Same-sex couple at a Las Vegas desert wedding ceremony — LVWC.com LGBTQ+ wedding guide

Las Vegas Weddings · Complete Guide

LGBTQ+ Weddings in Las Vegas

Nevada has recognized marriage equality since 2014 — a complete guide to planning your same-sex wedding or elopement in Las Vegas.

2014

Marriage equality in Nevada

$102

License, same for every couple

None

Waiting period

Since 1998

LVWC experience

Marriage Equality in Nevada

Every Venue, Every Package, Every Couple

Nevada recognized same-sex marriage in October 2014, a full year before the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision extended it nationwide. Las Vegas has been one of the country's most popular LGBTQ+ wedding destinations ever since — no waiting period, no residency requirement, and a marriage license process that treats every couple identically.

At LVWC, every venue and every package — the same-day Sign & Go hotel ceremony, desert ceremonies at Valley of Fire and Nelson Ghost Town, or a helicopter wedding above the Grand Canyon — is available to every couple, with the same licensed officiants and the same customizable ceremony.

This guide covers the legal process, your venue options, and planning tips specific to LGBTQ+ couples marrying in Las Vegas.

Step by Step

The Legal Process

  1. 1

    Obtain a Nevada Marriage License

    Both partners appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, 201 E Clark Ave in downtown Las Vegas, with a valid government-issued photo ID. Cost is $102, cash or card. Nevada's application form does not distinguish by gender — it simply asks for "Applicant 1" and "Applicant 2." There is no residency requirement and no waiting period.

  2. 2

    Meet the Same Requirements as Any Couple

    Both partners must be 18 or older (or have parental/judicial consent if 16–17). No blood test, no medical exam. If either partner was previously married, you'll need the date of the most recent divorce or spouse's death — a decree is not required at the bureau.

  3. 3

    Choose a Licensed Officiant

    Nevada requires a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. LVWC provides one with every package, and every officiant performs ceremonies for every couple without distinction.

  4. 4

    Have Your License Signed and Filed

    After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license and LVWC files it with Clark County on your behalf — you don't need to return to the bureau. Certified copies of your marriage certificate are ordered online through the Clark County Recorder's Office.

Planning Tips

What to Know Before You Book

The paperwork is identical for every couple

Nevada's marriage license application has used gender-neutral "Applicant 1" and "Applicant 2" fields since marriage equality took effect. Same $102 fee, same process, no extra forms.

Desert venues offer privacy by design

Valley of Fire and Nelson Ghost Town are permitted, access-controlled locations well outside the Strip — a genuinely private setting for couples who want their ceremony away from crowds and cameras.

Your officiant and photographer work for you

LVWC's officiants and photographers perform and shoot ceremonies for couples of every identity and family structure, and every script is customizable — include, exclude, or reword whatever you like.

A Nevada marriage travels with you

Since the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, a Nevada marriage is legally recognized in all 50 states. If you're visiting from outside the US, check your home country's recognition rules before you travel.

Combine the ceremony with a honeymoon

Las Vegas's resorts, dining, and shows make it simple to fold your wedding into a full trip rather than planning a separate honeymoon afterward.

Weekday dates book faster and feel more private

Saturday ceremonies at the most popular desert venues fill first. A Tuesday or Wednesday date gets you the same scenery with better availability and a quieter location.

Common Questions

LGBTQ+ Wedding FAQ

Is same-sex marriage legal in Las Vegas?
Yes. Nevada recognized marriage equality starting in October 2014, a year before it became legal nationwide. Las Vegas has been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ weddings ever since.
Does the marriage license process differ for same-sex couples?
No. The process, cost ($102), required documents, and timeline are identical for every couple. Nevada's license application uses gender-neutral fields for both applicants.
Will our Nevada marriage be recognized where we live?
Within the United States, yes — the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling requires every state to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. If you live outside the US, recognition depends on your home country's laws, so it's worth checking before you travel.
Can we choose any LVWC venue or package?
Yes. Every location and price point — from the $299 Sign & Go hotel ceremony to the $4,950 Grand Canyon helicopter wedding — is available to every couple.
Are LVWC officiants and photographers LGBTQ+-friendly?
Yes. LVWC's officiants perform ceremonies for couples of every identity and family structure, and ceremony scripts are fully customizable to reflect the relationship and traditions you want represented.
Do we need witnesses at our ceremony?
No. Nevada does not require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony — you can marry with just the two of you and your officiant, or bring as many guests as you like.

Ready to Begin?

Start Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding

Contact LVWC to check date availability and lock in your package — every venue, every officiant, open to every couple.