Weddings
Everything You Need To Know About Gay Weddings In Las Vegas
Plus, the best locations for same-sex and gender non-binary weddings
We’re huge romantics here at Travel Gay Vegas. And we’ve been known to join the occasional conga line when the opportunity presents itself. There’s no doubt about it—we’re huge suckers for a good wedding. That’s why we’re so excited to share everything you need to know about gay weddings in Las Vegas. We’re also sharing three great locations for gay Las Vegas weddings so make sure to read until the end.
The Tea On LGBTQ Rights In Las Vegas
We hate to have to say this, but it’s important so we will. Las Vegas is a city that welcomes any matrimony—gay, lesbian, gender non-binary—with open arms. In fact, the city legalized same-sex marriages in October 2014, a full eight months before they were legalized nationwide.
But even before that landmark ruling, the city was working hard on targeted marketing campaigns and gay parties that would appeal to an LGBTQ audience. And the past 15 years of work seem to be paying off.
Just last year, USA Today ranked Nevada as the best state in the country for LGBTQ people. That’s thanks to its pro-LGBTQ laws, including non-discrimination laws, parenting laws, statutes against hate crimes, and laws providing protection for health care access.
All that to say if you’re having doubts about having a gay wedding in Las Vegas—don’t. You and your partner will be taken care of, treated kindly, and celebrated on your special day.
Next up, let’s find out how to get married in Las Vegas.
How To Get Married In Las Vegas
Getting married in Las Vegas in a cinch. After all, it’s not called the marriage capital of the world for nothing?
Marriage License
Las Vegas didn’t become the wedding capital of the world for nothing. Getting married in Las Vegas is a piece of cake. Still, there are some things you should know ahead of time if you’re planning a gay wedding in Las Vegas.
Couples wishing to get married in Las Vegas must be 18 years old or older, possess a valid picture ID (driver’s license or passport are the easiest), and get a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (located at 201 E Clark Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101) before the service.
Once you have your license, you’re free to legally marry anywhere in Nevada with a licensed officiant. There’s no waiting period and your license is valid for one year from the date of issue. A Las Vegas marriage license costs $77 and is payable by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
Note: Personal checks are not accepted.
COVID-19 Measures
During the pandemic, the County Clerk is requiring couples to pre-register for their marriage license on the county website. After registering, you’re free to pick up your license at the bureau in person. It’s also important to note that cash is not currently being accepted due to health and safety concerns.
Nevada was on a statewide pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. As such, the maximum capacity for public gatherings was 50 people (including the officiant and all vendors). Face masks are required for everyone over the age of two per CDC and state mandates. Many venues are no longer accepting cash, so make sure you have another form of payment on hand.
Beyond these basic restrictions, some venues have implemented additional safety measures including non-invasive temperature checks upon entry and distanced seating. For the latest developments regarding public events, we recommend following the Nevada Health Response page or a local media source like the Las Vegas Review-Journal. .
Getting Prepared
Luckily you won’t have to do too much prep for your Las Vegas gay wedding.
While most places will accommodate you without a reservation, it’s best to make one before you hop on the plane. Making a reservation ahead of time will allow you to enjoy your special day without the hassle of choosing and booking a venue.
It’s even more important to book ahead if you have your heart set on a particular date. Las Vegas hotel and transportation prices can vary enormously based on the time of year or on other events happening in the city. Checking your dates ahead of time and adjusting accordingly can help you avoid the crowds associated with big concerts and conventions. That means less money spent on your wedding and more left over for your honeymoon.
Speaking of saving money, be sure to ask about all fees upfront, especially at your hotel. Many hotels charge both parking and resort fees, both of which can add up quickly and completely destroy your wedding budget.
Now that we’ve gotten all the essential information out of the way, let’s get to the list of our top three Las Vegas gay wedding venues.
The Best Las Vegas Gay Wedding Venues
1. Gay Chapel of Las Vegas
We had to put the Gay Chapel of Las Vegas at the top of our list. After all, the owners Ron and Jaime, pride themselves on being the only gay-owned-and-operated wedding chapel in Las Vegas. It’s no surprise, then, that they’ve been performing ceremonies for same-sex couples from the day they opened 16 years ago. Unlike a lot of chapels that see LGBTQ couples as just another demographic, Ron and Jaime eat, sleep, and breathe same-sex weddings.
Not only can you expect at warm welcome at the Gay Chapel of Las Vegas, but you’ll also be treated to a wide selection of officiants and ceremony themes. Whether you want a traditional minister, an Elvis impersonator, or one of the Marilyns (Manson or Monroe) to preside over your service, this place has got it covered.
In terms of themes, you can add theatrical lighting, smoke effects, sets or costumed characters to your ceremony. According to their website, past couples have been driven down the aisle by Elvis in his 1964 pink Cadillac convertible, carried on thrones by hunky Egyptian dudes, and carted in on surfboards. This is truly a place where you’re only limited by your imagination.
As if that weren’t enough, the Gay Chapel of Las Vegas offers round-trip limousine service from your Las Vegas Strip or Downtown hotel to their venue, a live stream of the ceremony, a free wedding website, and a chance to see your names in lights on their Las Vegas Strip Marquee.
2. The Little Vegas Wedding Chapel
We’re partial to the Little Vegas Wedding Chapel because they’re pioneers of Las Vegas LGBTQ wedding ceremonies. They were peforming same-sex committment ceremonies years before Nevada legalized same-sex marriage. Of course once it was legalized, the folks at Little Vegas Wedding Chapel stepped into action and started performing same-sex marriages.
The Little Vegas Wedding Chapel offers a variety of wedding packages to fit every budget and style. Whether you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” in front of an Elvis impersonator, or you’re more of a traditionalist, the team at Little Vegas Wedding Chapel is ready to make your wedding dreams a reality.
3. Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel And Casino
Caesars Palace in Las Vegas proudly welcomes LGBTQ couples to marry in one of their many venues
Caesars has proven to be a true ally of the LGBTQ community time and again and is a perfect spot for same-sex and gender non-binary couples to tie the knot.
Not only does Caesars Palace advertise their LGBTQ wedding offerings directly on their website, but their parent company, Caesars Entertainment group, received a perfect 100 percent score on the Corporate Equality Index for the 13th year in a row.
This score, issued by the Human Rights Campaign, demonstrates Caesars commitment to workplace equality for LGBTQ employees. It also shows a committment to providing non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, and public engagement with the LGBTQ community.
But corporate policy aside, Caesars Palace is simply a great place to wed. Not only do they offer packages for every style and budget, but there are tons of on-premise sites to explore during your stay. Thrill seekers can enjoy the High Roller observation wheel, while Francophiles swoon over the Eiffel Tower replica. Or, if you’ve ever dreamed of being famous, have a celebrity-style wedding complete with paparazzi and a red carpet at Planet Hollywood.
Something For Everyone Planning A Gay Wedding In Las Vegas
Regardless of your budget or style, Las Vegas gay wedding chapels offer something for every couple. So if you’ve ever dreamed of tying the knot in Sin City, what are you waiting for? Get started planning your gay wedding in Las Vegas today.
