How to get married at the courthouse in Nevada is a frequently asked question by couples who want a legal and efficient way to marry in a state known for its marriage-friendly laws. Nevada, especially cities like Las Vegas and Reno, is one of the most popular destinations for courthouse weddings and elopements due to its minimal requirements, no waiting period, and fast licensing process. Whether you live in Nevada or are traveling from out of state or abroad, getting married at the courthouse in Nevada is simple, accessible, and affordable. You don’t need a blood test, residency, or even an appointment in many counties. This in-depth article covers everything you need to know about getting married at the court in Nevada, from legal requirements and step-by-step instructions to important considerations and tips for a smooth and memorable courthouse ceremony.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Nevada
Before scheduling your courthouse wedding in Nevada, both you and your partner must meet the following legal and administrative requirements:
1. Minimum Age to Marry: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If one or both individuals are 17, they may be able to marry with parental consent and a court order, but anyone under 17 cannot marry under any circumstances. A certified copy of a birth certificate and valid photo ID may be required to prove age in cases involving minors.
2. No Residency Requirement: Nevada does not require residency to get married. Whether you’re from California, New York, or another country, you can legally marry in any Nevada county and have your union recognized nationally and internationally. This is one reason Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is a global hotspot for weddings.
3. Valid Identification: Both applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID. The ID must be valid (not expired) and show your legal name and date of birth. Non-U.S. citizens can use passports or other acceptable travel documents.
4. Marriage License Application: You must apply for a marriage license at a County Clerk’s Office, and both parties must appear in person together. Most counties offer online pre-registration to save time during your in-person visit. Walk-ins are generally welcome, especially in high-volume counties like Clark (Las Vegas), but it’s a good idea to check the specific office’s hours and rules.
5. Marriage License Fee: The fee for a marriage license in Nevada is \$77 (in Clark County) and may vary slightly by county. Most locations accept cash, debit/credit cards, or money orders. Some locations may charge a small convenience fee for card transactions.
6. No Waiting Period: There is no waiting period in Nevada. You can receive your marriage license and be married the same day, making it one of the most convenient states for spontaneous courthouse weddings or elopements.
7. No Blood Test Required: Nevada does not require a blood test or medical examination for marriage, further simplifying the process.
8. License Validity: Once issued, the Nevada marriage license is valid for up to one year. The ceremony must take place within that year, or the license will expire and a new one must be obtained.
9. Previous Marriages: If either party has been previously married, you must provide the exact date the prior marriage ended. A divorce decree or death certificate is usually not required unless the divorce was very recent or not finalized in the U.S.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Nevada
1. Apply for Your Marriage License at the County Clerk’s Office
The first step in getting married at the courthouse in Nevada is to obtain your marriage license from a County Clerk’s Office. In Las Vegas, you’ll go to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, which operates 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. You and your partner must appear together in person, show your valid photo IDs, and pay the fee. You can save time by pre-registering online within 60 days of your planned wedding date. For example, if you're getting married in Washoe County (Reno), you can use their website to complete much of the paperwork in advance. Once approved, you’ll receive a marriage license immediately, and you're ready to proceed to the courthouse ceremony—or any officiant of your choosing.
2. Schedule a Courthouse Ceremony with an Authorized Officiant
After obtaining your license, the next step is scheduling a civil ceremony with a Justice of the Peace, magistrate, or authorized court official. In some counties like Clark, you can walk into the courthouse or book an appointment with a judge for a short civil ceremony. However, availability may vary by location and day of the week—some courts only perform weddings during business hours Monday through Friday. In rural counties like Elko or Nye, it's especially important to call ahead and ask if and when courthouse weddings are available. Fees for the civil ceremony usually range from \$50 to \$100, depending on the officiant and the location. Always bring your license and IDs with you when showing up for the ceremony.
3. Bring Witnesses (If Required) and Arrive on Time
Nevada requires at least one witness to be present during the wedding ceremony, but two witnesses is standard for most officiants. If you're eloping and don’t have guests, some courthouses or chapels may provide a witness for you. Make sure all participants arrive on time with proper identification. Courthouse ceremonies are typically brief, lasting 10–15 minutes, but you can ask the judge if personalized vows or ring exchanges are allowed. Be respectful of the setting—formal attire is not required, but dress nicely, especially if you're taking photos afterward.
4. Have the Ceremony and Get the Marriage License Signed
Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant will sign your marriage license and may give you instructions on what to do next. In most cases, the officiant is responsible for filing the license with the County Recorder's Office. Be sure to confirm this at the end of the ceremony. The signed license must be filed within 10 days of the ceremony to make the marriage official under Nevada law.
5. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
After the signed license has been filed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was issued. In Clark County, you can order certified copies online or in person for \$20 per copy. These are necessary for changing your name, updating legal documents, or applying for spousal benefits. It’s a good idea to order two or three copies so you always have one on hand when needed.
6. Celebrate Your Marriage—Nevada Style
Once your marriage is legally recognized, it’s time to celebrate! Whether you had a quick courthouse wedding in Carson City or a romantic elopement on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada offers plenty of ways to commemorate your new life together. Many couples enjoy dinner, sightseeing, or a mini honeymoon in places like Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, or Reno’s riverwalk. A courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you skip the celebration—it simply means you chose a low-stress, legally efficient, and often budget-friendly option.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Nevada
1. Nevada Is a Top Choice for Destination Weddings
Thanks to its no-waiting period, simple requirements, and scenic surroundings, Nevada is one of the most popular states for destination and courthouse weddings. Cities like Las Vegas handle over 70,000 weddings per year, meaning the infrastructure is built for efficiency and convenience. This makes it easy for out-of-town couples to marry without delays.
2. Courthouse Weddings Can Be Scheduled or Walk-In (Depending on Location)
In high-volume counties like Clark and Washoe, courthouse ceremonies are often available on a walk-in basis. However, smaller counties may require an appointment. If you’re not getting married in Las Vegas or Reno, it’s best to call ahead and confirm availability to avoid last-minute issues.
3. You Must Bring Proper ID and Payment
Without valid photo ID and the required payment, you will not be issued a marriage license. Double-check your documents before arriving at the Clerk’s Office. If your ID is expired or doesn’t match your legal name, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
4. The Ceremony Can Be Customized (Modestly)
Courthouse weddings in Nevada are generally brief, but some officiants allow for limited personalization. You may be able to exchange rings, read your own vows, or have a short reading, depending on the official performing the ceremony. Always ask in advance if you have specific preferences.
5. The Marriage License Does Not Mean You’re Married Yet
Getting a license is not the same as being married. The marriage becomes legally valid only after the ceremony is performed and the license is signed and filed. Make sure your officiant follows through with filing the paperwork promptly.
6. Your Nevada Marriage Is Legally Valid Everywhere
A marriage performed in Nevada is recognized across all 50 states and internationally. Once you receive your certified marriage certificate, you can use it for legal name changes, joint tax filings, immigration applications, and other legal matters. This is especially important for couples marrying from outside the U.S.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in Nevada is the key to planning a quick, easy, and legally recognized wedding ceremony, whether you're a local or traveling from afar. With no waiting period, no residency requirements, and user-friendly courthouse systems, getting married at the courthouse in Nevada is one of the fastest and simplest ways to tie the knot in the U.S. From obtaining your marriage license to saying your vows before a judge, the steps are straightforward and well-supported across the state. Whether you’re marrying in a Las Vegas courtroom, a Reno justice center, or a small-town courthouse in Elko or Carson City, getting married at the court in Nevada offers convenience, legality, and the flexibility to celebrate your union your way.
.webp)
.webp)
