Marriage License for International Couples: Requirements Beyond the Basics

Las Vegas welcomes couples from all over the world, and the good news is that getting married here as an international couple is genuinely straightforward. The basics are simple — but there are a few details specific to travelers that the standard guides tend to skip. This guide covers what you really need to know before you fly in.

The basics, quickly

To get married in Las Vegas, both partners must be at least 18, present valid photo ID, and apply together in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. The license currently costs $102, there is no waiting period, and no blood test is required — you can marry the same day. The bureau is open every day of the year, including holidays, from morning until midnight.

Beyond the basics: what international couples should know

Bring your passport — not your national ID.
This is the single most important point for international couples. A valid passport is required; national identity cards or driver’s licenses from your home country are generally not sufficient on their own. Make sure your passport is current and not close to expiring.

Previous marriages need details, not documents.
If either of you was married before, you’ll need to state the month and year and the city/state (or country) where the divorce was finalized. You do not need to bring the divorce decree itself, but you should know the specifics.

Use the online pre-application.
Filling out the application online before you arrive gives you a reference number and access to the express line. On busy dates, that can be the difference between minutes and a long wait.

Your license is valid for a year.
Once issued, the license remains valid for one year, so there’s some flexibility — though most couples marry within days of arriving.

Double-check name spelling. The names on your license should match your passports exactly. Small discrepancies can cause headaches later when you use the certificate at home.

Is the marriage valid in your home country?

Yes — a marriage performed legally in Las Vegas is a legally binding contract recognized across the United States, and it is generally recognized internationally. However, to actually use and register that marriage back home, most countries require an apostille — an official certification confirming the document’s authenticity for international use — and many require a certified translation. The exact process for registering your marriage varies by country, so it’s worth checking the requirements that apply to you before you travel.

Practical tips for traveling couples

Arrive with a little buffer before your ceremony date, keep digital and paper copies of your documents, and plan for the apostille step before you leave the U.S. if you can. A bit of preparation means the paperwork never overshadows the celebration.

As a full-service team, we help international couples navigate the license, the ceremony, and the documents you’ll need afterward — so the only thing you have to focus on is each other. Reach out and we’ll map out exactly what your situation requires.

Note: Requirements and fees can change and vary by country.