G'day Mates! Wanna Get Hitched in Sin City?
So you and your special someone are thinkin' of ditching the budgie smugglers and fairy bread for a little Elvis-officiated, showgirl-flanked wedding in Las Vegas? Sounds like a ripper of an idea! But before you two lovebirds hightail it to the States with dreams of a rhinestone-encrusted ceremony, there's a few things this fair dinkum Aussie reckons you should know about gettin' hitched in Vegas.
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| Can Australians Get Married In Las Vegas |
Can We Actually Do This?
Yep, you sure can! As long as you follow the rules in Nevada (which are about as relaxed as a koala after a gum leaf bender), your Las Vegas wedding will be recognised as legal back in Oz. Just imagine the look on your nan's face when you tell her you said "I do" in front of a singing impersonator of your choice!
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Here's the clincher: While it's legal, it might not be registered in Australia automatically. This means you might need to jump through a couple bureaucratic hoops to change your name or get some official recognition if you decide to go all-in on the Vegas wedding.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
What Do We Need to Do? Here's the Lowdown
Getting hitched in Vegas is about as easy as chuckting a shrimp on the barbie. Here's a quick crib sheet:
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- Grab a Marriage License: Head to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (don't worry, there's probably a decent air-conditioned casino nearby for after). Both of you gotta be 18 or over, have valid ID (think passport, not your Bunnings snag purchase history), and not be related closer than second cousins (sweet home Alabama this ain't, folks).
- Pick Your Poison (Officiant, That Is): Wanna get married by Elvis? A pirate? A robot? Vegas has it all, baby! Just make sure your chosen celebrant is legit and authorised to perform weddings in Nevada.
- The Ceremony: This is where things get wild! Whether you elope with just the two of you or go full-blown show with a live band and a ten-tier cake, it's all up to you. Just remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas... unless you forget your marriage certificate!
Top Tip: Don't forget to order an official copy of your marriage certificate after the ceremony. You'll need it for all that name-changing and whatnot back home.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
- How to get a marriage license in Vegas? Head to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau with your ID and a willingness to commit (or a healthy dose of post-gambling recklessness). You can even apply online beforehand!
- How long does it take to get married in Vegas? The ceremony itself can be as quick as 10 minutes, but factor in getting your license and choosing your celebrant – it could be a half-day Vegas adventure.
- How much does it cost to get married in Vegas? This depends on how fancy you get with the ceremony and the celebrant. But hey, it's probably cheaper than a traditional wedding back home!
- How to change my name after a Vegas wedding in Australia? You'll need to do it by Deed Poll (which is a fancy legal document) instead of through the Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- How to ensure our Vegas marriage is recognised in Australia? Just make sure you follow the legal steps in Nevada and get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For anything else, check with the Australian authorities.
So there you have it, mates! Getting hitched in Vegas is a perfectly legit and potentially hilarious way to start your married life. Just remember, while Elvis might be your celebrant, make sure your love for each other is the real king (or queen) in this crazy Las Vegas adventure.
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