How To Get Married In Las Vegas From Uk
Oh, you want the lowdown on getting hitched in the ultimate city of neon dreams, coming all the way from the UK? Brilliant choice, mate! Forget the rainy day church queues back home; we're talking about a dazzling, ridiculously fun, and surprisingly straightforward Vegas wedding! You're about to trade that drizzle for the desert sun and a whole lot of 'I do' with a side of spectacular. Let's make this transatlantic trip to matrimony a total breeze.
Vegas Baby, Vegas! Your UK Guide to Tying the Knot in the Neon Jungle
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| How To Get Married In Las Vegas From Uk |
Step 1: Lock Down the Legal Stuff (The Pre-Game Prep)
Before you can be saying "I do" in a chapel that looks like a miniature castle, you've got to sort out the boring, grown-up, but super-important paperwork. Think of this as getting your golden ticket to the wedding carnival.
1.1 The Crucial Travel Pass: ESTA or Visa?
Hold your horses, rockstar! First things first: getting into the U.S.
The EZ Pass: The ESTA: Most UK citizens will be eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. It's quicker, cheaper, and you can apply online. You'll need an e-Passport. Do this at least 72 hours before you fly, but honestly, do it weeks out. It costs a few quid and lasts for two years.
When to Get a Visa: If you've got a tricky travel history, have been denied an ESTA before, or plan to be stateside for more than 90 days, you’ll need a proper visa. Check with the U.S. Embassy in London—this process is a bigger deal and takes way longer.
1.2 UK Eligibility Check: Don’t Mess This Up
Your Vegas marriage will be recognized back in Blighty (the UK) as long as it's valid under Nevada state law and UK law.
Age Check: Both of you must be at least 18 years old. No exceptions, especially since the UK law changed.
Freedom to Marry: You can’t already be married! If you’ve been divorced, you need to know the exact date (or a close date) and the city/state/country where the divorce was finalized. No need for the actual decree, but know the deets. If you're widowed, know the date of death.
Not Closely Related: Seriously, don't be related. Nevada and the UK are pretty clear on this one!
Step 2: Grab Your Golden Ticket (The Marriage License Bureau Run)
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
This is the big one. Your wedding ceremony cannot happen without this piece of paper. It’s a bit like a pilgrimage, but instead of a cathedral, you're heading to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau.
2.1 The Pre-Application Sneak Attack
You can save yourself a ton of faff (that’s UK slang for unnecessary effort) by completing the marriage license application online before you go.
Go to the official Clark County Clerk's website.
Fill in all your details exactly as they appear on your passport/ID. Seriously, check the spelling twice. A typo now means a hassle later.
Your application is good for a year, so don’t stress if you do it a few weeks before you fly. You'll get a confirmation number—WRITE IT DOWN!
2.2 The In-Person Mission
Once you're actually in Vegas, you and your partner must rock up together at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (it’s in Downtown Vegas, 201 E. Clark Avenue).
No appointment needed! They are open every day of the year, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to midnight. Savage hours!
What to Bring:
Your valid government-issued photo ID (your passport is the best bet for UK citizens).
Your pre-application confirmation number.
The fee. It’s currently $102 (plus a small fee if paying by card). Cash, debit, or credit are fine. No personal checks, mate.
The actual process is usually super fast—like, 15 minutes, depending on the queue. They hand you the license, and bam, you are good to get married right then and there. There is no waiting period in Nevada.
Step 3: Choose Your Chapel Vibe (The Fun Part!)
Now, the fun begins. Do you want a classic, tacky-but-chic Vegas wedding, or something a bit more low-key? This is your shindig, so go wild!
3.1 The Classic Chapel Experience
We’re talking about the famous spots—the ones with the neon signs and perhaps an Elvis impersonator who is totally in character.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Packages Galore: Chapels offer packages for everything. Flowers, photos, a limousine ride, and yes, even an Elvis to walk you down the aisle and belt out "Can't Help Falling in Love."
Book Ahead: For popular chapels and peak times (like weekends or certain dates), you'll want to book your slot well in advance. Don't just show up on a Saturday night and expect a spot!
