Getting married in Las Vegas

Getting married in Las Vegas Featured Post

When you think about getting married in Las Vegas, what probably comes to mind is an Elvis impersonator, a quirky drive-thru wedding, and the clinking sound of slot machines in the background.

While that classic image is a part of the charm, it is far from the only option when it comes to tying the knot in this city of bright lights and endless possibilities. Las Vegas is a place where your wedding day can be anything you want it to be—whether it's an impromptu elopement or a grand, meticulously planned event that rivals the royal wedding.

In recent years, Las Vegas has built a reputation as one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, and for good reason. The city offers a variety of venues, themes, and packages that cater to every couple's vision, from intimate ceremonies to lavish, over-the-top celebrations. Whether you're envisioning a sophisticated, elegant affair or something offbeat and quirky, Las Vegas has you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting married in Las Vegas, from how to obtain your marriage license to choosing the perfect venue, along with tips on how to plan your big day and make it a memorable one.

Why Las Vegas is the Perfect Wedding Destination

Las Vegas is known for its 24/7 energy, its bright neon lights, and its reputation for spontaneous weddings, but there’s much more to the city’s wedding scene than that. Whether you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss wedding or an elaborate, high-end event, Las Vegas offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, variety, and affordability. This city has become a wedding capital for several key reasons:

  1. Simplicity and Convenience: Las Vegas makes getting married easy. You don't need to wait weeks or months for a marriage license—once you have it, you're ready to go. There’s no waiting period, and no blood tests are required. With 24-hour wedding chapels and drive-thru venues, it’s a perfect destination for couples who want to marry quickly and without hassle.

  2. A Variety of Options: Whether you dream of an outdoor wedding with a scenic backdrop or a grand ballroom celebration in a luxury hotel, Las Vegas has it all. The city offers a wide array of venues, from traditional chapels to themed settings, as well as large-scale luxury hotels that specialize in weddings.

  3. Affordable for All Budgets: One of the biggest reasons couples flock to Las Vegas is its affordability. While you can certainly spend a fortune on a high-end wedding, Las Vegas also provides plenty of options for those with more modest budgets. From inexpensive chapel weddings to affordable hotel packages, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.

  4. Speed and Flexibility: Many couples come to Las Vegas for the quick and efficient process. Whether you’re eloping on a whim or planning your wedding in advance, Las Vegas offers unparalleled flexibility. You can plan your wedding in just a few days or even decide to get married on the spot after a spontaneous trip to the city.

How to Get a Marriage License in Las Vegas

One of the reasons Las Vegas is such a popular wedding destination is because of how easy it is to get legally married there. Nevada has some of the most lenient marriage laws in the U.S., making the process simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

Marriage License Requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either party is under 18, they will need parental consent and possibly court approval.
  • Identification: You’ll need to present a valid form of identification. This can be a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID.
  • No Waiting Period: One of the best perks of getting married in Nevada is that there’s no waiting period between obtaining your marriage license and getting married. You can get your license and be married the same day if you want.
  • License Fee: The current fee for a marriage license in Las Vegas is $102 (as of 2024). You can pay with cash, credit card, or money order.
  • No Residency Requirement: You don’t need to be a resident of Nevada, or even the U.S., to get married in Las Vegas.

Where to Apply:
To obtain your marriage license, you’ll need to go to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, located near downtown Las Vegas. The bureau is open seven days a week, including holidays, and stays open late into the night—another reason Las Vegas is known for its convenience.

Steps to Plan Your Las Vegas Wedding

Planning a wedding in Las Vegas can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. Whether you’re eloping or organizing a grand affair with hundreds of guests, following these steps will help ensure your day goes off without a hitch.

  1. Set Your Budget: Before diving into planning, it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend. Las Vegas offers a wide range of options for every budget, from simple ceremonies to extravagant celebrations.

  2. Choose Your Venue: Las Vegas is home to an endless array of venues, each offering something unique. You can choose from iconic wedding chapels, luxury hotels, outdoor scenic locations like Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire, or even quirky themed venues that let you get married in a unique setting, like a helicopter over the Strip or an underwater tank with sharks.

  3. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner: If you’re planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas from afar, a local wedding planner can be a lifesaver. They know the ins and outs of the city and can help coordinate all the details, from flowers to catering to transportation. Another option is to take advantage of your hotel’s concierge services. Many luxury hotels offer concierge services that will help plan your wedding for free.

