Did you know that 74,000 marriage licenses were created in 2023 in Clark County, Las Vegas? And in October of 2023, the daily average number of marriage licenses created was 253! Wow! Enter Las Vegas, the city where Elvis impersonators are wedding officiants and spontaneous weddings are a regular affair. Yet, before walking down the aisle becomes a reality, one must first get a marriage license. But how!? From the necessary paperwork to the fees and documentation, come along to learn everything you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in Las Vegas, where even the bureaucratic tasks like getting a marriage license can be kinda fun!
What is a marriage license?
A marriage license serves as the legal authorization for couples to get married. The document ensures each couple meets all legal requirements to marry in Las Vegas. Without a marriage license, you cannot get married, yes, even in Las Veggas. It’s important to be aware that marriage licenses in Las Vegas have expiration dates, necessitating couples to tie the knot within a designated timeframe. Typically, the validity period for a marriage license in Las Vegas is around 60 days, although exceptions apply for military personnel, extending the timeframe to 180 days. This means that couples must exchange vows within this specified window after obtaining their license to ensure its legal effectiveness.
How do you get a Las Vegas marriage license?
If you’re running off to Vegas to get married and wondering how you should go about getting a marriage license–look no further. We’ve broken down the process step-by-step below.
Step 1: Fill out a marriage license application
You can find the marriage license application online at the Clark County’s Clerk Office website here (a.k.a., the county Las Vegas is located in). Both future spouses need to fill out their own forms. Keep in mind that each person’s form must match the ID that they bring in with them to finish the marriage license process. Pro tip: Double check your forms before submitting them online for any spelling errors; otherwise any corrections may require a fee. Once you both have submitted your marriage application form, make sure to save the confirmation number and have that ready when you go in the office to pick up your marriage license.
Step 2: Go get your marriage license!
BOTH future spouses must go into the Clark County Clerk’s Office together to pick up the marriage license. According to the Clerk’s Office, no appointment is needed! Woot Woot! And on top of that, the total time it takes to get the license in hand is less than one hour. How efficient! Don’t forget to bring your government-issued ID, such as a passport, to verify your identification. You’ll also need to pay up–the fee for a marriage license in Las Vegas is $102.
Step 3: Get married!
If you’re tying the knot in Las Vegas, you’ll need to secure a wedding ceremony. If you want to keep it simple and do a “courthouse” wedding, you’ll need to book an appointment here. Don’t forget to bring your marriage license with you to the ceremony! The wedding ceremony requires a wedding officiant and one witness (the witness must be someone other than the wedding officiant, like a friend or even someone you met at the blackjack table).
Step 4: Prove you are married
After the wedding ceremony, the wedding officiant must file the marriage certificate within 10 calendar days to solidify the marriage with the government. You will be able to pick up your certified marriage certificate online or in person for $20.
Eligibility for a Las Vegas marriage license
Can anyone run off to Vegas and get a marriage license? Not quite…To secure a marriage license, you must meet specific criteria:
- You and your future spouse must be at least 18 years old.
- You both must have government-issued identification to confirm your name and age.
- You and your future spouse cannot be currently married to someone else.
- You cannot be more closely related than second cousins or cousins of half-blood with your prospective spouse.
The ONLY exception that exists is if you are 17 years old and a resident of Clark County, you may get a court order that allows marriage.
Las Vegas marriage license waiting period
Unlike many other places, in Las Vegas, there is no waiting period. I mean, duh, think about all of those impromptu weddings you hear about in Las Vegas; how could there be a waiting period?! For example, in Florida, there is a three-day waiting period between the time you receive your official marriage license and the day you can get married. There is no such thing in Las Vegas. Feel free to grab your marriage license and get married on the same day!
Las Vegas marriage license cost
The cost of a marriage license in Las Vegas is just like everything else in Sin City–pretty expensive. It’ll cost ya $102 plus convenience fees if you pay by card. And, no, checks are not accepted. This is definitely on the costlier side of marriage licenses across the states. For example, in the Big Apple, a marriage license only costs $35! It makes sense because Las Vegas is the marriage capital of the world, after all.
What to do after you have the marriage license?
Congratulations! You’re almost at the finish line – the wedding ceremony awaits! Whether it’s a civil ceremony at the Clark County “courthouse” or a classic Las Vegas wedding chapel, the wedding officiant, along with the newlyweds and one witness, must be present for the marriage. It’s then the wedding officiant’s duty to promptly return the license to the Clark County Clerk’s office within ten calendar days of the ceremony. This makes the marriage official and you can then go pick up your marriage certificate shortly thereafter.
Last step: The proof of marriage
Following a marriage ceremony in Clark County, Las Vegas, the wedding officiant must complete the marriage certificate by filling in the date and venue of the marriage, the names of witnesses, and providing their own information and signature. It is the legal responsibility of the officiant to deliver the finalized marriage certificate to the Clerk’s Office within ten calendar days. Once in the Clerk’s Office’s possession, the marriage certificate is typically processed and filed within one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Las Vegas Marriage Licenses
Let’s dig into some of your most frequently asked questions about Las Vegas (Clark County) marriage licenses:
Q: How long does it take to get a marriage license in Las Vegas?
A: According to the Clark County Clerk’s Office, it takes around an hour.
Q: Can we apply online for a marriage license in Las Vegas?
A: No, but you can fill out the application online! Then, you must go in person to finish the process.
Q: Is a blood test required for a marriage license in Las Vegas?
A: No, Las Vegas does not require a blood test for a marriage license.
Q: Can we get married the same day we obtain the marriage license?
A: Yep! That’s Las Vegas, for ya, the “marriage capital of the world”!
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Las Vegas, the renowned “marriage capital of the world,” offers a streamlined process for obtaining marriage licenses and tying the knot without the hassle of waiting periods. With an impressive average of 253 marriage licenses issued daily in October 2023 alone, Clark County buzzes with the excitement of love and spontaneity. Remember, once the ceremony concludes, ensure the wedding officiant promptly files the marriage certificate with the Clerk’s Office so the union is officially official. So, whether you opt for a quick courthouse exchange or a lavish chapel affair, Las Vegas embraces love in all its forms, making every bureaucratic task a part of the adventure!
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: [email protected]
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