The Ins and Outs of Getting Married in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city where almost every hotel and resort has its own wedding chapel. The couples who get married in Las Vegas come in all different shapes: there are those who have known each other for a long time and plan a wedding as focal point of a romantic trip.

Others come as dating couples only to suddenly fall under the spell of the advertisement for a 24 hour wedding chapel and decide to get married on the spur of the moment; still others may not have met until just a few days ago, but they are certain they have found a soul mate, and so with a bit of enticement from their buddies (and sometimes a lot of help from a few stiff drinks) they tie the knot at one of the many chapels that litter the Strip. Whatever the case may be, there are a few important details to keep in mind when contemplating a wedding in Sin City.

Here are the ins and outs of getting married in Las Vegas:

1. Against popular folklore, you do need a marriage license. There has been some popular lore that is being perpetuated that claims that the state of Nevada does not require a license, yet this is incorrect. You will need to visit the local courthouse ; which is open year round and often until midnight and request a marriage license. Acceptable forms of identification include a drivers license, identification card, a military I.D., passport, or simply a certified copy of your birth certificate. The good news is that there is no waiting period once you receive your marriage license and you can head straight from the courthouse to the wedding chapel!

2. Keep in mind that both bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age to tie the knot, unless the parents or guardians are ready to do a bit of legal wrangling with the courts to give their consent.

3. Another popular yet incorrect urban legend states that you can come already fortified with a marriage license issued in another state. This, too, is false. To get married in the state of Nevada you will need a Nevada marriage license. If you have already obtained a license in your state, contact the clerk and recorder at the courthouse to find out what you need to do to void the license issued there.

4. Impersonators are big business at Las Vegas weddings. Everyone knows about the officiant looking like Elvis Presley. Yet did you know that for just a few dollars more, you can have Marilyn Monroe, Donna Summers, Billy Idol, and Liberace look alikes in your wedding party or mingling amongst the guests?

5. Another big draw for Las Vegas wedding chapels are the themed weddings. While in many other settings the bride and groom work hard to bring a certain feel to their special day, in Las Vegas it is already set up! Whether you want to get married in Camelot style by a bearded Merlin, or on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, there is something there for everyone!

6. Special wedding packages are available from several of the wedding chapels in Las Vegas as well as the many resorts and hotels. They may include the rental of a limousine ; even a limousine ride to the courthouse to get the license ; as well as the fee for a minister or rabbi, decorations, food, entertainment, and party favorites for the guests.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember in a city that prides itself on being called Sin City is the fact that a wedding performed there is completely legal. How often have you heard the joke about the man who wakes up in the morning only to find himself wedded to the waitress? The sad reality is that this does happen and these marriages are valid and must be dissolved by a divorce proceeding, just like marriages anywhere else. To this end it is imperative to remember that a marriage is a covenant that should be entered into advisedly and perhaps soberly.

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(ARA) - Las Vegas is a city with a reputation for being unique and exciting. It is a popular vacation destination because it has something to offer everyone, no matter what age or interest.

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