Your wedding should be the happiest day of your life. Unfortunately, however, it can become the most stressful. If you and your love want to express your commitment to each other without families who "disapprove" of you, running away is the perfect solution. In some cases … Here's everything you need to know:
Steps
Step 1. Consider your decision to make a love escape and see if you are doing it for the right reasons
Yes, there are many people who flee to cities like Las Vegas on the wave of the moment, but without thinking about it: in that case you would regret it. Even if you think about it in advance, try to realize that family and friends will be hurt by your decision. If they see you truly convinced of the commitment and that escape is the only option for you, things could be simpler.
Step 2. Find a place to get married
There are thousands of them in Las Vegas so it may be difficult to choose. You can have a simple civil ceremony at the County Marriage Office, or go to a church, synagogue, or chapel.
Step 3. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website lists 49 legal chapels to get married in and you can also find them in the telephone directory
While you will always be able to find a place to get married at the last minute, it is best to book a specific date and time, as that particular chapel may be busy.
Step 4. Consider what you really want
Do you want to get married by Elvis Presley, a priest, a minister or a rabbi?
- Compare prices and keep in mind what you pay for. Some packages include extras such as photographs and flowers in addition to the celebrant.
- The Civil Office performs ceremonies from eight in the morning to ten in the evening including weekends and holidays. There is no need to book and you will rarely wait more than an hour. You need a witness, if you don't have one, ask for one.
Step 5. Choose clothes and accessories to wear that day
Some chapels provide something formal but in general you will be able to dress however you want, like for any other wedding. Remember that in some chapels you can only enter suitably dressed while in others even in pajamas if you want.
Step 6. Research and plan essentials like cake, hairdresser, nails, makeup, etc
Make your plan in advance if possible, especially if you want a special ceremony. Some packages take care of every detail but if you want to prepare everything yourself, the chapel or the Las Vegas Tourist Office can help you.
Step 7. Obtain a marriage license
In Nevada it is particularly easy. There is no need for a blood test and there is no waiting. You can also download it from the internet and print it but you will have to bring it to the Civil Office in person. The office is open from eight in the morning to midnight every day, including weekends and holidays. If you're into the holidays, you may have to wait a bit. The Civil Office also has offices in Mesquite and Laughlin. Hours vary daily and may be closed on public holidays.
- Bring two marriage licenses. Each will have to fill in his own. It's a simple, one-page form, Bring a document with a photograph to verify age.
- If you have already been married, the ex must be dead or you must be legally divorced for a new license to be issued to you. If you are divorced you will need to provide the date and place of the divorce ratification, but you will not need the hard copy.
- You must be at least 18 years old to get married, and you still cannot do so if your future husband is a close relative of a first cousin.
- If the bride or groom are minors (16 or 17), the consent of a parent or guardian is required. The form must be accompanied by the original birth certificate bearing the parent's name or a certified copy issued by the court in case of tutoring
Step 8. Once licensed, you have one year to get married
Take it to the Civil Office, church, synagogue or chapel of your choice and you're good to go.
Step 9. Break the news to friends and family
At some point you will have to tell everyone that you got married in Las Vegas, maybe after your honeymoon.
Advice
- If the wife wants to take her husband's surname, it can be done once you return to the state in which you live. The Civil Status Office issues a certificate with current surnames and is usually not very much in favor of the change.
- Make sure you have enough money for all expenses.
- Tell the driver where you want to go and make sure you have enough money to pay for it.
- If you don't live in Nevada, you won't be issued a license just to renew vows but many chapels will hold the ceremony anyway. You will need to bring your marriage certificate as proof that you are actually married.
- Those living outside the United States can get married in Las Vegas with the same procedures and fees. Marriages contracted in Nevada are recognized everywhere but your home country may require a special document called an 'apostille' to finalize it. It is usually issued by the Nevada Secretariat of State.
- Find out if there is an event going on while you are in Las Vegas. If there's a big boxing match or convention, be prepared for long lines at restaurants and attractions.
