Eloping in Sin City? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Your Las Vegas Marriage License!
- Mackenna Dugan
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
So, you’re ready to say “I do” in the wedding capital of the world? Whether you’re planning a full-on Vegas wedding with all the glitz and glamour or a spontaneous elopement, there’s one thing you absolutely need first, a Las Vegas marriage license! The good news? It’s one of the easiest things to check off your wedding to-do list. The entire process is simple, fast, and totally stress-free. No waiting periods, and no complicated paperwork. Just a quick trip to the Marriage License Bureau, and you’re ready to walk down the aisle. Let’s break it all down step by step so you can get your marriage license as soon as you land in Vegas.
Where to Get Your Las Vegas Marriage License
The one and only place to get your Las Vegas marriage license is the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, located at 201 E. Clark Avenue, on the corner of Clark and 3rd Street in downtown Las Vegas. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the massive red heart outside the building. It’s pretty much impossible to miss!
Unlike most government offices, this one is open every single day of the year, YES, even on holidays. The hours are 8:00 AM to midnight, so whether you’re planning an early morning wedding or a last-minute elopement under the neon lights, you’ll be able to get your license with no problem. For directions and more details, you can visit the official Clark County Marriage License Bureau website.
What You Need to Bring?
Getting your marriage license in Vegas is refreshingly simple, but there are a few things you absolutely must have when you show up at the Marriage License Bureau. Both you and your partner need to be there in person, and each of you must bring one of the following forms of identification:
A valid driver’s license
A passport
A birth certificate (if it's not in English, it must be translated, signed, and notarized)
That’s it! No complicated paperwork, no proof of divorce if you were previously married, and no long processing times. As long as you have your ID, you’re good to go. Also, keep in mind that both of you must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If either of you is 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must be present, and additional paperwork is required!
What Happens After You Get Your License?
Once you’ve presented your IDs and filled out the necessary paperwork, you’ll receive a white packet of documents, including a copy of your marriage license. This is an important step because you’ll need to bring these papers to your wedding ceremony. Your officiant and a witness will sign the license after your vows, proving that the marriage legally took place!!
But here’s where a lot of couples get confused, the copy you receive is not your official marriage license. Think of it as a souvenir to remember your wedding day. It’s not the document you’ll need if you want to change your last name or update your marital status on legal documents.
How to Get Your Official Marriage License
After your wedding ceremony, your officiant will file your signed marriage license with the county. However, you still need to apply for your official marriage certificate. This is the document you’ll need for things like:
Changing your last name
Updating your marital status on legal documents
Providing proof of marriage for insurance or tax purposes
To receive your official marriage certificate, you must apply online within ten days of your ceremony. This is a quick and easy process, and your certificate can be sent anywhere in the world, including internationally. To request your marriage certificate, visit the Clark County Marriage Certificate website and follow the instructions!
Now It’s Time to Get Married!
That’s all there is to it! Once you have your Las Vegas marriage license, you’re ready to move on to the fun part, actually getting married. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a luxury wedding chapel, saying "I do" in front of an Elvis impersonator, or keeping it low-key with a simple ceremony, you’re officially ready to make it happen. Vegas makes it incredibly easy to get married, and your marriage will be 100% legal and recognized worldwide. So enjoy the experience, soak in the excitement, and most importantly, have the best wedding day ever!
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