Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

Getting married in Las Vegas isn’t such a big deal, especially to the thirtysomething wedding chapels in the area who handle thousands of ceremonies a year.

Las Vegas is the “Wedding Capital of the World”, with more than 100,000 couples exchanging vows each year. The city is ready, willing and able to cater to all the needs of a bride-to-be.

Here’s what you need to know about getting married in Vegas.

How do I get a marriage license?
You and your future spouse must appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, 200 South 3rd Street. You can save a little time by completing an online application, but you still need to bring it down in person. The courthouse is open 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays, but beware of the more popular “romantic” holidays, such as New Years Eve and Valentines Day, where the wait can be upwards of 5 hours.

What are the legal requirements?
There is no blood test and no waiting period after a license is issued. The ceremony must be performed in the State of Nevada within one year from the date of issuance of the marriage license. There must be one additional witness other than the person performing the ceremony.

Is there an age limit?
Adults 18 and over need no consent. Proof of age may be required through age 21. Minors aged 16 and 17 must have consent of a parent or legal guardian. For those under 16, the parent or guardian must file an action and present a court order authorizing the Clerk to issue a marriage license.

What if one of the intended has been previously married?
The divorce must be final and filed with the courts in the state or county it was granted. The applicant will be asked to provide the month, day, year, city and state of the divorce.

Do I need reservations to marry at a wedding chapel?
Most require reservations. It’s a good idea if you have a specific date in mind, and want to invite guests.

How much will it cost?
The marriage license fee is $55. A simple outdoor chapel ceremony can be had for as little as $125. More traditional weddings run under $1,000, the extravagant can cost up to $15,000 and more. Everything is available for an extra cost, so it’s pretty much whatever you’re willing to pay.

What is a themed ceremony?
A themed wedding can best be described as a theatrical event. Choose from Elvis, Western, Gothic, Victorian, Disco, Graveyard, Harley, and more. You get all the special effects, props, memorabilia, costumes, and even “the King” himself. Additional celebrity impersonators, such as Marilyn Monroe and Cher, are also available for an additional cost.

How do I coordinate it all?
This is Vegas, remember? They know how to do weddings. Most chapels and hotels have wedding coordinators to help the bride-to-be, some are included in the cost and some are extra. Ceremonies performed at wedding chapels tend to be more of a “package deal”, which include many of the necessities.

What else do I need to know?
Keep in mind that Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World, and there are always conventions going on. It’s also the Wedding Capital of the World, thus many weddings. This all adds up to lots of people, especially during peak business travel and popular holidays.

And then there’s the weather…
Las Vegas is a beautiful place with a pleasant climate, most of the time. The average year round temperature is 80 degrees, but summer time highs can reach 100 and winter lows to freezing. In fact, winter weather is neither dependable nor consistent, so use your best judgment in scheduling that special day.

If a Las Vegas wedding is for you, be sure to check out Las Vegas Wedding Chapels for a list of some great wedding locales.