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Marriage Certificate Nevada



Quick Guide to Marriage Certificates in Nevada

Marriage Certificates in Nevada

In order to validate a marriage certificate in Nevada, two future spouses must follow a number of steps and make sure the marriage is valid under law.  This article will discuss steps two people should take to finalize their marriage certificate in Nevada after obtaining a marriage license, but qualifying factors to legally marry need explained first. 

Requirements for Marriage Certificate in NV

In order to receive marriage certificates in Nevada, two future spouses cannot try to enter into a marriage that is otherwise void by law.  A marriage certificate in Nevada cannot be issued in any circumstances if the marriage would contain any of the following characteristics: 

1. Enough consanguinity exists between the applicants to void the marriage certificate in NV

2. Either party had another spouse living in another state

3. Either party way under 16, unless they are 15 and obtain approval from the court for a marriage certificate in NV

4. Either party is under the age of 18 and legal guardians didn’t give consent

5. Between persons of the same sex

6. Either party is incapacitated at the time of issuing the marriage certificate in Nevada

7. If the clerk believes there is fraud before issuing marriage certificates in Nevada

There may be other reasons the marriage certificate in NV may be void as well, and you’ll want to ask a county clerk for clarification on state law.  

Step 2 Solemnization Requirements for Marriage Certificates in Nevada

If couples have qualified for a marriage certificate in Nevada, they will receive a copy of the marriage license along with a blank return for the person who has solemnized the marriage.  In order for a couple to legally receive a marriage certificate in Nevada, the marriage must be solemnized according to NRS 122.080-122.110. 

The statutes provide that only the following qualified individuals can solemnize a marriage and supply marriage certificates in Nevada:

• justice of the Supreme Court, any district court judge, and justice of the peace, any municipal judge, any commissioner or deputy commissioner of civil marriages

• any ordained minister or recognized religious leader

Officiators before March 24, 1943 were not required for marriage certificates in NV because common law marriages were legal until the listed date.  However, marriage certificates in Nevada cannot be obtained common-law marriages any longer.  

Step 3 Return Signed Marriage Certificates in Nevada to the County Clerk

A marriage certificate in Nevada must be signed by the person who legally solemnized the marriage and returned to the county court as soon as possible.  After the clerk has received the validated and completed marriage certificate in NV, they and the county court will be the full custodian of records relating to the marriage between the two parties.  

If a copy of the marriage certificate in NV is needed in the future, a party should call or visit the county or district court in which they submitted the original certificate.

There are strict penalties for obtaining a marriage certificate in NV with fraud.  If either party or clerk has falsely placed information on a marriage certificate in Nevada, they may face serious penalties, and a person can be convicted of a felony for fraudulently signing or placing false information on the marriage certificate in NV.  

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