Las Vegas weddings move faster than anywhere else in the country, but that speed can work against you if you miss a step. Use this checklist to stay ahead from the moment you get engaged to the morning of your wedding.
12+ months out: set the foundation
Start with the decisions that govern everything else: guest count, budget and approximate date. Las Vegas has peak-season traffic — October through April books fastest, and New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekend are essentially gone a year out. Lock your venue and wedding photographer first; those are the hardest slots to fill. Review our Las Vegas wedding cost guide to set realistic budget expectations before signing any contracts.
- Set a realistic total budget and agree on priority spending categories
- Choose your ceremony and reception venue
- Book your photographer and videographer
- Create a guest list (drives venue size and catering)
9–12 months out: secure your vendor team
Most quality vendors in the Las Vegas valley are fully booked 9–12 months out for prime dates. This is the window to confirm your florist, catering (if not venue-provided), DJ or band, and officiant. If you are planning a destination wedding where guests need to travel, send save-the-dates now so they can lock in flights — Las Vegas hotel rates spike dramatically for major weekend events.
- Book florist, DJ or band, and officiant
- Send save-the-dates for destination guests
- Research room-block options with your hotel or venue
- Start engagement session with your photographer (ideal for save-the-date cards)
6–9 months out: the details layer
This is when planning gets granular. Finalize your ceremony script with your officiant, choose attire and schedule fittings (allow 4–6 months for custom or altered gowns), and begin menu tastings if your venue offers them. Book hair and makeup — a good team in Las Vegas gets claimed fast for Saturday slots. If you are doing any outdoor or permit-required photography at locations like Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, read our elopement location guide and apply for permits well ahead.
- Purchase wedding attire; schedule first fitting
- Book hair and makeup
- Schedule menu tasting
- Apply for outdoor location permits if needed (6 weeks minimum for Valley of Fire)
2–3 months out: marriage license and logistics
Nevada's marriage license rules are simple and couple-friendly: no waiting period, no blood test, and no residency requirement. Both parties appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, 201 E Clark Ave, downtown Las Vegas, with valid photo ID. The license costs approximately $102 and is valid for one year — the ceremony must take place in Nevada. You can also book a civil ceremony at the Office of Civil Marriages for roughly $80. See our full marriage license guide for hours, what to bring and common questions.
- Get your marriage license (can be done up to 1 year before the ceremony)
- Finalize seating chart and catering headcount
- Confirm all vendor details and delivery timelines
- Create your wedding-day timeline with your photographer
1–4 weeks out: the final pass
Confirm every vendor in writing one week out. Send final headcount to catering. Prepare vendor payments and gratuity envelopes. Hand off day-of logistics to a point person (coordinator, MOH or family member) so you are not fielding texts from the florist on your wedding morning. Pack your marriage license, rings, and any ceremony items in an easy-to-find bag.
- Confirm all vendors with a written check-in
- Deliver final headcount
- Prepare vendor tips and payments
- Do a venue walkthrough with your coordinator or photographer
- Pack all ceremony essentials in one dedicated bag