To get a marriage licence in Las Vegas, both people apply together in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau in downtown Las Vegas, carrying government-issued photo ID. Nevada imposes no waiting period and no blood test, so a couple can be licensed and married on the same day — the specific reason the city's wedding industry exists.

A Las Vegas marriage licence is valid for one year from the date of issue and can only be used for a ceremony performed inside Nevada. The ceremony must be conducted by an officiant registered with Clark County, who files the completed certificate afterwards.

A Las Vegas wedding is legally valid in every other US state. A marriage properly licensed by Clark County and solemnised by a registered officiant is an ordinary civil marriage, recognised nationwide and, under normal treaty arrangements, abroad. Nothing about it is ceremonial-only.