Couple getting married in Las Vegas desert — ultimate guide to Las Vegas weddings

Las Vegas Weddings · Complete Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Las Vegas

Legal requirements, ceremony options, real costs, permits, and insider tips — everything you need to know, from the original Las Vegas elopement specialists since 1998.

$102

Marriage license

None

Waiting period

Same day

Marry after license

From $299

Ceremony packages

Why Las Vegas

The Most Accessible Place to Get Married on Earth

No other city in the United States makes it easier to get legally married. Nevada requires no waiting period, no residency, no blood test, and no advance appointment. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is open every day until midnight. You can land, get your license, and be married before dinner.

But getting married in Las Vegas has evolved far beyond the chapel. Today, couples fly in specifically for the desert — for red sandstone formations, ghost towns, ancient lakebeds, and helicopter ceremonies above the Grand Canyon. The logistics are simple; the setting is extraordinary.

This guide covers everything: the legal requirements, your ceremony options, what things actually cost, and the insider tips that make the difference between a good day and a perfect one.

Step by Step

Legal Requirements

  1. 1

    Obtain a Nevada Marriage License

    Both partners must appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, located at 201 E Clark Ave in downtown Las Vegas. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — passport or driver's license. Cost is $102, payable by cash or card. There is no waiting period: you can apply and marry the same day. The license is valid for one year from the date of issue.

  2. 2

    Meet the Eligibility Requirements

    Both partners must be 18 or older (or have parental/judicial consent if 16–17). Nevada does not require blood tests, medical exams, or residency. If either partner has been previously married, you'll need to know the exact date of the most recent divorce or death of a spouse — though a divorce decree is not required at the bureau.

  3. 3

    Choose and Book Your Ceremony

    Nevada law requires a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. LVWC provides a licensed officiant with every package. If you're booking independently, ensure your officiant is licensed in the state of Nevada. Your ceremony must take place after you receive your license — not before.

  4. 4

    Have Your License Signed and Filed

    After the ceremony, your officiant signs the marriage license and files it with Clark County on your behalf — you don't need to return to the bureau. Certified copies of your marriage certificate must be ordered online through the Clark County Recorder's Office. Your LVWC officiant will walk you through exactly how to do this and answer any questions about the process.

Clark County Marriage License Bureau

What to Bring and When to Go

Address

201 E Clark Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Hours

Daily 8 AM–midnight, including all holidays

Cost

$102 (cash or card)

What to bring

Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners

Waiting period

None — marry the same day

License valid for

1 year from date of issue

From 28 Years of Experience

Insider Tips

Book your wedding date before you book your flight

Wedding dates at our most popular locations are limited per day and fill months in advance for spring and fall Saturdays. Book your date with LVWC before booking anything else — we handle everything behind the scenes. Dates move fast in April and October.

Get your license before your wedding day if possible

We recommend visiting the Clark County Marriage License Bureau the day before your ceremony — it removes the time pressure and lets you relax on your wedding day. That said, same-day is completely fine if needed; the bureau is open daily until midnight and the process takes less than 15 minutes in most cases. Bring your ID and $102 cash or card. Your LVWC officiant will walk you through the full packet and handle the filing for you.

Plan for 3.5–4 hours total for a desert ceremony

The ceremony itself is 15–20 minutes, but account for the drive (45–70 minutes from the Strip), time at the location for photography, and the return trip. Most LVWC couples plan a late afternoon departure for golden hour timing.

Dress for the terrain, not the chapel

Desert floors are sandy, rocky, and uneven. Flat shoes or low wedges are strongly recommended. Heels sink into sand and make movement difficult. Light, breathable fabrics in desert tones photograph beautifully against red rock. Layer for morning ceremonies — desert temperatures can be 20°F cooler before noon.

Weekday dates have the best availability and intimacy

Saturday ceremonies at peak venues book first. Friday and Sunday ceremonies offer identical scenery with better availability. Weekday elopements are the most intimate — quieter at the venue, fewer competing permits, and often easier to coordinate for a small group.

Your officiant handles the filing — certified copies are ordered online

After your ceremony, LVWC files the signed license with Clark County on your behalf. You do not need to return to the bureau. Certified copies of your marriage certificate are ordered online through the Clark County Recorder's Office — your officiant will explain the process and walk you through it.

Common Questions

Getting Married in Las Vegas FAQ

What are the legal requirements to get married in Las Vegas?
Both partners must appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau with a valid government-issued photo ID, pay $102, and receive a license. There is no waiting period, no residency requirement, no blood test, and no advance appointment needed. Both partners must be 18 or older (or have appropriate consent if 16–17). A licensed officiant must perform the ceremony.
How long does it take to get married in Las Vegas?
You can be legally married the same day you arrive. The marriage license takes 20–30 minutes at the Clark County bureau. The Sign & Go hotel ceremony can be arranged within hours. A desert ceremony at Valley of Fire or Nelson Ghost Town typically requires a half-day — travel, ceremony, and photography combined.
Do you need a witness to get married in Las Vegas?
No. Nevada does not require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony. You can elope with just the two of you and your officiant.
How much does it cost to get married in Las Vegas?
The marriage license costs $102 at the Clark County bureau. Ceremony packages vary: LVWC's Sign & Go hotel ceremony starts at $299; desert ceremonies at Nelson Ghost Town start at $850; Valley of Fire starts at $900; the Strip helicopter package starts at $1,499; Eldorado Dry Lakebed starts at $1,499; the Grand Canyon helicopter wedding is $4,950. All LVWC packages are all-inclusive — officiant, permit, 200+ edited photos, florals, and license filing.
Is a Las Vegas marriage legally valid everywhere?
Yes. A Nevada marriage license is legally recognized in all 50 US states and in most countries worldwide. Nevada marriage law meets all federal requirements for a valid civil marriage. After your ceremony, update your records with the Social Security Administration, DMV, passport office, and other relevant institutions as needed.
What is the Clark County Marriage License Bureau address and hours?
The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is located at 201 E Clark Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101. It is open daily from 8 AM to midnight, including all holidays. No appointment is required.
Can you get married at Valley of Fire without a permit?
No. Valley of Fire State Park and Nelson Ghost Town both require a paid special-use permit for ceremonies. These permits are limited per day, which is why LVWC secures them months in advance on your behalf. You cannot legally hold a ceremony at these locations without a permit.
What happens after the ceremony? How do we get our marriage certificate?
Your officiant signs the marriage license and LVWC files it with Clark County after the ceremony — you don't need to return to the bureau. Certified copies of your marriage certificate must be ordered online through the Clark County Recorder's Office. Your LVWC officiant will explain the process and walk you through exactly how to order them.

Ready to Begin?

Start Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding

Desert permit windows fill 4–8 months in advance. Contact LVWC today to check date availability and lock in your package.