5 Best Cities to Get Married
Having a destination wedding is something we’ve all dreamt about at least once in our life. Have you seen weddings in Italy? Absolutely breathtaking. Pricey but breathtaking. Having an overseas wedding is a headache so thank goodness the US offers plenty of beautiful wedding venues.
Each US city listed below has a unique trait and feel about them. Whether you want something extravagant or casual, they all offer a unique experience.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s a reason why Las Vegas is nicknamed Sin City and the Entertainment Capital of the World. From strip clubs to concerts to ziplining, there’s never a reason to be bored in Vegas.
Do you know who is also nicknamed Marriage Capital of the World? That’s right – Las Vegas. Who would’ve thought you can have Sin City and the Marriage Capital of the World in the same city? Kinda funny.
Las Vegas is in Clark County. In 2019, Clark County issued 73,143 marriage licenses. Even though there was a global pandemic in 2020, Clark County still issued 56,331 marriage licenses. And in the first few months of 2021, Clark County has issued 9,474 marriage licenses.
Las Vegas is one of the best cities to get married in because of its hospitality. Most venues offer an event coordinator or catering manager. Everything is also on-site, meaning you can have your guests stay at the hotel you’re hosting your wedding at.
Because there is no waiting period after obtaining the marriage license, Las Vegas is also one of the easiest cities to get married in. There is also no blood work – Montana is the only state that still requires this. A marriage license costs $77.
Endless food options and entertainment for all ages is why Las Vegas is ranked #1 for us. Whether you want to get eloped by Elvis Presley or have a luxurious wedding, Las Vegas caters to all.
- Orlando, Florida
With an average wedding cost of $20K, Orlando is another beautiful city to get married in.
WalletHub, a financial website, did a study to find the cheapest and most convenient wedding destinations. While factoring in the average wedding cost to venues and event spaces per capita, they ranked Orlando #1 on their list. Another important factor was flower shops per capita.
In order to obtain a marriage license in Orlando, you can file an online application with Orange County. There is a 3-day waiting period after obtaining the marriage license; however, if you complete their Premarital Preparation Course, you can bypass the 3-day waiting period.
The cost for the marriage license is $86 but with your Premarital Preparation Course completion certificate, it will be reduced to $61. FYI – there is a $3.50 charge for all credit card transactions. Although Orlando and Vegas have similar characteristics, we ranked Orlando #2 because of the 3-day waiting period.
From Walt Disney World resort to the sandy beaches, Orlando is a great location for a destination wedding especially for couples with children. Offering a plethora of affordable packages, Orlando is a place of delight for both children and adults.
A sandy beach wedding during a sunset sounds so romantic – doesn’t it?
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Fun Fact: Utah derived from the Ute Tribe which also means, “people of the mountains.” Utah is infused with natural beauty. With its 5 national parks and numerous ski resorts, it makes the perfect wedding destination for adventure-spirited people.
A Salt Lake City marriage license costs $50 and there is also no waiting period. All you need to do is go to Salt Lake City County and show proof of identification. However, the marriage license does expire within 30 days of being issued.
Because of its outdoor scenery, Salt Lake City weddings are typically more traditional and casual. If you don’t like taking chances and want an indoor wedding, it’s okay. Most wedding venues still offer amazing views from the inside.
With the amazing mountain views, Salt Lake City offers unique wedding venues for your ceremony and reception. If you’d rather go on a hike than a bar for your bachelorette party, this is your place to be.
- Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Arizona is a perfect mix of city and country. You can have a modern wedding at one of the hotels or you can do an outdoor barn wedding with a western theme.
You can get your marriage license from Pima County for $83. If you’re writing a check, you can make it out to the Clerk of Superior Court. Once the license is issued, you must marry within 12 months. There is also no waiting period or blood test.
With the beautiful outdoor scenery and warm weather, Tucson has become a popular wedding destination. Because of this, Tucson has a large variety when it comes to outdoor weddings. The average cost here is around $18K which makes it incredibly affordable for many couples. It’s also cheaper than having a wedding in Phoenix.
And because of the many outdoor venues, eco-friendly weddings are quite popular. Couples now have the option to have organic foods and/or organic fabrics for their reception. This also allows them to reduce their carbon footprint. Amazing! Round of applause for Tucson!
- Miami, Florida
Some of the best nightclubs, hotels and entertainment also come from Miami. This chic and sleek city brings in people from all over the world. The diversity in Miami is what makes it so unique.
Although on the more expensive side, an average wedding cost of $30K, Miami is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a party-vibe wedding style that fits your budget. In 2019, the Knot announced that the average wedding cost was $33,900.
The cost for a marriage license is $86. If you get your Premarital Preparation Course completion certificate, it’ll be reduced to $61. Just like Orlando, you can bypass their 3-day waiting period if you take the 4-hour Premarital Preparation Course.
If you’re sold on the idea of having your wedding in Miami, make sure you do your research. Miami hosts many extravagant events throughout the year. For example, Ultra Miami’s 3-day festival happens in May. These events will increase prices around the city and hotels will be sold out.
Because of its many tourist attractions, your guests will never be bored in Miami. From beaches to boats, there’s so much for you and your guests to do.
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