Wedding license office reopens in 'marriage capital' Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas returned to the wedding business Monday, nearly six weeks after the Marriage License Bureau was closed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Clark County Clerk Lynn Goya said staff members at the license office at the downtown Regional Justice Center have masks, gloves and no-touch thermometers, and couples need to complete license applications online before arriving.

The development came as state health officials reported nearly 4,700 Nevada residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 respiratory illness, and at least 206 have died.

Most people with the virus experience symptoms such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems can face severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Goya said people with a fever will not be admitted to the marriage license office, the number of people inside at one time will be limited and everyone has to wear a mask or other face covering. Surfaces will be sanitized after each couple leaves.

The license bureau is open every day from 8 a.m. to midnight. Marriage license offices in Henderson, Laughlin and at the Clark County Government Center will remain closed.

Exact numbers weren’t known, but the March 17 closure due to the outbreak brought weddings to a virtual halt in a city that casts itself as a top destination for tying the knot.