Las Vegas is the marriage capital of the world, known for its big, flashy weddings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an intimate, fun elopement there too. In fact- a summer elopement in Las Vegas is a personal way to tie the knot! That’s exactly what Sophia and Zach did. I was honored to meet them for a day trip in Vegas to capture shots of their nuptials. The couple drove from SoCal, and I flew in from Arizona. The flight to Vegas is less than hour from Phoenix, and I am always happy to go along for a day trip. I flew out in the morning, and Sophia and Zach were kind enough to pick me up from the airport after I landed.
What you need for a Las Vegas marriage license
We started the day by getting their marriage license. This process took about half an hour. The clerk verifies your age, that you are not currently married, that you have a valid ID, and that you are not related. The cost is $102. The marriage license is valid for one year after being issued. More requirements here.
There were many other couples dressed in wedding attire in line, which made it a fun atmosphere.
Wedding ceremonies held in The Office of Civil Marriages
They scheduled a ceremony at the bureau of marriages, Clark County – Civil Marriages, shortly getting the marriage license. We had about an hour before the ceremony, which was enough time to freshen up in the car and take a few more photos. Sophia booked an appointment ahead of time online. There is a $75 fee, as well as a credit card processing fee of $2.75.
View Sophia & Zach’s full gallery here
Thankfully we parked nearby and were able to walk to the ceremony site. The weather was warm and sunny in July. Bring extra water everywhere you go.
How long is a civil marriage ceremony at the Las Vegas courthouse?
The ceremony is short and sweet, slotted for 15 minutes. The officiant reads a script, the couple exchanges vows, and there is time for photos at the end. The ceremony concludes with signing the marriage license. You will need to bring a witness if you go this route.
Their ceremony was extra special for me because I doubled as their photographer and their witness, what an absolute honor.
The day culminated with a interactive session at the Shops at Crystal, a high-end mall, and then wrapped up at Aria, a resort and casino on the strip. I loved the way the lights shone off their smiling faces at the machines. The moody lighting inside the casino made a great backdrop for some steamier shots too.
Imagine saying “I do” in a charming little chapel, or even outdoors with the iconic Vegas strip as your backdrop. You and your partner can focus on each other and the love you share, without any distractions. It’s a special moment that will truly be timeless.
Whether you want a classic ceremony or something a bit more unique, Las Vegas has plenty of options for your elopement. And with me as your wedding-day bestie and photographer capturing all the moments, you can relive the magic of your special day forever.
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