It’s the time of year when love, and for some, marriage is in the air. Las Vegas is, of course, eternally linked to all things wedding. The Vegas native (that’s me) is here to give you the inside scoop (and fun extras, obviously) on tying the knot in the wedding capital on Valentine’s Day.
Las Vegas is well known for performing an immense number of ceremonies (both Elvis themed and not). Just how many? In pre-pandemic times, there were around 120,000 ceremonies per year, an average of 12,000 a month, or 300 a day. During the pandemic levels fell but are once again skyrocketing past the 300 mark to around 340 per month. WOAH!
The How
It shouldn’t come as a shock (especially given the timing of my post) that the most popular day to get hitched in Las Vegas, is Valentine’s Day (pro tip, plan ahead!). In fact, the date is so popular, that since 2018 the county has hosted a pop-up marriage license kiosk at McCarran International Airport. That’s right! The home of drive-through wedding chapels has made getting married even more convenient! Here are the details (more info at https://weddings.vegas):
“Thursday, February 10, through Tuesday, February 22, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily to issue marriage licenses only. The office will be located in the Terminal 1 baggage claim area by carousel 5. Credit and debit cards will only be accepted – no cash or checks.”
Here’s what you will need and should know:
- You must be 18 or older
- You must have government issued photo identification (a driver’s license or passport)
- Blood tests are not required
- You must pay the license fee (additional costs may apply if paying by credit/debit)
- Once you get your license you can get married—there is no waiting period
- The marriage license expires one year from the date it is issued
- The ceremony must be performed in Nevada by an officiant licensed in Nevada
The Where
That’s the license checked off the list but what about a venue? As mentioned earlier, if you are planning to wed on Valentine’s Day, pre-planning is best, as venues can fill up fast. That said, Las Vegas has something for everyone, and you are bound to find a place that suits your style (we pride ourselves on operating under a You Do You motto). There are over 50 chapels (yes 5-0) and countless other venues.
For History and Architecture Buffs
Perhaps you or your betrothed loves history, funky architecture, or wax figures? You might enjoy the Mob Museum, Neon Boneyard (hello Vegas historical signage), the Keep Memory Alive Center (party with a purpose and support a good cause), or Madame Tussauds.
Traditional with a Vegas Twist
If you are looking to go the more traditional route, but want a dash of Vegas kitsch, over stuffy hotel ballrooms, then consider Graceland Wedding Chapel, Little Church of the West (a historical gem), or Chapel of the Flowers (yes, you can find lush greenery in Las Vegas).
For the Sweet Toothers
If you enjoy all things sweet and sugary, you can also get married surrounded by it! Look no further than The Sugar Factory.
For Those in a Hurry
I would be remiss if I didn’t include one of, if not the, most famous of all Las Vegas chapels. A Little White Wedding Chapel has been the site of many famous marriages, many of which have used the chapel’s ultra Vegas-y drive through option.
Getting married in Las Vegas can be fun and adventurous (and planned!). If you are tying the knot on Valentines day, be sure you have everything you need to get a license (it is possible to get the license online as well) and try to secure (or at least check the availability) the venue you prefer. Last but not least — enjoy and celebrate! Congrats!
Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
