. This certificate costs $25 and must be renewed periodically. The certificate is valid for a specific number of marriages or a set period, depending on the county.
Understand the Ceremony Requirements:
Nevada has relatively relaxed rules regarding the design and style of wedding ceremonies. However, there are some key requirements for the ceremony to be legally valid:
- The couple must formally consent to take each other as spouses in the presence of the officiant and at least one witness who is 18 or older.
- The officiant must pronounce the couple as married.
- The officiant must complete and return the marriage license to the issuing County Clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony.
Know the Marriage License Requirements:
As an officiant, it's important to be familiar with the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Nevada. Couples must apply for the license in person at the County Clerk's office and provide valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or military ID. The cost of the marriage license is typically $77, with a portion of the fee going towards the Account for Aid for Victims of Domestic Violence.
Finalize the Marriage Certificate:
After the ceremony, it's your responsibility as the officiant to ensure that the marriage certificate is properly completed and signed by the couple, witness, and yourself. The certificate must then be returned to the issuing County Clerk's office within 10 days to finalize the legal recognition of the marriage.
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What to do after the wedding ceremony
So, you've just tied the knot in Nevada – congratulations! Here's what you need to do next.
Sign the Marriage License
The officiant must sign the marriage license along with the couple and their witnesses. The officiant should use the title "Minister" and list the ceremony type as "Religious" and the denomination as "Non-Denominational". For the address, the officiant should put their personal ministry or home address, not the address of the Universal Life Church.
Return the Marriage License
The signed marriage license must be returned to the marriage office or county clerk's office within 10 calendar days of the wedding ceremony. The minister is responsible for ensuring this is done before the deadline passes for it to be legally filed.
Order Copies of the Marriage Certificate
After the marriage certificate has been filed with the Marriage License Bureau, you can order copies of your certified marriage certificate. This is the legal proof of your marriage and can be ordered online, by mail or in person. Each certified copy typically costs $20.
Change Your Name
If you're planning to change your name, you can use your certified marriage certificate as proof of marriage. You'll need to update your name with the Social Security Administration and the DMV, as well as on other important documents like your passport.
Enjoy Your Honeymoon
Nevada is a great place for a honeymoon, whether you're looking for a lively city break in Las Vegas or a scenic outdoor getaway in Red Rock Canyon or Lake Tahoe.
Congratulations again, and best wishes for your future together!
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Frequently asked questions
In Nevada, the following persons can solemnize a marriage:
- Any ministers or officials who are licensed or ordained and are in good standing with their religious organization.
- Notaries in good standing with the Secretary of State.
- Judges in good standing with state government.
All officiants must be at least 18 years old and can either obtain or renew a certificate or permit to perform marriages.
To become a wedding officiant in Nevada, you must be at least 18 years old and obtain or renew a certificate or permit to perform marriages. You can do this by applying for a Single Ceremony Certificate of Permission to Solemnize Marriages.
In Nevada, each party needs to be 18 years of age and have a form of identification with them when they go to the Marriage License Bureau in person. Once there, they'll need to pay for the license, have a witness for a ceremony, have a legal officiant perform the ceremony, and turn in the marriage license paperwork.
The cost of a marriage license in Nevada is $102.
