Las Vegas, Few Laws, Few Rules, Anyone can get married in 10 minutes right? Better think again.
To be eligible for a marriage license in the state of Nevada you must be a person who is 18 of age or older. If you are 18 or older you can marry without consent from anyone. If you are under 21 you must prove your age with some form(s) of identification.
Persons 16 and 17 years of age must have the consent of either parent or of a legal guardian. Either parent or guardian gives consent in person at the time the license is applied for. Additionally, consent can be given through a notarized affidavit signed by either parent when not present. This notarized affidavit of consent must contain the birth date of the minor, state the relationship of the party giving consent to the minor.
Incidentally, third cousins and second cousins of half-blood can marry. Any relationship closer than that, will not be allowed to be legalized through marriage by state law. Additionally, a person (child) less than 16 years of age may marry only if he or she has the consent of a parent or legal guardian and authorization from a Nevada District Court. Be aware however that the court may authorize the marriage of persons less than 16 years of age in only extraordinary circumstances and only if the court believes that they have necessary consent and its in the best interest of the person(s) in question.
What you need to do:
You must go to the Marriage License Bureau at 200 South Third Street (downtown), 1st floor, Las Vegas, Nevada. The courthouse is open everyday of the week, including Saturday and Sunday. Amazingly, its even open during holidays. The hours are great as well. Some days they are open until midnight. The best thing to do is to call them in advance. Their phone number is (702) 455-4415 and their fax number is (702) 455-4929.
There is one myth about Las Vegas that holds true most of the time. The whole application process takes 15 to 20 minutes. Actually a 15-minute wait is more common than 20 minutes. Sometimes they can even do it in slightly under 15 minutes. Regardless to say, no matter if its 15 or 20 minutes, the process is pretty quick.
Their prices are pretty reasonable as well. The Marriage license fee is $50. They only take cash however. The price is so low because the state of Nevada does not require you to take a blood test.
Please be advised that 2nd marriages (any marriage past 1st actually), marriages of foreign citizens (Canadians and Mexicans, usually) will generate different and more complex rules and procedures which must be followed in order to get married in Las Vegas. The best thing you can do is call the above number ahead of time. In fact even if you are an American citizen, we advise you to call ahead so you are not disappointed.
