Rhiannon Hendricks
Getting married in Las Vegas is an appealing prospect for many couples, with the city being dubbed the Wedding Capital of the World. The city performs more weddings than anywhere else, with more than 150 marriages per day. But what are the legal requirements? Do you need a wedding license in Vegas? The short answer is yes. To obtain a marriage license in Las Vegas, couples must fill out a pre-application form online and then go in person to the Marriage License Bureau with two valid, government-issued photo IDs and pay a fee of $102 in cash or $105.29 with a credit card. The license is valid for one year, and couples must have a wedding ceremony within this time for the marriage to be legal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage License Requirement | Yes |
| Application Form | To be filled out online, no more than 90 days before the wedding |
| Identification | Two valid, government-issued photo IDs |
| Age | 18 years or above (proof of age required) |
| Fee | $102 (cash) or $105.29 (credit card) |
| Additional Fee | If paying by card |
| Blood Test | Not required |
| Waiting Period | Not required |
| Marriage Certificate | To be filed by the person conducting the ceremony within 10 days |
| Certified Copy | To be ordered after the certificate is filed |
| Legal Everywhere | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Las Vegas, you must meet the following requirements:
Age
You must be at least 18 years old. If you are a minor under 18, you may marry if you have the consent of one legal guardian. If you are a 17-year-old minor and a resident of Clark County, you must obtain a court order from a Nevada District Court Judge.
Identification
You must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your name and age. The marriage license will be issued in the name shown on your ID, so ensure it matches the name on your application. If you want your middle name included, for example, your ID must contain your full middle name and not just its initial.
Marital Status
You must not be currently married. If you were previously divorced, you do not need to show your legal divorce decree unless you are using a different name than what's on your ID. You will be required to sign your license application stating that you are legally divorced.
Kinship
You must not be nearer kin than second cousins or cousins of half-blood.
Application
You can apply for a marriage license online or in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. You must fill out a pre-application form online in advance, no more than 90 days before your wedding. Both partners must be present when obtaining the license unless special circumstances are met. The license costs $102 when paying with cash or $105.29 with a credit card.
Timing
There is no waiting period after obtaining your marriage license. You can get married as soon as you want, but you must have a wedding ceremony within one year of getting your license.
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How to obtain a marriage license
Getting married in Las Vegas requires a marriage license, which can be obtained by following a few simple steps. Here is a guide on how to obtain a marriage license in Las Vegas:
Fill Out a Pre-Application Form:
First, you need to complete a pre-application form online. This form should be filled out no more than 90 days before your wedding. Ensure that you enter your legal names, which should match the IDs that you will bring when picking up your marriage license.
Visit the Marriage License Bureau:
Both parties must go together to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau at 201 Clark Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. The office is open 365 days a year, from 8 am to midnight, and no appointment is necessary. When visiting the bureau, bring the following documents:
- Two valid, government-issued photo IDs (passport, driver's license, etc.) for each individual.
- Cash or a debit/credit card to pay the license fee. The license costs \$102 when paying with cash or \$105.29 with a credit card.
- If you are a US citizen, know your social security number (you don't need the card).
- If you have been previously divorced or widowed, know the date, city, and state where this occurred or was finalized.
Complete the Application Process:
Once you arrive at the Marriage License Bureau, you will typically spend less than an hour completing the application process. Provide the clerk with your confirmation number (if you have one) or your names and present your identification. Verify that all your information is correct before leaving the bureau.
Perform the Wedding Ceremony:
After obtaining your marriage license, you must perform a wedding ceremony within one year to have a legal marriage. The ceremony must be performed in Nevada by an officiant licensed in Nevada, and a witness is required. Immediately after the certificate is filed, you may order a certified copy to use as proof of marriage.
It's important to note that marriage records in Nevada are public documents and cannot be made confidential. Additionally, if you are from outside the United States, check with your home country's consulate office to inquire about any additional certifications required.
