What Happens at a Las Vegas Wedding Ceremony? A Step-by-Step Guide
What Happens at a Las Vegas Wedding Ceremony? A Step-by-Step Guide
What happens at a Las Vegas wedding ceremony? In a simple civil ceremony, the officiant checks your marriage license, you both declare that you take each other as spouses in front of a witness, you may exchange vows and rings, and the officiant pronounces you married and completes the certificate. The whole thing usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
If you have never been to a civil wedding, here is exactly what to expect, step by step.
Before you arrive
You need a valid Nevada marriage license before any ceremony can happen. Both of you get it in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. If you do not have it yet, follow our step-by-step guide to getting a marriage license in Las Vegas.
Bring the license with you to the ceremony. Without it, the officiant cannot marry you.
The ceremony, step by step
- Arrival and check-inYou arrive at the studio, or walk in. The officiant greets you and asks for your marriage license.
- Checking the licenseThe officiant confirms both names and that the license is valid and unused.
- The witness joinsNevada requires at least one witness. At Just Vows a witness is provided, or you can bring your own.
- Opening wordsThe officiant says a few words about marriage. Ceremonies at Just Vows are non-denominational, with no religious script.
- The declarationYou each say that you take the other as your spouse. This declaration, made in front of the officiant and witness, is the legal heart of the ceremony.
- Vows and ringsYou can repeat short vows after the officiant, and exchange rings if you have them.
- The pronouncementThe officiant pronounces you married. Many couples kiss here, and guests usually take photos.
- SigningThe officiant completes the marriage certificate and the witness signs it.
- Next stepsThe officiant explains how the certificate is filed with the county, and your options if you need it quickly.
How long is a Las Vegas wedding ceremony?
Most simple ceremonies take 15 to 20 minutes from arrival to signing. The spoken part is often only five minutes. Allow extra time if you want photos afterwards.
Can you write your own vows?
Many couples like to say a few personal words. Keep them short: a minute each is plenty in a small room.
Ceremonies at Just Vows are simple and non-denominational. If you would like to add a few personal words, mention it when you book or when you arrive, and the officiant will fit them into the ceremony.
Do you need rings to get married?
No. Rings are a tradition, not a legal requirement in Nevada. The marriage is legal once you declare your consent in front of the officiant and a witness, with a valid license, and the certificate is recorded.
What to bring to your wedding ceremony
- Your Nevada marriage license
- Photo ID for both of you
- Rings, if you are exchanging them
- Your own witness, if you prefer one you know
- A phone or camera for photos
Guests are welcome to watch and take photos. The studio is a private, intimate space, so if you are bringing a larger group, call 725-255-7774 before your visit.
A $75 ceremony, officiant and witness included
A simple, legal ceremony in about 15 minutes at our private studio in downtown Las Vegas. Walk in or book a time.
What does the officiant say?
The words are simple. The officiant usually opens with a short welcome, asks each of you whether you take the other as your spouse, leads the vows, and closes with the pronouncement. You do not need to learn anything in advance: you repeat short lines after the officiant.
What happens to the certificate afterwards?
After the ceremony, the signed certificate must be returned to Clark County to be recorded. Officiants have up to 10 days to do this, and the county then files it. Only after that can you order a certified copy, which is what you need for a name change or proof of marriage.
The full timeline is in how long it takes to get your Las Vegas marriage certificate. If you need it faster, rush filing ($75) and same-day filing ($135) are available.
Who can attend the ceremony?
A civil ceremony can be just the two of you plus the witness, or include a few guests. Couples often bring a parent, a best friend or their children. Guests do not need to do anything; only the witness signs.
If someone cannot travel, many couples video-call them during the ceremony. Ask beforehand whether that is fine, so the officiant knows to expect it.
If you plan to video-call family during the ceremony, let the officiant know when you arrive.
How to make a short ceremony personal
Fifteen minutes is enough for a ceremony that feels like yours. A few simple ideas:
- Say a few words of your own before the standard vows, even one or two sentences.
- Choose a meaningful item, such as a family ring, a photo or a small bouquet.
- Ask a guest to read a short poem or a line that matters to you, before the declaration.
- Plan one photo moment, for example right after the pronouncement, and tell your guest with the camera in advance.
None of these change the legal part. The declaration in front of the officiant and witness is what makes the marriage, and the rest is up to you.
Photo and video tips for a civil ceremony
The studio ceremony is short, so photos happen fast. To get the shots you want:
- Give your phone to one guest, or to the witness if you came alone, before the ceremony starts
- Ask for photos at four momentsthe vows, the rings, the pronouncement and signing the certificate.
- Take a few portraits after the ceremony, while the room is still yours
- Plan a second stop for photos, such as downtown neon or Fremont Street, if you want more variety
Common mistakes to avoid on the day
Most problems on a wedding day come from paperwork, not nerves:
- Forgetting the marriage license. Without it there can be no ceremony. Keep it with your IDs.
- Bringing a photocopy of ID instead of the original.
- Arriving too late for same-day filing. If you need your certificate fast, plan a weekday ceremony before 2:30 PM.
- Not asking about the certificate. Before you leave, check how and when it will be filed with the county.
What to wear to a civil ceremony
There is no dress code for a legal wedding. Couples marry in everything from jeans to a full gown. A few practical points help:
- Dress for photos. Even a short ceremony is photographed; solid colours photograph well against a studio backdrop.
- Dress for the weather. Las Vegas summers are hot; plan where you will change and how you will travel between the bureau and the ceremony.
- Comfortable shoes. You may walk downtown afterwards for photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a short civil ceremony legally binding?
Yes. With a valid Nevada marriage license, an authorized officiant and a witness, a 15-minute civil ceremony is as legal as any chapel wedding.
Do we need to bring a witness?
No. A witness is provided at Just Vows, or you can bring your own.
Is the ceremony religious?
Not at Just Vows. Ceremonies are non-denominational.
Can our children or family attend?
Yes. Guests are welcome to watch, and a family member can act as your witness if they are an adult and present for the whole ceremony.
Who can perform my wedding ceremony in Las Vegas?
A Las Vegas wedding officiant authorized in Nevada. Just Vows performs simple $75 ceremonies with an officiant and witness included. See the ceremony.
Ready to Say “I Do”?
Just Vows performs simple, non-denominational wedding ceremonies in Las Vegas for $75 – licensed officiant and witness included.