Washoe County encompasses Reno — Nevada's second largest city and a long-established wedding and elopement destination in its own right. While Clark County (Las Vegas) handles far more marriages, Washoe County offers a less busy alternative with the same Nevada advantages: no waiting period, 1-year license validity, and no residency requirement.
Office Location and Hours
Marriage licenses in Washoe County are issued by the Washoe County Clerk's Office at One South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89501. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Unlike Clark County, Washoe County is not open evenings or weekends for marriage licenses.
Reno's courthouse is in a walkable downtown area near several wedding chapels and civil ceremony venues. The Washoe County Clerk's office handles far fewer applications than Las Vegas — expect minimal wait times. A courthouse civil ceremony can be arranged through the Reno Justice Court.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Washoe County Clerk's office:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: State driver's license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government photo ID. Must not be expired.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card not required — just know the number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and state the marriage ended. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Fee — $87
The Washoe County marriage license fee is $87. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, credit/debit card, and money order. Personal checks are not accepted at most county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.
Waiting Period — None
The waiting period in Washoe County is None. Plan your license application date carefully relative to your ceremony date. See our complete waiting periods guide for more detail on this state's rules and how to request a waiver if applicable.
License Validity — 1 Year
Your Washoe County marriage license is valid for 1 Year from the date of issue. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Nevada. If your ceremony falls outside this window, the license expires and you must reapply. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact expiration date.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Washoe County Clerk within the timeframe required by Nevada law. The clerk then records it as a permanent public record. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office after recording — typically available 2–4 weeks after the ceremony.
Call the Washoe County Clerk's office the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fee amounts, and any appointment requirements. Government office policies can change without public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Nevada requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. There are very limited exceptions (active military deployment in some states). Both parties must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Yes. Nevada has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. You can apply in Washoe County regardless of where you live, and the license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Nevada.
After your officiant returns the signed license and the Washoe County Clerk records it, you can order certified copies directly from the clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. You'll need certified copies for Social Security, your driver's license, and other name change purposes.
The county clerk's office does not typically perform ceremonies. For a civil ceremony, contact the Reno area courthouse to ask about judge or magistrate availability. Justices of the Peace in the county may also be available. See our courthouse ceremony guide for more detail.