How to Get Married in Las Vegas: Everything You Need to Know

Las Vegas is a popular wedding spot, and for very good reason. It is filled with iconic chapels, speedy marriage licenses, and out-of-this-world venues. The popular tourist destination is filled with flashing lights and bold spaces for couples to capture amazing portraits and exchange vows. Whether your heart is set on hosting a micro wedding, a larger bash, or an elopement for just the two of you, there’s a Vegas ceremony with your name on it.

Want to know how to host a large wedding or how to elope in Las Vegas? Here's what you need to know, according to the experts.

Legal Requirements

“One of the many reasons Las Vegas is an appealing destination to tie the knot is how easy it really is,” says Reverend Arnold Garcia, a Vegas wedding officiant for the past decade and owner of Love Story Wedding Chapel. “With no waiting period, you can decide to get married the same day. Every legal ceremony begins with a marriage license issued from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau."

"Currently, the County Clerk is asking all couples who want to get married in Las Vegas to start by pre-registering for their marriage license on their website. From there, it’s a quick trip to the bureau (located at 201 E Clark Ave, Las Vegas, NV, 89101) and with that license in hand, you can legally marry anywhere with a licensed officiant,” Reverend Garcia continues.

The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until midnight. To apply, each partner will require one valid form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate). If a birth certificate, the person would need a document that contains the name and photograph of the person or any document for which identification must be verified as a condition of receipt of the document. Your license will be prepared with your legal name exactly as it appears on your identification. You can get married immediately after receiving your license and it remains valid for one year.

How to Prepare

Though many venues will accommodate you without a booking, it’s advisable to make reservations for your wedding ceremony before you arrive in Vegas. “The more you plan ahead, the less stress you’ll experience on your special day, particularly if you’re planning to get married around a holiday or special event,” says Bulock, who has conducted thousands of Vegas ceremonies. Prior research will help you track down dedicated planners like #MarriedinVegas Studios, which has all-inclusive, wacky, and wonderful packages including helicopter elopements over the Grand Canyon and minimonies at the 7 Magic Mountains.

Rodney Antonio Arnett, the corporate and social event curator at The Mob Museum, notes that hotel and transportation pricing is more expensive based on the conventions, concerts, or major events happening in Las Vegas. “You could save a good amount of money by moving your wedding date up or down a weekend and then you can use that money for your honeymoon.”

On the topic of saving money, Arnett suggests that couples should ask for all of the fees upfront, especially with your hotel rooms. “Resort and parking fees can quickly increase the overall budget of the weekend for you and your guests.” He also adds that booking your hotel accommodation close to your wedding location helps to alleviate stress from getting stuck in traffic on the busy strip.

Las Vegas Venues

Now that you know the logistics of hosting a wedding in Las Vegas, you might want to get a peek at available venues where you can tie the knot. Ahead, see some of the most popular places in town.