How to Officiate a Wedding in Nevada

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Nevada?

Nevada is famous for easy weddings, but the officiant registration process can be surprisingly involved. You need to obtain a Certificate of Permission to Perform Marriages from the County Clerk — and in Clark County (Las Vegas), this can take over a month. Both temporary (single ceremony) and permanent options are available. You must register in the county where the ceremony takes place.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Get your Certificate of Permission — Nevada requires ministers to obtain a Certificate of Permission to Perform Marriages from the County Clerk in the county where the ceremony takes place. Cost: $25–$100. Both temporary (single ceremony) and permanent options available. In Clark County (Las Vegas), processing can take over a month — start early.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your Certificate of Permission, your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Nevada allows ministers with a Certificate of Permission to sign the marriage license.

Statute: Nevada Revised Statutes § 122.062 — licensed or ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other church officials authorized to solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (with Certificate of Permission)
Registration required? Yes — County Clerk, $25–$100, processing varies
Marriage license cost $77–$102
Waiting period None
License valid for 1 year
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 1 witness

Before the Wedding

  • Get your Certificate of Permission — Apply at the County Clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony takes place. $25–$100 depending on the county and whether you choose temporary or permanent. Clark County (Las Vegas) can take over a month — start early. Other counties may be faster.
  • Call the County Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained minister seeking a Certificate of Permission. Ask about processing times and what documentation they need.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the County Clerk’s office. No waiting period. Valid for 1 year — one of the longest in the country. Cost: $77–$102.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and one witness. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Clerk within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Nevada Tips

  • Famous for easy weddings, but officiant registration can be complex — especially in Clark County (Las Vegas)
  • Start the Certificate of Permission process early — allow at least 6 weeks for Clark County
  • Temporary (single ceremony) and permanent options available
  • Must register in the county of the ceremony
  • No waiting period on the marriage license
  • 1-year license validity is very generous
  • 1 witness required
  • Burning Man weddings? That’s Pershing County
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

County-Specific Info

  • Clark County — serving Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Mesquite…
  • Washoe County — serving Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley…

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local County Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Clerk.