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Getting Married in Vegas: What You Need to Know

Photography by film womxn studio

Ah, Las Vegas, the city where Elvis impersonators moonlight as wedding officiants and where you can say “I do” faster than you can say “Jackpot!” Whether you’re planning a spontaneous elopement or a full-blown wedding extravaganza, tying the knot in Sin City is easier and cheaper than you might think. So, buckle up and grab your lucky dice, here’s everything you need to know about getting married in Vegas.


The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Vegas For UK Couples

Why Choose a Vegas Wedding?

Save Your Money: You can throw an unforgettable Vegas wedding for less than £5,000. That’s right, you’ll have plenty left over for the honeymoon (or a few extra spins at the roulette table).

Guest List Flexibility: Whether you want an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or a virtual crowd tuning in from around the world, Vegas has you covered. Livestream it, record it, or just send everyone a postcard after.

Simple Legal Process: The legal steps for a Vegas wedding are refreshingly straightforward.

Sunny Skies Guaranteed: With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you’re almost guaranteed perfect wedding weather. Just don’t forget your SPF!

Wedding Planning Pros: Vegas is basically the wedding capital of the world, so you’ll find plenty of experts ready to make your day as smooth as a freshly shuffled deck of cards.

Bride And Groom Sitting On Sofa In Front Of Bright Colourful Neon Wedding Signs
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Can UK Citizens Get Married in Vegas?

Absolutely! If you’re from the UK, your Vegas marriage will be recognised worldwide. The process is so simple, you might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Here’s What You Need:

  • Both of you must be at least 18 years old.
  • You can’t be related to each other (we’re concerned that this was even on the list, but there you go).
  • Neither of you can already be married (obviously).
  • Valid ID is a must, a passport or driver’s license will do the trick.
  • A marriage license from the County Clerk’s office (fill out the pre-application form online on the Clark County Nevada website to beat the queues).
  • A Nevada-licensed officiant to make it all official.
  • Your officiant needs your marriage license and ID.
  • A witness (not the officiant) to watch you say your vows. Random Elvis impersonators count too!
  • LGBTQI+ marriages are fully legal and celebrated in Vegas.

 

A Few Extra Details:

  • If you’ve been married before, you might need to show divorce papers or a death certificate.
  • To get your marriage certificate recognised back home, you might need a certified copy and an apostille from the Nevada Secretary of State.

After the "I Do’s"

Check with your home country’s consulate to see if any extra paperwork is needed. For British citizens, there’s usually no need to register the marriage once you’re back in the UK.

Changing your name? It’s as easy as sending your marriage certificate and a cover letter to your bank, landlord, and anyone else who needs to know. 

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'Til Death Do Us Party Neon Wedding Sign

Getting to Vegas

Before you’re walking down the aisle, you’ll need to hop on a plane. Luckily, getting into the U.S. is fairly simple if you follow the steps.

  • Apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before you travel. It’s faster and easier than applying for a visa.
  • Have a valid passport.
  • Pay a $21 fee for the ESTA (a small price for love).
  • Make sure you’re not a security risk or carrying any communicable diseases.
  • Be traveling for business or pleasure (and what’s more pleasurable than a Vegas wedding?).

Top Tip:

Visa rules can change faster than a magician’s card trick. Check what you, your partner, and your guests need before booking flights or applying for your marriage license. Better safe than sorry!

The Best Wedding Chapels in Vegas

Chapel of the Flowers: One of Vegas’ most elegant chapels, offering everything from traditional ceremonies to glamorous photo shoots worthy of a Hollywood film.

A Little White Wedding Chapel: Famous for its Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru and star-studded history…Britney Spears, anyone?

Little Church of the West: This charming, historic chapel has been around since 1942, making it the oldest building on the Las Vegas Strip.

Graceland Wedding Chapel: The birthplace of the Elvis-themed wedding, where you can get serenaded by The King himself while you say “I do.”

Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel: Go all-out with themed weddings, think Gothic, retro, or even intergalactic. If you can dream it, they can theme it!

Most big hotels also have their own chapels, offering everything from luxe, high-end ceremonies at The Bellagio to quick, fun nuptials at The Flamingo.

Sparkly Wedding Dress with Long Sleeves for Elopement
Wedding Venue With Neon Lights
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The 10 Best Wedding Venues & Locations in Vegas

Valley of Fire State Park: Say your vows surrounded by striking red sandstone formations and breathtaking desert landscapes, Mother Nature’s own wedding decor.

Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery: A quirky, cactus-filled wonderland perfect for a rustic, boho-inspired ceremony.

Red Rock Canyon: With dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas, this spot is ideal for couples looking to add a bit of adventure to their big day.

Floyd Lamb State Park: A serene, green oasis with charming ponds and peacocks roaming the grounds!

GreenGale Farms: Rustic barns and open fields set the scene for a picturesque, country-style wedding just outside the city buzz.

The Neon Museum: Light up your love story surrounded by iconic vintage Vegas signs, because nothing says "forever" like neon!

Mt. Charleston Retreat: Escape the desert heat and tie the knot in this cool, mountain retreat with cosy cabins and pine trees.

A Simple Affair: A chic, modern venue perfect for couples wanting a sleek, no-fuss celebration with plenty of style.

Lotus House Events: An elegant, zen-inspired space with beautiful gardens and tranquil vibes, perfect for a peaceful, intimate ceremony.

Springs Preserve: Lush botanical gardens and eco-friendly vibes make this a unique, green choice for nature-loving couples.

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Pink Cadillac Wedding Car With Bride Carrying Pink and Orange Bouquet
Pink Retro Wedding Stationery Suite with Disco Balls
Pink Wedding Tablescape with Disco Balls & Flower Centrepiece

From The Casino To The Chapel! Say ‘I Do’ In Style!

If you're looking for some real-life Vegas wedding inspiration, take a look at Jennifer & Sean's Vegas elopement at The Little White Wedding Chapel! With an incredible wedding veil by Recommended Supplier, Favoured London, and planned by the ultimate Vegas experts, Elope In Vegas, it's not one to miss!

Emma & Greg didn't make it to Vegas but they definitely brought the Vegas vibe to Wales! 


Vegas weddings are fun, flexible, and fabulously fuss-free. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick elopement or a glitzy affair complete with a serenade from Elvis, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead, check the legal boxes, and, most importantly, have fun! After all, what happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but your marriage will last a lifetime. Like any destination wedding, you’ll want to be prepared for the changes in climate. Take a look at our must-have destination wedding makeup products

There’s no doubt that Vegas is one of the best places to elope but there are plenty more where that came from! If Vegas isn’t the destination for you, we’ve picked out the best locations all around the world.