For many couples who attend Burning Man together, Black Rock City is the obvious choice when they choose to tie the knot. While the unpredictable desert can be an unusual venue for a couple’s big day, the couples who have wedded in BRC reflect on their ceremonies with fondness, and most of them emphatically insist that it was the perfect spot for their matrimony.
Since regulations and guidelines in Nevada are very specific, it’s a good idea to write to us at weddings@burningman.org. We’ll help you understand what you need to know to plan your playa wedding.
Several weeks before Burning Man visit the Pershing County Clerk’s website to learn about the requirements for your officiant and for the couple. You must make an in-person appointment and both appear together to get a marriage license.
A few weeks before of Burning Man arrange for a religious official or judge to marry you. Plenty of wedding officiants attend Burning Man; ask around, send a message to weddings@burningman.org, or post a message on the e-playa to find someone.
It’s possible for a friend to officiate at your wedding instead. At least a few weeks before your wedding, your friend can get ordained at the Universal Life Church website — as they boast, it takes just three minutes! Then s/he should follow the instructions for ministers below.
If your officiant lives outside Nevada, you and your fiancé(e) will need to give that person both your full names and address(es) so that s/he can obtain written permission to marry you. It will probably take your officiant a few weeks to secure this permission.
There are no legal requirements concerning what you must do or say at your wedding. Create any sort of ritual, game, or party you like. Your minister or friends might want to take charge of the creation of your ceremony.
Don’t forget to get your marriage license signed by your officiant and two witnesses after your wedding. The officiant is legally responsible for sending your certificate to the County Recorder’s office after leaving the playa.
Best wishes!