3.2 The Luxe Hotel Ceremony
If you’re looking for something more swanky and less schlocky, all the major hotels on the Strip have stunning, often over-the-top, beautiful venues, gardens, or ballrooms. This is where you bring the class.
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3.3 The Offbeat Vegas Location
Fancy saying "I do" in the middle of the desert at sunset? Or maybe at the iconic Neon Museum? Las Vegas has so many unique spots. You'll need a planner for this, but the photos will be epic.
Step 4: Walk Down the Aisle (The Moment of Truth)
You've got your license, you've got your venue—now it’s time to seal the deal.
4.1 The Paper Handover
Give your marriage license and your IDs to the wedding officiant (the person performing the ceremony) before the service. They are the ones who legally make it happen, and they need to fill in the certificate after the vows.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
4.2 The Witness
Nevada law requires at least one witness, other than the officiant, to be present. If you’ve eloped and it’s just the two of you, the chapel will happily provide a witness (usually a photographer or coordinator) for a small fee, or sometimes for free.
4.3 Tipping: The American Way
Tipping is a big deal in the U.S. and is expected. Budget for it.
Officiant: Usually around $50-$100, depending on the package/how much you loved their vibe.
Limo Driver, Photographer, Coordinator: Generally, 15%-20% of their service fee. Don't be a tightwad (miser). They make your day smooth!
Step 5: Post-Wedding Admin (Tying Up Loose Ends)
The ceremony is done—congrats, you're married! Now, a few bits of housekeeping before you jet back to the UK.
5.1 The Officiant's Role
The person who married you has ten calendar days to file the completed Marriage Certificate with the Clark County Clerk's Office. This makes it a permanent legal record. Most chapels file them super fast, often within a day or two.
5.2 Ordering the Certified Copy
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
You must order a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate from the Clark County Clerk. This is the official proof of your marriage.
Order it online for convenience. Each certified copy costs around $20.
Pro-Tip: Order two or three copies. You'll need them for things like changing your name on your passport, bank accounts, and other official documents back in the UK. Having spares saves a right pain.
5.3 The Apostille: The International Stamp of Approval
For your marriage to be recognized by some non-U.S. government bodies (and for ease back in the UK, especially for name changes on your passport or if you are dealing with a non-UK body), you might need an Apostille stamp.
This is a special certification from the Nevada Secretary of State that proves the marriage certificate is legit for international use.
You order this after you have your certified marriage certificate. Check with the UK Passport Office or a solicitor if you are unsure, but it's a smart move to get one, just to be safe. It costs an extra fee and takes a bit more time.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How to get married in Las Vegas from the UK? It's surprisingly easy! Obtain an ESTA/Visa for entry, apply for your marriage license online with the Clark County Clerk, collect the license in person in Vegas, have your ceremony, and ensure your officiant files the paperwork.
Is a Las Vegas marriage legally recognized in the UK? Absolutely! As long as the marriage is valid under Nevada state law and meets UK legal capacity requirements (age 18+, not already married, not closely related), it is legal in the UK.
How do I get my marriage certificate from Las Vegas? Your officiant files the paperwork, and then you order a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate online or in person from the Clark County Clerk's office. This is your official proof of marriage.
How to get the required marriage license in Clark County, Nevada? Fill out the pre-application online, then both partners must go in person to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (201 E. Clark Ave.) with valid ID (passport) to pay the fee and pick up the license.
How much does a marriage license cost in Las Vegas? The license currently costs $102 (plus a small fee for credit/debit card use).
How long is a Las Vegas marriage license valid for? It is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must have your ceremony within that time frame.
How many witnesses do I need for a Vegas wedding? You need at least one witness, in addition to the officiant. Most chapels can provide a witness if you're eloping.
How do I change my name on my UK passport after a Vegas wedding? You will need a certified copy of your Las Vegas Marriage Certificate (and often an Apostille) to apply for a new passport in your married name when you return to the UK.
How to get the Apostille stamp for UK recognition? Once you have your certified Marriage Certificate, you apply to the Nevada Secretary of State's office for the Apostille, which internationally validates the document.
Do I need to register my Las Vegas marriage in the UK? No, there is no requirement or facility to register a foreign marriage in the UK. Your certified certificate is the legal proof.
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