Eloping is already about creating the day as you want it. Bring it to Vegas? Hell ya. We just leveled up on the rules on doing whatever your heart desires on your wedding day. Want to get a tattoo? Eat some burgers all glammed up? Get married at the White Chapel? Galavant around and feel the old money vibes in a classic car through the city and take photos in the desert? Why not!!?

Step 1: Embrace the Vegas Vibe

First things first: This is the best place to really lean into the glitz, glamour, and downright fabulousness that is Vegas. No outfit is to wild or too much. That is the beauty of Vegas. Everything goes! What a vibe! Whether you’re envisioning a drive-thru ceremony, an Elvis officiant, or a rooftop vow exchange with neon lights twinkling below, Vegas has it all.

Get creative! This is your chance to break free from tradition and make your wedding day exactly what you want—whether that’s a sparkly mini dress, a themed costume, or classic tux and gown with a twist.

Step 2: Know the Legalities

Yes, even in Vegas, there’s a smidge of paperwork involved. But don’t worry—it’s easier that hitting jackpot on the slot machines. Here’s what you need to know:

• Marriage License: Head to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau on the Northwest corner of 3rd Street & Clark; open 8 AM to midnight every day!
  • Clark County Marriage License Bureau 201 E. Clark Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101
  • All you need is valid photo ID and $102 (cash or credit). No blood tests, no waiting period—just a quick “sign here,” and you’re ready to wed. If you aren’t getting married right away the license is good for one year.
• Pro Tip: Fill out the pre-application online to save time.
• Few requirements to get married in Vegas and make sure you are legal in all countries:
  • Must be 18 years old & you can’t be related or married to any one else. One or none my friend. Okay, you checked all the boxes? Good.
  • Must have a witness! Don’t stress too much-It could be your photographer, a friend you brought along or a venue will provide one for you.

Step 3: Pick Your Venue Or Your Backdrop

Vegas is a playground of wedding options. Here are some iconic choices:

IN OR AROUND THE VEGAS STRIP

1. The Little White Chapel: Famous for its Tunnel of Love drive-thru. Yes, you can get married without leaving your car. You can get married for as little as $80 with the famous drive thru wedding ceremony. Want that Pink Cadillac for some epic photos? It can be part of your ceremony for $150. Just note that the Pink Cadillac doesn’t move but it is a great photo prop! There are different options from the Gazebo to the Amore Chapel. You can add an Elvis Impersonator as well in your packages that includes 2 songs preformed by him. A lot of their packages include up to 10 guests- most famous if at the White Chapel-naturally and some include a witness, boutonniere and florals. This is a great option. Especially, on the fly! You can view their packages here.
2. Graceland Wedding Chapel: For an Elvis-themed extravaganza. They have Traditional, Elvis & Group packages to chose from. Some of the packages include a limo ride down the strip, Elvis can walk you down the aisle. There packages start as low as $250. Check them all out here.
3. Bellagio Fountains: Say your vows with the stunning fountains as your backdrop.
4. The Neon Museum: Get married surrounded by vintage Vegas signs for the ultimate retro vibe with or with out guests. You can check out their packages for private events here.

NEVADA’S NATURE

1. Red Rock Canyon: 30 minutes from Vegas. For nature lovers, this breathtaking desert landscape is perfect for a scenic elopement. This is a protected area from the BLM and permits have to be pulled to use one of the 4 ceremony sites allowed; the Overlook, Red Springs Boardwalk, Ash Springs, and the visitors center. Yes, there are many companies that go out and do weddings illegally with out the permit. They risk hefty fines and the embarrassment of someone rolling up with a permit and kicking you out of the area.  You can read about the permits here. For applying for a wedding permit at Red Rock Canyon they are a first come first serve basis that can be submitted no more that 180 days prior & a minimum of 30 days. You can apply for a permit here.
2. Valley of FIre: Permits required. 4 ceremony sites are, The Cabins, Seven Sisters, The Visitors Center & Rainbow Vista. Check your permit of locations you are allowed to visit for photo ops with your photographer!
3. Mount Charleston: 45 minutes outside of Vegas. If you are looking for a snowy elopement you can find it here in the winter months with winter activities and sports! During the spring and summer enjoy hiking and warmer weather!
4. Seven Magic Mountains: Where art meets the desert. Elope with the colorful mountains of the sculptures and the mountains in the background. No admission fee, right off the highway and 30 minutes from Vegas! Great to escape the city in that classic car for the best of both worlds!
5. Death Valley: 2 hours from Vegas. Great location for Nevada or California! The best time to elope there is Winter & Spring months. Don’t mess around with that Death Valley heat. Unless, you are doing a sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures but be prepared. April-June you can enjoy the wild flowers! This is another National Park so they do require a special use permit. Currently, you don’t need to obtain an additional photographers permit like other National Parks. Hers is where you need to go to obtain your Special Use Permit for $300.
6. Floyd Lamb Park; Tule Springs: Looking for a mountain backdrop, water and trees? This is the place for you with lots of wildlife on 680 acres of land with easy access to elope!
7. El Dorado Dry Lake Bed: ONE OF MY FAVORITES. Beautiful blank canvas to really focus on the love birds getting married.

Step 4: Bring the Fun (and Maybe a Few Friends)

Eloping doesn’t have to mean going solo if you don’t want to. You make the rules. Want to go solo. PERFFECT. Less people to coordinate. Want to Invite your closest friends or family if you’d like an intimate audience? Do it boo! Whatever you do, just don’t forget your photographer. You will regret it. These moments are precious.

Want to up the fun factor? Hire a quirky officiant, like Elvis or a showgirl, and let your personalities shine. Don’t forget to snap photos that scream Vegas—maybe in front of a neon sign, on the Strip, or even with a slot machine in the background. Rent a classic car! Who doesn’t want to cruise around the open road to the desert in a classic car AND it doubles as an amazing photo drop to really get some dreamy, runaway romantic vibes. Get a tattoo-why not?! I get tattoos almost everywhere I vacation. It is a fun little tradition and a great memory!

Step 5: Celebrate in Style

You’re married in VEGAS. Go all out. That is the whole vibe of the city- time to party like Vegas royalty. Consider:

• A Post-Wedding Feast: Indulge in fine dining at a world-class restaurant or hit up an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• A Night on the Town: Catch a Cirque du Soleil show or any show that is in town, hit the casinos, or dance the night away at a rooftop club.
• Photo Ops: Take a limo ride down the Strip and stop for iconic photos in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and just all around Vegas. There are so many lights to play around with in natural light, flash photography and shutter drag would be my top 3 go to!

Final Thoughts

Eloping in Vegas is for the bold, the adventurous, and the wildly in love. Whether your dream wedding involves Elvis serenading you, desert sunsets, or a spontaneous vow exchange under neon lights, Vegas has you covered. So go ahead—book that flight, grab your sweetheart, and make your wedding day unforgettable. After all, what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas—especially when it’s true love.