Marriage License Requirements

Who can be married?

Adults 18 years of age and older need no consent to be married in Nevada. Proof of age will be required through age 21. Persons between the ages of 16 and 17 may marry if:

Consent is given by either a parent in person at the time the license is applied for; or,

Consent is 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 and be written in English.

ORDER OF COURT REQUIRED FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE
OF 16 A person 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. The court may authorize the marriage of persons less than 16 years of age in extraordinary circumstances if the court finds that:

1. The marriage will serve the best interests of such person; and,
2. Such person has the consent required.

It is suggested that non U.S. citizens check with your local officials for special documents that may be needed to ensure that your marriage will be recognized in your country.

Applicants must be a Male and a Female, at least 18 years of age, and not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of half blood, and not having a husband or wife living.

Applicants may be required to prove their age. Those not having acceptable identification to prove age may be refused a marriage license. (Faxed copies, damaged identification, privately issued I.D., check cashing cards or photocopies of identification are unacceptable.)

Social Security Numbers are required on marriage licenses. Please know your Social Security Number. Those without knowledge of their Social Security Number may be refused a marriage license.  It is recognized that non U.S. citizens will not have a Social Security Number. 

Where do you apply for a marriage license?

What is the cost of a marriage license?

Other Requirements:

WITNESSES: There must be at least one additional witness other than the person performing the ceremony.

DIVORCE REQUIREMENTS: To obtain a marriage license, and have a legal marriage, divorces must be final in the state where granted. The date of the final decree and city and state where granted are required.

NOT REQUIRED: Blood tests are not required, and there is no waiting period.

Marriage Certificates

The Clark County Recorders Office, records the marriage certificate which is proof that a marriage ceremony was performed in Clark County. The marriage official who performs the ceremony has ten days to submit the marriage certificate to this office for recording. Normally a certified copy of the certificate would be available one day after the certificate has been received from the official.

To order a certified copy of a marriage certificate please provide the following information:

• Name of Groom

• Maiden name of Bride

• Date of Marriage

• Application/Certificate No. (If known)

• Return mailing address

Marriage Planning Time Table

• Twelve to nine months before the wedding:
  Determine type of wedding (formal or informal) and choose a date
  Visit the clergy & review church/synagogue requirements
  Determine size of guest list
  Determine your budget & division of expenses
  Find a reception location & make reservations early!!
  Select wedding consultant
  Select wedding gown

• Nine to six months before the wedding:
  Choose your attendants
  Choose a color theme
  Choose attendant's dresses
  Book your caterer
  Book your photographer
  Book your videographer
  Plan ceremony & reception music
  Compile names and addresses for guest list
  
  

• Six months before the wedding:
  Select a Florist
  Book entertainment
  Order invitations & party favors
  Shop around for groom's & groomsmen's tuxedos
  Mothers should choose their dresses
  Finalize arrangement for the church & ceremony
  Make transportation arrangements
  Plan honeymoon: visit travel agencies, make reservations
  All deposits should be made and contracts signed
  List selections with Bridal Registry
  Plan your wedding decorations
  
  

• Three months before the wedding:
  Choose gifts for attendants, parents, helpers
  Buy wedding rings
  Order the wedding cake
  Schedule Dance Instruction
  Buy cake knife, toasting glasses, guest book & garter
  
  

• Two months before the wedding:
  Make plans & reservations for wedding rehearsal & dinner
  Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests 
  Address invitations & announcements 

(invitations 4 to 6 weeks prior, announcements after wedding)

• One month before the wedding:
  Finalize details of every aspect of your wedding
  Confirm honeymoon reservation
  Have final fittings for you & your attendant's dresses
  Get marriage license
  Ask a friend or relative to take charge of guest book at reception
  Pick up wedding rings
  Purchase gift for fiancé
  
  

• Two weeks before the wedding:
  Complete your trousseau
  Prepare wedding announcement to send to newspapers
  Contact guests who have not responded
  
  

• One week before the wedding:

Pick up your gown, attendants' dresses & accessories Confirm details with all participants & inform them of any changes Pack for honeymoon Make sure you have all wedding attire, wedding rings, & marriage license (including clergy's check) Have rehearsal & dinner Have nails done Give final guest count to reception facility or caterer Get a massage.

• Your Wedding day!:

Have hair & make-up done Take marriage license and rings to ceremony site Begin dressing two hours before ceremony is to begin Mail wedding announcements.