Escapes WEEKENDER
The next morning, we got ready, headed to the chapel, met our Elvis, and promptly got married. Including photos, we were in and out in about 30 minutes, and we giggled the entire time. Elvis not only officiated, sprinkling some well-known lyrics into the vows, but he also sang a few tunes (including “Viva Las Vegas”) and urged us to sing and dance along with him. It’s hard to explain how not our thing this was, but also, I don’t think either of us has ever had such a good time. We were both perma-grinning from ear to ear, laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, and also so happy to be alone and having so much fun getting married to one another. After, still dressed in our wedding finery, we headed to a taco shop around the corner called Taco Rico and started the four-hour drive to the Utah desert. Mission accomplished. How to Get Married in Las Vegas Like any wedding, regardless of how spontaneous or planned, there are practicalities to consider. Formalities are very un-Vegas in essence but are required, nonetheless. Feel free to copy our itinerary, of course, but there are any number of ways to do a Vegas wedding, which is a convenient short flight or a four-to-five hour drive from San Diego. Here’s how: STEP 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible to Get Married in Nevada Admittedly, the hoops to jump through are pretty few. Couples don’t need a blood test, and there is no required waiting period between getting the marriage license and having the ceremony. The legal age is 18 for both men and women (proof of age is required—driver’s license is fine), and you do not need to be Nevada residents. STEP 2: Apply for a Marriage License in Clark County Couples can preregister for a marriage license up to 60 days prior to the wedding date, though you can also simply show up at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (located at 201 Clark Avenue, on the northwest corner of Clark Avenue and Third Street) to fill out the license application. Marriage License Bureau hours are 8 a.m. to midnight, including holidays. Licensing fees are $77 (credit or debit only), and you must pick up the license in person. They will not process you if you’re visibly intoxicated, FYI—besides being generally unethical, it’s also against Nevada law. STEP 3: Get Hitched! With a license in hand, you and your betrothed have one year from the date of receiving your marriage license to make it official in Las Vegas. Whether you decide to get married at a chapel or a resort, be sure to bring your marriage license and IDs with you to give to the officiant.
WHEN IN VEGAS The author and her husband share an intimate photo op with their officiant, an Elvis impersonator (left).
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