Getting Married in Nevada: The Marriage License Guide

Nevada has a reputation for making marriage simple, and it is well earned. There is no waiting period, no blood test and no residency requirement. Couples fly in from all over the world, collect a license in under an hour and marry the same day.

Simple does not mean careless, though. Here is everything you need to know to get your Nevada marriage license without stress.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees, hours and requirements can change, so always confirm with the county clerk before your trip.

The essentials

• Waiting period: None. You can marry the same day you receive your license.
• Blood test: Not required.
• Residency: Not required. You do not need to live in Nevada.
• Age: Both partners must be 18 or older. Nevada does not allow anyone under 17 to marry, and a 17-year-old needs parental consent and court authorization.
• Validity: A Nevada marriage license is valid for one year from issue.
• Where it works: A license from any Nevada county can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Nevada, but not in another state.

Where to get your license near Las Vegas

Most couples marrying near Las Vegas use the Clark County Marriage License Bureau at 201 E. Clark Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. The bureau is open 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, including holidays, and appointments are not required.

Step 1: Pre-apply online

Clark County asks couples to complete the application online before visiting. You will receive a confirmation number, and your pre-application stays on file for a year, so you can complete it weeks ahead. This turns your visit into a quick check of documents and payment.

Step 2: Bring original photo ID

Both partners must appear in person with original, valid identification that proves name and age, such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport or military ID. Clark County requires an original photo ID, so digital copies on your phone will not be accepted.

If either partner has been married before, be ready to provide the date and place the previous marriage ended. Having the details on hand speeds things up.

Step 3: Pay the fee

The Clark County marriage license fee is currently $102. Card payments carry a small processing fee, so check the clerk's website for current accepted payment methods before you go.

Budget a little extra for a certified copy of your marriage certificate after the wedding (currently $20 in Clark County), which you will need for name changes and official records.

Step 4: Hold the ceremony

A license alone does not marry you. Within the year it is valid, you need a ceremony in Nevada with:

• An authorized officiant. Officiants must hold a certificate of permission from a Nevada county clerk. Many venues and planners can recommend one, and Clark County notes that ordination is not required to apply for that permission.
• At least one witness in addition to the officiant.

After the ceremony, your officiant returns the signed license for recording. Once it is recorded, you can order certified copies.

Step 5: Order certified copies

Certified copies are what banks, the Social Security Administration and passport offices ask for. Order at least two. In Clark County, certified marriage certificates come from the County Recorder rather than the Marriage License Bureau, and they can be ordered once your license has been recorded.

Practical tips

• Go early in your trip. Collect your license a day or two before the wedding rather than the morning of.
• Avoid peak times. Popular dates, weekends and holidays can mean lines. Weekday mornings are usually quieter.
• Name changes are separate. Your license and certificate are the start of a name change, not the end. Each agency has its own process.
• International couples: A Nevada marriage is generally recognised abroad, but your home country may need an apostille. Ask your embassy or consulate before you travel.

The fun part

Once the paperwork is sorted, the rest is about the moment itself. Our guide on how to plan a Nevada desert wedding covers season, venue, timing and guest comfort, and our golden hour timing guide helps you choose the perfect ceremony time.

Desert Halo is a luxury wedding venue in the Nevada desert, opening in 2028. Explore weddings at Desert Halo and be the first to know when dates open.