Have a destination wedding on your mind or planning an elopement? In this post, I am sharing my (our) experience and tips on how to get married in Las Vegas, venue options, packages and photography ideas!

Quick Tips: How to get married in Las Vegas

1. Check your eligibility to get married in Las Vegas
2. Choose a wedding planner, packages, or ‘just go with the flow’ options
3. Apply for a marriage license, and don’t forget to carry identification documents
4. Show up, and get married

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How to get Married in Las Vegas: Our Experience

We knew from the get-go that a fancy wedding party with all the bells and whistles was not our cup of tea. Spending tens of thousands of euros on a party after you have just bought a house didn’t score high on our to do list either. But we did know that we really wanted to get married. 

We thought for a long time to fly our close friends and family over but we chose an intimate moment for just the two of us. In the end, isn’t that what love really stands for? 

I have to admit that it was not easy on the day itself. I was very stressed and in some moments I wanted to scream aloud, and run throughout the hotel building..

What do you do if you don’t have your sister and your girls by your side? With a Vodka Red Bull in my hands and with tears in my eyes we left for the wedding chapel, and all along my heart was pounding in my throat. 

And funny enough, we got our destination wedding, couple’s getaway and honeymoon as part of our road trip to the West Coast of the USA in the beautiful state of Nevada.

Getting Married in Vegas at – A Little White Chapel

The employees of A Little White Chapel were super friendly. We were warmly welcomed on the spot, gave our passports and were completely ready for the ceremony. 

Our ceremony was supposed to start at 11 am, the limousine was on time and dropped us off five minutes in advance. But because the marriage license was missing, the limousine took us to the Las Vegas town hall immediately, where we applied it in twenty minutes. The cost of the license is $77 USD.

The ceremony itself takes about 15 minutes, you can say your own vows and you have a choice of a religious or non-religious ceremony. We obviously went for the last option and our photographer suddenly appeared to be our witness too. 

If you don’t opt for the photographer, the chapel can provide another witness as well.

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After the ceremony we were again dropped off by the limousine at our hotel, where we enjoyed a wonderful day!

Our wedding photos were taken after the ceremony. We booked a golden hour shoot well in advance with Erin – a Las Vegas photographer. 

We had never done a couple shoots before, as Arne doesn’t really like being in front of the camera. But Erin did a wonderful job and I’m really happy we decided to capture our beautiful day with her!

Detailed Planning Tips: How to get married in Las Vegas 

Here are the essential tips to plan your Vegas wedding.

Check your eligibility to get married in Las Vegas

Regardless of your nationality, you can get married in Las Vegas (and yes it is legal!). You and your partner must be over the age of 18 years and consent to the marriage to be eligible to get married in Vegas.

Do remember to carry a document as a proof of name and age. This can be a birth certificate, a valid driver’s license, passport, military ID card or other government-issued ID card (for both partners). 

Under special circumstances, a 17 year old can get married. Check restrictions/rules with Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center.

Choose wedding chapels, packages, traditional wedding, or ‘just go with the flow’ options: Las Vegas Wedding Packages and Ideas

Las Vegas makes it easy to get married. So whether it is a quick elopement, or a big fat wedding, Vegas does it in style. There are many locations where weddings are carried out, from fancy resorts, cute little chapels or outdoorsy locations. 

If you are planning a wedding with guests, and want to organize everything to the T, then get the assistance of a wedding planner. This is also helpful if you are not a local resident, and are traveling to Nevada or the US to get married. 

Hotels and resorts can be booked as a wedding venue. You do not have to book a stay/accommodation there, but you can, if you want to. At the resort, you will be assigned a Wedding Contact or a representative who will coordinate the ceremony, and arrange for any special requirements that you may have. 

These arrangements range from renting a gown, flowers, wedding officiant, photographer, etc.

Most wedding venues will require you to pay a deposit to hold the date and time (especially if you are set on a particular date). Deposits start at $100 USD, and can be paid online via a credit card. 

If you are not keen on any particular location or date, and wish to go with the flow, then there are no short of options. From drive through weddings to same day ceremonies, and being officiated by Elvis Presley himself – you will be having an epic day!

Here are some wedding inspirations!

• World-Famous Drive-Up Wedding in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas Elvis-Themed Wedding or Vow Renewal 
• Las Vegas Wedding Little Chappel with Limousine Transportation 
• Las Vegas Elvis Themed Wedding with Limousine Transportation

You can also book a Las Vegas photographer for a wedding, couples or travel photos here.

Apply for a marriage license, and don’t forget to carry identification proof

In order to get married in Las Vegas, a marriage license is required. You can apply for one, and get it at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. 

The licensing bureau is located on the ground floor of the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. Its location is 201 E Clark Ave 89101. The Marriage License Bureau is open 365 days, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Vegas Marriage License application costs: The cost for the marriage license is $77 USD cash and you will need 1 form of government issued I.D. like a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. No blood test is necessary. 

You can get married in Las Vegas at the last minute (remember our story, we got ours just before the scheduled ceremony). It will only take about 15 minutes or so to get a license. 

Nevada marriage license is good for one (1) year from date of issue (in case plans change). And no weddings can be performed without a licence. 

• All U.S. citizens are required to provide their Social Security Card Number (SSN not the physical card) on the Affidavit of Application for a Marriage License. 
• Non U.S. citizens will require a copy of the Marriage License and/or an apostille to register a marriage. Find details and steps here on the Clark County website

Note that if the ceremony is for a renewal of vows, no marriage license is necessary.

Show up, and get married

For all the weddings in Vegas, a time and date will be provided for the venue. So it is important that couples are prepared and ready for chauffeur’s phone call prior to scheduled reservation time to arrive at the venue. If you have a guest list, they should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled reservation.

Apply for a certified marriage certificate

After the marriage is officiated, you should apply for a marriage certificate. This is a legal proof of marriage. You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate online as well. Fees are $. 50 for a plain copy or $6.50 for a certified copy.

I hope you found the post useful, and you have got everything you need to know to get married in Las Vegas including tips, costs and pictures.

I will leave you with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

Additional tips: Getting married in Las Vegas

Can you get married in Vegas the same day?

Yes, you can get married on the same day. There is no waiting period, and you can also get a marriage license on the same day of the ceremony. Just remember your IDs (for both partners). 

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Are Vegas weddings legal? And if you get married in vegas is it legal everywhere?

Yea, FRIENDS ruined it for everybody. But weddings/marriages officiated in Las Vegas are legal. Vegas marriages are also legal everywhere. 

Do secure your marriage certificate to submit that as proof if you are out of state or country. 

Do you need divorce papers to get married in Vegas? 

Divorce papers are not required for a remarriage in Nevada, but details of the divorce should be filled in when applying for a license.

Do you have any further questions about this article? Feel free to leave a comment below.

pin how to get married in las vegas.

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