For many Europeans, getting married in Las Vegas is still a big dream - because what could be more natural than saying "I do" in the city of happiness? Moreover, it is never far to the next dream hotel and the honeymoon can begin on the day of the wedding, for example in the form of a round trip through the Southwest.
What the fun costs, what a typical offer looks like, what documents you need, how it works with the recognition and what tips you should take to heart: Here at a glance!
Tips & costs
First of all: Without exaggeration, there are well over a hundred different offers to get married in Las Vegas - and there is almost nothing that doesn't exist. You can get married in a kitschy church, in one of Vegas suites, in the great outdoors at Red Rock Canyon and even fly to the Grand Canyon to say yes. Even though this is of course one of the most expensive options you can choose.
Offers & Extras
It is therefore difficult to give a basic indication of the costs, because even the simplest offers (i.e. in a chapel in Las Vegas, which is usually no more than a plainly decorated room) are sold in different versions.
Weddings in the Valley of Fire are also possible.
Choices include pick-up in a limousine, overnight stay in a hotel's honeymoon suite, a meal, flowers, position of suit and dress, photographer - and much more. Your own photos are almost never allowed, they almost always have to be paid for separately.
If you don 't want to get married on the spur of the moment, which has its appeal, you should have a clear idea in advance of what you expect from your wedding in Las Vegas, where exactly you want to get married and what you are willing to spend on it.
Theprice of getting married
The cheapest packages can be had for as little as $150 , but then they really only include the bare essentials. A typical package for $250-500 includes the limo service, dress and suit, music, groomsmen, a few flowers and usually 10 to 20 photos.
Many vendors now offer live streaming of the wedding over the internet for family to watch at home. Of course, the price range is completely open; for a wedding at the Grand Canyon, for example, you should plan on a good $4,000.
Hidden costs
As you would expect in the USA, there are also some hidden costs. For example, the priest expects a tip of 50 to 100$, because he is (allegedly) not paid by the chapel itself. The limo driver and of course the photographer, often in personal union with the best man, should also receive a comparable "tip".
The Little White Chapel, for example, is quite likeable, offering relatively ordinary weddings as well as marriage ceremonies by drive-in, i.e. in a car. Whatever you think of it, it is always a memorable experience...
Documents for the wedding
With regard to the necessary documents and recognition, both in the USA and at home, a surprisingly great effort is made to keep the procedures as simple as possible. Before getting married, all you have to do is go to the Marriage Bureau on Clark Avenue and get a Marriage License for $77. All you have to show is your passport.
An appointment is not necessary. The Marriage Bureau is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, and you can also fill in the necessary information online in advance to save time. However, it only takes more than 15 to 30 minutes on special days.
With the Marriage License, you go to the chapel, where you can enter into the marriage. At the end of the ceremony, however, you will not receive your Marriage Certificate, but only a symbolic piece of paper.
Back home
For recognition in Germany (and in Austria and Switzerland), however, you still need a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate, which you can get at the Recorder's Office (though usually only one or two weeks after the wedding). You can easily order it online by paying a small fee.
The marriage certificate usually arrives quite quickly by post - and must be sent back to the USA immediately, because an apostille is required for recognition, for which a small fee is due.
Once you have it in your hands, usually about six weeks after the wedding, you can go to the registry office in your home country and have your marriage recognised!
Best Suites in Las Vegas
The choice of hotels in the city is huge and of course there are some very romantic hotels that are ideal for the wedding night and the start of the honeymoon. You don't have to spend a fortune on them, although the more expensive accommodations naturally have better service and nicer pools.
Romantic hotels with 3 bedroom suites in Las Vegas:
Discover the epitome of luxury and romance at our selection of exquisite hotels in Las Vegas, offering opulent 3-bedroom suites that redefine indulgence. Explore our curated list of romantic accommodations here:
$ Paris: It's not for nothing that Paris is known as the city of love - and although the replica obviously doesn't quite match the original, you'll find a nice, not too expensive hotel with good restaurants in the centre of the Strip.
$$ Bellagio: The Bellagio is even more upmarket and is very popular for weddings anyway - not least thanks to the evening fountain show in the lagoon in front of the entrance. The Bellagio is one of the most beautiful places to stay in the city, especially as it is a little quieter than some other hotels.
$$ The Ven etian: What Paris is to France, Venice is to Italy. This is also reflected in The Venetian, which surpasses even the Bellagio in terms of comfort and room facilities (suites only!). In the evening, you can take a spin in the gondola on the canals or stroll through the replica St Mark's Square.
$$$ Wynn: If the focus is a little less on romance and a little more on relaxation, the Wynn is the first choice: you probably won't find nicer pools, better restaurants, nicer rooms and more pleasant service in any other hotel in the city.
Summary
Getting married in Las Vegas is not difficult and doesn't even have to be expensive: Pick up the Marriage Certificate for $77, get married in a chapel for from $150 and then invest just a few dollars in a marriage certificate and apostille. The effort is minimal and can be done easily even without perfect English and online skills.
Of course, it can also be much more expensive; especially when choosing the "marriage package" you should look carefully for hidden costs (priest, best man, photos). Recommended venues include Little White Chapel, Chapel of the Flowers and Scenic Weddings.