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What to do after obtaining a marriage license
So, you've obtained a marriage license in Vegas. What's next? Well, you'll need to head to a wedding chapel or choose another location for your ceremony, such as the street, a dry lake bed, or even Red Rock Canyon. Don't forget to bring your marriage license with you to the ceremony, as it's a requirement to have it before the ceremony starts. You'll also need to bring a photo ID, and it's a good idea to make an appointment.
Once you're at your chosen venue, you'll need to present your marriage license and ID to the officiant. The officiant must be licensed in Nevada, and the ceremony must be performed in Nevada. The person conducting the ceremony can be a licensed marriage officiant, a judge, or a justice of the peace.
During your ceremony, you'll need at least one witness, who can be a friend or even your photographer. Then, you and your partner will verbally commit to each other in front of the officiant and witness. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the marriage certificate with the county clerk within 10 days. You can ask your officiant to process your marriage certificate, or you can order it online or purchase it in person.
Your marriage certificate will cost $20 for each certified copy, and if needed, you can obtain an Apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State's Office for an additional $20. If you're a non-US resident, you may also need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license for $6.50 and contact your home country's consulate office to inquire about any additional certifications required.
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Vow renewals
Las Vegas is a world-renowned wedding destination, and a popular choice for couples looking to renew their vows. Vow renewals are a chance for partners to publicly reaffirm their commitment to each other and celebrate their marriage, perhaps on a grander scale than their original wedding.
When planning a vow renewal in Las Vegas, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the number of guests you wish to invite, as this may impact your choice of venue due to space constraints. Secondly, consider the different venues and packages available, as well as any associated costs. Las Vegas has a range of venues to choose from, including wedding chapels near the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, as well as unique outdoor settings such as the Grand Canyon or the Valley of Fire.
Lucky Little Chapel, located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, is a popular choice for vow renewals, offering a wide array of packages to suit different budgets and preferences. The Little Neon Chapel is another option, with $99 renewal of vows packages and an Elvis-themed ceremony. For those seeking a more extravagant experience, Papillon offers helicopter wedding packages that include luxury transport and a private helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon or Valley of Fire for a remote vow-exchange ceremony.
Whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Las Vegas has something to offer for your vow renewal.
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Marriage certificates
Firstly, you must obtain a marriage license from the Marriage License Bureau. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is located at 201 E. Clark Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. The Marriage License Bureau is open daily from 8 am to midnight, including holidays, and no appointments are necessary as it is walk-in only. However, be prepared to queue, especially before certain holidays or sequential numerical dates. Sundays and Tuesdays are typically the least busy days, and the least busy times are 8-10 am and 8 pm-midnight.
Both parties must appear together before a clerk with two valid, government-issued photo IDs and proof of age. The cost of the license is $102 when paid in cash or $105.29 with a credit card. No further paperwork is needed, but you must provide your social security number if you are a US citizen. If you have been divorced or widowed, you need to know the date and location of the finalization.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you are free to have your wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the person conducting the wedding must file the marriage certificate with the county clerk within 10 days. You can then immediately order a certified copy of the marriage certificate to use as proof of marriage. Some officiants will file the certificate on the same day, allowing you to obtain a copy before leaving Las Vegas.
If you are a couple from outside the United States, most countries will require a certified copy of your marriage certificate and an Apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State. The Nevada Secretary of State can send the documents directly to your government. Remember that all marriage certificates issued in Nevada must be used within the state.
Finally, if you are renewing your vows, you do not need a marriage license. However, you can obtain a non-legal Certificate of Vow Renewal from the Clark County Clerk's Office to have the full Vegas wedding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a wedding license to get married in Vegas. You can fill out a pre-application form online and then go in person to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau to obtain your license.
You will need to bring two valid, government-issued photo IDs, and cash, credit, or a debit card. The license costs $102 when paid in cash or $105.29 with a credit card.
Your wedding license is valid for one year. You must have a wedding ceremony within this time for the marriage to be legal.
