Las Vegas Wedding Rules & Marriage License Guide 2026

Key Highlights

• The Cost: A marriage license currently costs $102 (the total is $105.29 if paying by credit/debit card).
• The Wait: There is zero waiting period. Your marriage license is valid immediately, so you can tie the knot without delay.
• The Paperwork: You only need a valid government-issued photo ID (like a Driver’s License or Passport).
• The Location: You must visit the Clark County Marriage License Bureau in person before your ceremony.

Getting married in Las Vegas is a world-famous tradition for a reason: the city has stripped away the red tape to make “I do” as fast and fun as possible. Whether you are planning a grand ballroom gala or a midnight run to a drive-thru window with Elvis, the legal steps are surprisingly straightforward.

We have watched countless couples navigate the Clark County Marriage Bureau, and the biggest mistake people make is overthinking it. Unlike many other states, there are no blood tests or annoying waiting periods. You can literally land at the airport, grab your license downtown, and be married twenty minutes later. Here is our honest, local-expert guide to the Las Vegas Wedding Rules & Marriage License Guide.

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Step 1: The Legal Requirements for Everyone

Before you start picking out flowers or sequins, you need to make sure you meet the basic legal criteria. Nevada is very welcoming, but they do have a few firm rules to keep things official.

• Age: Both partners must be 18 years or older to marry legally. If you are 17, you need a court order from a Nevada judge—parental consent alone isn’t enough anymore under current state laws.
• Identification: You must provide an original, government-issued photo ID that shows your name and date of birth. A passport, driver’s license, or military ID works perfectly.
• Relationship Status: You cannot be currently married to anyone else, and you cannot be more closely related than second cousins.
• Social Security: If you are a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, though you don’t need to bring the physical card.
• Previous Marriages: If you’ve been divorced, you just need to provide the date, city, and state where it was finalized. You do not need to bring a copy of the actual divorce decree.

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Step 2: How to Get Your Marriage License

The only place to get a legal marriage license in Las Vegas is the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. Don’t let any website convince you that you can buy one at a chapel or online—those are just marketing gimmicks.

The Bureau Details

• Address: 201 E. Clark Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (located at the Regional Justice Center).
• Hours: 8:00 AM to Midnight, 365 days a year.

February 2026 Update: Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, the county has opened a Special Pop-Up Marriage License Bureau at Harry Reid International Airport. It is located at Terminal 1 Baggage Claim (near Carousel 15) and is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily through February 16, 2026.

Pro Tip: We have found that lines can get long on “magic dates” like 2/6/26 or 2/26/26. To save time, fill out the Online Pre-Application before you arrive. It gives you a reference number that stays valid for 60 days and lets you skip the main line for the “Express” window.

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Step 3: Planning the Ceremony Rules

Once you have that piece of paper in your hand, you are legally ready to roll. However, the license itself doesn’t make you married—you still need a ceremony.

• Expiration: Your license is valid for one year. You don’t have to use it the same day, but it expires on day 366.
• The Officiant: Your ceremony must be performed by a person licensed to perform marriages in Nevada. Even if “Elvis” is at the helm, he must be a legally registered officiant.
• Witnesses: Nevada law requires at least one witness to sign the paperwork. Most chapels will happily provide a witness for you if you are eloping.
• The Recording: After the ceremony, your officiant has 10 days to file the paperwork with the County. You can then order your Certified Marriage Certificate online for $20, which is the document you’ll need for name changes or insurance.

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Rules for International Couples

Vegas is a global wedding destination, and the process for international visitors is essentially the same as it is for locals. Most countries recognize a Nevada marriage as legally binding, but you might need an Apostille.

This is a special government certification that proves the document is authentic for use in another country. You can order this through the Nevada Secretary of State after your wedding. We have always advised international friends to check with their local hometown registry first to see if they require any specific certified translations.

Summary & Helpful Tip

Getting married in Vegas is designed to be stress-free, provided you have your ID and $102 ready. It’s a city that celebrates love in all its forms, from the traditional to the totally wacky.

Our Best Helpful Tip: Don’t forget the tips! While the license fee is fixed, it is customary in Las Vegas to tip your minister or officiant. A standard tip is usually between $50 and $100, often handed over in an envelope after the ceremony. This isn’t a legal rule, but it’s a strong social “rule” that ensures your big day ends on a high note!

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❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Wedding Rules

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