Known as the world's entertainment capital, Las Vegas actually deserves an honorary title:wedding capital of the world. More than 80,000 marriage licenses are issued every year, there are about three dozen wedding chapels and the major hotel resorts offer every imaginable service for the most beautiful day of life. From the little family celebration with Elvis as the best man to the lucky jump on the bungee rope – anything is possible. How does getting married in Las Vegas work? You can read it here.
The bureaucratic effort is manageable, those wishing to get married require a marriage license, which is issued daily between 8 a.m. and midnight at the Marriage Licensing Bureau, for $77 and without notice. It is valid for one year from the date of issue. The only document that must be presented is a valid passport. Anyone over the age of 18, single and not too closely related to the chosen one, is allowed to marry. Same-sex weddings are also allowed. Anyone who is divorced or widowed must provide the date and place of divorce or the date and place of death of the deceased spouse.
There are no limits to the imagination when designing the wedding. The wedding ceremony is quickly performed by the civil marriage commissioner at the registry office. A more romantic and quick way to tie the knot is with a drive-thru wedding at the wedding window of a wedding chapel. Of course the bridal couple will arrive in the right style in a long limousine or in a stylish old-timer. Typical Vegas style would also be wedding in front of the rushing fountains of the Bellagio, which the master of ceremonies raises at the moment of the wedding.
For nature lovers, it can be the fulfillment of their dreams to exchange wedding vows for a sublime natural backdrop, for example in the colorful Valley of Fire or in front of the Grand Canyon. 30 kilometers west of the Vegas Strip is the Red Rock Canyon – a nature preserve with fantastic peaks and rock formations in warm colors from yellow to orange to rust red. Just the right setting for a solemn ceremony in the desert. Helicopter tour operators also have wedding packages in their program, including flights, champagne and wedding cake, airport transfers, wedding officials and photographers.
A fringed Charleston dress with a glittery headband, feather boa and cigarette holder would be a hot topic. The groom walks to the wedding in a pinstripe suit, a flat cap and white spats complete the look. In this outfit, the two fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of the historic former federal courthouse and the US Post Office, where the Mob Museum presents the history of organized crime in interactive exhibits. A unique setting for ceremonies and receptions.
After the wedding, the newlywed couple receives a marriage certificate, which they can use to request a certified marriage certificate from the Clark County Recorder. For the recognition of the marriage in the Netherlands, an "apostille" is also required, the notarization of the state secretary of Nevada on the marriage certificate. If you don't want to wait for the documents, you can book a mail forwarding service at Wedding Chapels.
