Getting married in Vegas: From idea to marriage certificate in hand

There’s a reason why getting married in Las Vegas is legendary. In the 1930s, Nevada removed waiting periods and blood tests, making it the ultimate place for a spontaneous “I do.” Hollywood stars and love-struck couples would race from California to tie the knot in charming chapels, creating the Vegas wedding boom. 

Today, whether you dream of a quick elopement during a weekend trip or a perfect Vegas wedding with luxury wedding packages, Las Vegas makes your special day effortless.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about how to get married in Vegas: legal steps, costs, venues, and planning tips — so you can hold that marriage certificate in no time.

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How to get married in Vegas

Even though you can book your wedding as soon as you land using the Las Vegas Airport WiFi, there are still steps to be taken before you stroll into the wedding chapel. 

Here’s what you need to do to make sure “what happens in Vegas” doesn’t stay in Vegas and that your marriage is valid everywhere else – especially if you are not a US citizen. 

1. Obtain a marriage license: Available at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau with valid identification.
2. Choose your venue: From quick chapel ceremonies to luxury hotel weddings, there’s an option for every budget.
3. Have an officiant perform the ceremony: The wedding must be conducted by a licensed officiant to be legally recognized. Most venues provide an officiant for you.
4. Ensure your marriage is valid outside Nevada: If you’re from another country, check the requirements for registering your marriage back home.

Let’s go into some more detail about each of these steps.

Marriage license requirements

Before heading to the wedding chapel, you must get a Las Vegas marriage license. Thankfully, the process is fast and simple, with only a few requirements.

• Where to apply: The Clark County Marriage License Bureau issues marriage licenses daily, with no appointment necessary. It’s open 8 AM to midnight, 7 days a week, including weekends and most holidays. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
• Identification needed: Both partners must present valid identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
• Processing time and costs: The license fee is around $102, and you’ll receive it immediately—no waiting period required.

How it works: Head to 201 E. Clark Avenue, wait in line to get to the counter, and meet with an official who will check your forms of IDs and confirm you’re both willing to marry. Fill out a short form, pay the fee, and walk out with your marriage license.

Legal steps to getting married in Las Vegas

Once you have your marriage license, you’re ready for the ceremony. Whether you choose a wedding chapel, a luxury resort, or a drive-thru wedding, there are just a few final legal details to know.

• Do you need a blood test? No! Unlike many states that once required them, Nevada never imposed blood tests or medical exams for a marriage license, making it a popular choice for quick, hassle-free weddings.
• Is a witness required? Yes, but most Vegas wedding chapels can provide one if needed.
• Can I book the chapel online? Yes, you can find a chapel online. If you don’t have a US SIM card, get the best USA eSIM and browse the offer.

After your ceremony, you’ll need to obtain a certified copy of your Las Vegas marriage certificate as legal proof of your marriage.

If you get married in Vegas, is it legal everywhere?

A Vegas wedding is legally binding, but depending on where you live, you may need to register your marriage license to ensure full recognition.

• In the US: A Las Vegas marriage is recognized in all 50 states, including for same-sex couples, who have had full federal marriage rights since 2015.
• In the UK and many other countries: Is getting married in Vegas legal in the UK? Yes! But UK couples must follow government recognition steps to have their marriage license officially recorded. The same applies to many countries in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
• For same-sex couples: While many countries recognize same-sex marriages performed in Las Vegas, others may classify them as civil unions or not recognize them at all. It’s best to check with your local courthouse or registry office.

No matter where you’re from, it’s always a good idea to confirm local legal requirements to ensure your Las Vegas marriage certificate is properly recorded at home.

How much does it cost to get married in Vegas?

A Vegas wedding can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on your budget and how extravagant you want your special day to be. That’s one of the things that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA.

Below, you’ll find more detailed lists of costs for different budgets, covering everything from a basic marriage license to high-end wedding planners and exclusive Las Vegas wedding venues.

Budget-friendly Las Vegas wedding

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable wedding, Las Vegas makes it easy to tie the knot without breaking the bank.

• Marriage license fee: $102 (required for all weddings).
• Budget-friendly wedding chapels: Many chapels offer ceremonies for as low as $50 – $100.
• Basic ceremony costs: A quick, no-frills Vegas wedding typically costs between $100 – $300, including an officiant and possibly a limited number of photos.
• Affordable extras: Small vow renewals and simple receptions start at $200 – $500.

This is the most affordable way to exchange vows in Las Vegas for happy couples who want a quick and easy experience.

Mid-range wedding packages

If you want a memorable experience without spending a fortune, consider a mid-range Las Vegas wedding with more personalized options.

• Wedding packages: Expect to pay between $500 – $3,000, depending on the venue, ceremony style, and extras.
• Photographer and video services: Professional photographers typically charge $200 – $600 for wedding shoots.
• Fresh flowers and decor: Custom bouquets, floral arrangements, and venue decorations can cost $100 – $500.
• Limo: A limo ride to your venue costs around $100 – $300, depending on the distance.
• The cost of a Las Vegas Strip wedding: Weddings at well-known Las Vegas Strip venues typically start at $1,000 and up, including a wedding planner.

