Our series on marriage laws, angles northward to Nevada. The Silver State has been covered somewhat in the marriage blog as marriage laws were amended in Las Vegas (a favorite destination and impulse wedding location). So let’s take a look at Nevada marriage laws.
Nevada
Each county may have specific requirements, so you need to check with the county where you plan to apply for your marriage license. You don’t need to be a resident, but you do need to bring with you a valid for of identification as well as your social security number. (You don’t need the card per se, but you do need to know the number)..
If you were married previously, you’ll need to provide the clerk with the date and year of the divorce and what state you obtained your divorce. Nevada marriage licenses vary in cost from $40 to $70 dollars. Most counties will accept a check only if you are a local resident and it’s drawn on a local bank. Everyone else needs to bring cash.
There is no waiting period associated with a Nevada marriage license. You won’t need a blood test to get married and Nevada does not allow for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Cousin Marriage (unless they are second cousins or only half blood cousins)
- Same Sex Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
As we discussed last August in The End of An Era: No More Las Vegas Quickies the Saturday and holiday marriage bureau in Las Vegas will only be open from 8 a.m. to midnight instead of 24 hours a day as it once was.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get married between midnight and 8 a.m. or on the weekends, but what it does mean is that you need to plan a little more ahead of time. So no more impulsive weddings at 1 a.m. after some serious gambling or champagne. If you’re still interested in getting married, you’ll have to wait for the license bureau to open at 8 a.m.
If you are under 18, you’ll need to have a parent or guardian present who can provide written, notarized permission. If you are under 16, you can’t get married without your parents filing with the courts for permission. If you are visiting Las Vegas or anywhere else in Nevada and you want to renew your vows, you may need to bring a copy of your marriage certificate. The license bureau is prohibited from issuing a license to any couple that is already married. So check with the location where you want to host your vow renewal.
Your marriage license is valid for a year. To obtain a copy of your Nevada marriage certificate:
Division of Health/Vital Statistics
505 East King Street, Rm #102
Carson City, NV 89710
(775) 684-4242
Fax: (775) 687-6151
Make check or money order payable to Section of Vital Statistics.
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans