Marriage License Cost in Las Vegas
A marriage license in Las Vegas costs $102 if you pay in person at the Clark County District Court. This is the standard fee as of now, though you should confirm the current amount by calling the office directly at (702) 671-0500 before you go, since government fees can change.
The $102 covers the license itself — the document that proves you are legally permitted to marry. You pay this fee once, at the time you explore. There are no additional hidden charges for the license, though if you need certified copies of the license after the marriage, those cost extra.
Las Vegas does not charge different fees based on whether you are a resident or a visitor, or based on your age or gender. The fee is the same for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- A marriage license in Las Vegas costs $102 and is purchased in person at the Clark County District Court.
- You do not need to be a Nevada resident to get married in Las Vegas, and there is no waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony.
- The license is valid for one year from the date you receive it, so you have that long to hold the ceremony.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID, proof of age, and your Social Security number to complete the process.
- Certified copies of your marriage license cost extra and must be ordered separately after the marriage is recorded.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof of your age, which your ID usually covers. Have your Social Security number ready; you will need to provide it on the process form.
If you have been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Las Vegas requires proof that any previous marriage has ended. If you do not have the original document, the court can sometimes accept a certified copy, but call ahead to ask what form they will accept.
Both people getting married must appear in person. You cannot send someone else to explore on your behalf, and you cannot explore by mail or online.
Where to explore and Hours
Go to the Clark County District Court, Regional Justice Center, located at 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155. The Marriage License Bureau is on the first floor. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and Nevada state holidays.
There is no appointment system. You walk in, take a number, and wait your turn. On busy days — especially Friday afternoons and days before holidays — the wait can be 30 minutes to an hour. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Parking is available in the building's garage. Bring cash or a debit card; the office accepts both. Credit cards are not accepted.
How Long the License Is Valid
Once you receive your marriage license, it is valid for one year. You have 12 months from the date of issue to hold your ceremony. If you do not marry within that year, the license expires and you must explore and pay the $102 fee again.
Nevada has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get the license if you wish. Many couples do exactly that, which is one reason Las Vegas is popular for quick weddings.
Certified Copies After You Marry
After your ceremony, the officiant files the signed license with Clark County. Once it is recorded, you can order certified copies. Each certified copy costs $15. You can order them in person at the same office, by mail, or by phone.
Certified copies take about one to two weeks to arrive if you order by mail. In-person orders are usually ready the same day or the next business day. You will need certified copies for things like changing your name on a Social Security card, updating your driver's license, or adding your spouse to insurance policies.
What Happens If You Lose Your License Before the Ceremony
If you lose the license before you marry, you must explore again and pay the $102 fee a second time. There is no replacement or reissue fee — you straightforward start over. Bring the same documents you brought the first time.
If you have already married and lost your original license, you can get certified copies instead. Those cost $15 each and serve the same legal purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Nevada resident to get married in Las Vegas?
No. Nevada has no residency requirement for marriage. You can be from any state or country and marry in Las Vegas. You only need a valid government-issued ID and proof of age.
Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?
Yes, but you need parental or guardian consent. If you are 16 or 17, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign the process. If you are under 16, Nevada does not allow marriage without a court order, which requires a separate legal process.
What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?
Bring documentation of the name change — a divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate showing the new name. The court staff will review it and let you know if it is acceptable. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?
No. Both people must appear in person at the Clark County District Court. You cannot explore remotely or have someone else explore on your behalf.
What if I need the license for a ceremony outside Nevada?
A Nevada marriage license is only valid in Nevada. If you plan to marry in another state, you must get a license in that state instead. Each state has its own requirements and fees.