  4. Pick a Theme (or Not): Las Vegas is famous for its themed weddings, so if you're looking to get creative, you’re in the right place. Whether it's a classic Elvis-themed ceremony, a medieval-style wedding, or something more elegant, Las Vegas has it all. But if a themed wedding isn’t your style, rest assured that plenty of venues offer more traditional, timeless experiences.

  5. Get Your Marriage License: Make sure to pick up your marriage license from the Clark County Marriage Bureau before your wedding day. Without it, you won’t be able to make it official.

  6. Finalize the Details: Whether you're hiring a wedding planner or coordinating things yourself, make sure to double-check all the details ahead of time, from the officiant to the photographer and everything in between.

Wedding Chapels in Las Vegas: Find Your Perfect Venue

Las Vegas is known for its variety of wedding chapels, and you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular types of venues:

  • Traditional Wedding Chapels: Las Vegas is home to many charming chapels that offer a classic, elegant atmosphere. These are ideal if you're looking for something timeless and romantic. Some chapels even offer complete wedding packages that include photography, flowers, and an officiant.

  • Luxury Hotel Venues: Many of the major hotels on the Las Vegas Strip offer stunning wedding venues and all-inclusive packages. From the Bellagio to the Wynn, luxury hotels can provide everything from opulent ballrooms to scenic outdoor spaces, complete with catering, music, and more.

  • Outdoor Weddings: For couples who want to say their vows in nature, there are stunning outdoor options just outside of Las Vegas. The Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire offer breathtaking backdrops for your ceremony. You can even opt for a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon for a truly unforgettable wedding.

  • Themed Venues: Las Vegas is the place to go if you’re looking for a fun and creative wedding. Whether you want a wedding officiated by Elvis, a ceremony inspired by the 1920s, or even a drive-thru wedding, there’s something for every couple who wants to add a little extra flair to their big day.

Same-Sex Weddings in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most inclusive cities in the world, and same-sex couples have been able to get married here since 2014. Many of the city’s wedding chapels and venues are LGBTQ-friendly, and the process is the same as for any other couple. Whether you're planning a small, intimate ceremony or a large celebration, Las Vegas has plenty of venues that cater to same-sex weddings.

Budget-Friendly Weddings in Las Vegas

One of the best things about getting married in Las Vegas is the ability to plan a beautiful wedding on any budget. While some couples go all out with extravagant hotel venues and luxury reception halls, others opt for simpler ceremonies in one of the many affordable wedding chapels. Here are a few tips for keeping your Las Vegas wedding budget-friendly:

  • Choose an All-Inclusive Package: Many chapels and hotels offer all-inclusive wedding packages that bundle everything from the officiant to the photographer. These packages can save you money compared to booking everything separately.

  • Opt for a Weekday Wedding: Like many destinations, prices for venues and services in Las Vegas can be higher on weekends. If you’re able to get married on a weekday, you might find more affordable rates.

  • Skip the Reception: If you’re looking to save even more, consider skipping the formal reception and heading out to one of Las Vegas’ famous restaurants or shows to celebrate instead.

Tips for a Smooth Wedding in Las Vegas

  • Plan Ahead: While Las Vegas is known for spontaneous weddings, it’s still a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you have a specific venue or date in mind. Popular chapels and hotels can book up quickly.

  • Avoid Peak Times: Las Vegas hosts a number of large conventions, sporting events, and festivals throughout the year. Be sure to check the event calendar and avoid those peak times when hotels and venues may be more crowded and expensive.

  • Bring All the Essentials: Don’t forget your marriage license and ID. You won’t be able to get married without them!

  • Book a Photographer: Las Vegas offers plenty of stunning photo ops, from the iconic Strip to the natural beauty of the surrounding desert. Make sure to hire a photographer to capture the memories.

Final Thoughts

Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind wedding destination that offers endless possibilities for couples of all kinds. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate, budget-friendly ceremony or an extravagant celebration, Las Vegas can make your wedding day dreams come true. The flexibility, variety, and convenience that the city offers ensure that your big day will be as stress-free as it is memorable.

No matter what type of wedding you’re dreaming of, Las Vegas provides a setting where your special day can be unique, fun, and filled with love. Whether you’re walking down the aisle in a chapel, by the Grand Canyon, or with the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Las Vegas is ready to make your wedding day one for the ages.