A Las Vegas Wedding in the “Marriage Capital of the World,” is renowned for its easy licensing and diverse wedding venues. Whether you’re planning a grand black-tie event or an intimate ceremony, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of tying the knot in this vibrant city.
Why Choose Las Vegas?
Las Vegas, a city celebrated for its glitz and glamour, welcomes you with its iconic chapels, swift marriage licenses, and extraordinary venues. Whether you dream of a micro wedding, a large bash, or an elopement for just the two of you. There’s a Vegas ceremony tailor-made for you.
The Legalities
One of the key attractions of a Vegas wedding is the ease in which it can be arranged. As a Vegas wedding officiant explains, “With no waiting period, you can decide to get married the same day. Every legal ceremony begins with a marriage license issued from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau.”
Obtaining a Marriage License
To obtain a marriage license, couples are advised to pre-register on the Clark County Marriage License Bureau’s website. The Bureau is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until midnight. Each partner will require one valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. The license is prepared with your legal name exactly as it appears on your identification, and it remains valid for one year.
Note: The license must be present on the wedding day. No minister, not even an Elvis impersonator, can perform a ceremony without a valid Clark County license.
Preparing for Your Big Day
While many venues will accommodate walk-in ceremonies, it’s advisable to make reservations for your wedding ceremony before you arrive in Vegas. Prior research will help you find dedicated planners. And packages that suit your needs, from helicopter elopements over the Grand Canyon to intimate ceremonies at the 7 Magic Mountains.
Booking Accommodation
Consider booking your hotel accommodation close to your wedding location to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the busy Strip. It’s also worth noting that hotel and transportation pricing may increase based on conventions, concerts, or major events happening in Las Vegas. Therefore, adjusting your wedding date could potentially save you a significant amount of money.
Budgeting Tips
To help manage your expenses, always ask for all fees upfront, especially regarding your hotel rooms. Resort and parking fees can quickly increase the overall budget for your wedding weekend. Digital wedding invitations are a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper invites. They are fully customizable, easy to share via WhatsApp or email, and perfect for creating a unique style for your big day. Being cost-effective, digital invites eliminate printing and postage expenses, saving both time and money while still making a lasting impression!
Choosing a Wedding Venue
Las Vegas offers a plethora of unique venues where you can exchange vows. Below are some of the most popular choices:
- The Neon Boneyard: This historical landmark houses iconic neon signs from the Rat Pack era, offering a nostalgic and fun backdrop for your wedding.
- Chapel in the Clouds: Located 800 feet above the Las Vegas Valley at the Strat Hotel. And SkyPod, this venue offers breathtaking views for couples who aren’t afraid of heights.
- Café Lola: Named one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in America by Food Network, this venue offers a beautiful setting complete with flower walls and pink telephone booths.
- Terraza Di Sogno at The Bellagio: This venue offers expansive views of Bellagio’s Lago di Como. And the epic Fountains of Bellagio music and light show.
- High Roller at The LINQ Promenade: Perfect for intimate weddings, this venue is the world’s tallest observation wheel at 550 feet.
- Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas: This venue offers a sky-high wedding package with panoramic views of the Vegas Strip.
- The Cosmopolitan: This venue offers a collection of unconventional wedding locations, including a swanky hideaway, and outdoor pools. And a multi-story lounge adorned with crystals.
- Mandalay Bay: This venue offers unique wedding locations like the Seascape Ballroom at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium. And a beach reception on the sandy shore.
- The Venetian: For a “just the two of us” ceremony, couples can opt to marry in The Venetian’s signature white wedding gondola with a singing gondolier serenading your special moment.
After the Ceremony
Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, making it the perfect location for an unforgettable post-wedding celebration. From casinos to world-class restaurants and bars to live shows from some of the biggest names in entertainment, there’s plenty to keep you and your guests entertained.
FAQs
Can my friend officiate the ceremony?
Yes, provided they are ordained and licensed in Nevada.
Are same-sex marriages possible in Las Vegas?
Absolutely! Same-sex marriages have been legal in the U.S. since 2015 and are fully recognized in Nevada.
Does Elvis have to marry us?
No, Las Vegas offers a range of officiants for weddings, from impersonators to traditional officiants.