These mid-range wedding packages provide the best value for couples who don’t want to go overboard but don’t want to come in and out of a wedding chapel either. They are a nice compromise between eloping and adding a bit of flair to your special day.

Luxury Vegas wedding experiences

For those dreaming of a lavish Las Vegas wedding, the city offers world-class venues and services that create a truly extravagant experience.

• Resort and downtown Las Vegas wedding venues: Exclusive resorts, penthouses, and high-end chapels start at around $5,000 and can go well over $20,000, depending on location and services.
• High-end wedding planners: Working with expert wedding coordinators ensures a stress-free, perfectly tailored event, with fees typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.
• Custom dream wedding options: Luxury packages can include designer wedding gowns, premium catering, celebrity officiants, and extravagant receptions, with costs varying widely based on preferences.

From five-star ballrooms to stunning desert backdrops, Las Vegas weddings can be as lavish and romantic as you envision.

Best wedding venues in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers a huge variety of wedding venues, from iconic chapels and quirky-themed locations to luxury resorts and breathtaking outdoor settings. Even if you didn’t think about an Elvis-themed wedding day, check out what’s offered online. You might change your mind on a whim. 

Quick and simple ceremonies

If you’re looking for a fast and stress-free ceremony, Las Vegas has some of the most famous wedding chapels in the world. These venues specialize in walk-in weddings.

• Little White Wedding Chapel: Famous for its Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru, where couples can get married without even leaving their car. Packages start at $50.
• Graceland Wedding Chapel: A classic Vegas wedding chapel offering traditional ceremonies and Elvis-themed options. Prices start around $199.
• Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel: Available for quick yet elegant weddings, with packages starting at $245, including an officiant and music.

Themed Vegas weddings

Las Vegas is world-famous for its themed weddings, so happy couples can add a fun, unique twist to their ceremony or vows.

• Graceland Wedding Chapel: The original Elvis wedding chapel, offering live Elvis performances and custom vows for a truly Vegas wedding experience. Packages start at $249.
• Viva Las Vegas Weddings: Specializes in wildly creative, themed weddings, including James Bond, Gothic, Star Wars, and Rock ‘n’ Roll weddings. Prices vary by theme, starting at $295.
• Chapel of the Flowers: Offers a vintage Hollywood-style wedding, perfect for couples looking for a touch of old-school romance. Packages in this chapel start at $299.

Luxury and unique venues

For couples looking for a more high-end experience, Las Vegas offers upscale wedding venues with full-service packages and stunning settings.

• Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas: A five-star hotel wedding venue offering custom luxury packages, complete with private terrace ceremonies, fresh flowers, and a wedding planner. Prices start at $5,000.
• The Venetian Resort: One of the most romantic wedding venues in Vegas, featuring gondola weddings on the Grand Canal. Wedding packages start at $1,750 for a private gondola ride and ceremony.
• Red Rock Canyon: A breathtaking outdoor wedding location just outside Las Vegas, offering stunning desert views for a one-of-a-kind ceremony. Expert wedding coordinators like Cactus Collective Weddings offer packages starting at $1,600.

What happens after the wedding?

Well, the first thing you must do is go and take a picture with the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign, of course! After that comes the less romantic side of things regarding paperwork and documentation. 

Las Vegas marriage certificate and legalities

After your ceremony, the officiant will file your marriage license with the Clark County Recorder’s Office, usually within 10 days. However, if you need legal proof of your marriage, you’ll need to request a certified copy of your Las Vegas marriage certificate yourself.

• How to request a certified copy: You can order it online, by mail, or in person from the Clark County Recorder’s Office. The fee is $20 per copy, and processing takes 1-2 weeks.
• Why you need it: A certified copy serves as your official marriage document and is required for name changes, spousal benefits, and legal recognition outside Nevada.

The process for UK couples

For couples from the UK, your Vegas wedding is legally binding, but it won’t automatically appear in UK records. You’ll need to register your marriage to ensure full recognition.

• Steps to register your marriage in the UK:
  
  1. Request a certified copy of your Las Vegas marriage certificate from Clark County.
  2. Obtain an Apostille stamp from the Nevada Secretary of State, verifying its authenticity.
  3. Submit the documents to the UK General Register Office (GRO) or your local registry office.
     
• Are Vegas weddings legal in the UK? Yes, but official recognition is required through this registration process.
  

This is the case with most other countries, but it’s always best to check and confirm any additional steps needed for recognition.

Conclusion: From tying the knot to staying connected

A Las Vegas wedding is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to exchange vows. Whatever your style and vision for your wedding may be, Vegas offers something for every couple. Once the ceremony is complete, requesting a Las Vegas marriage certificate ensures your marriage is legally recognized in the US and abroad.

If you’re traveling to Las Vegas from abroad, reliable internet is a life-saver throughout the wedding planning process. From browsing venues and booking chapels to navigating the city and sharing your special moments, you’ll rely on mobile data more than ever. A Holafly eSIM for the USA provides unlimited data to escape the roaming fees, so they don’t add up to your wedding costs. 

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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