How to Get Eloped in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and one of my favorite places to be. With it’s bright lights and warm air, the city provides an escape for millions of visitors every year and you may be considering Sin City for your elopement location. Whether you crave beautiful, desert scenery or dream of getting married by Elvis, I am here to give you some helpful tips and tricks on how to get eloped in Las Vegas.
Your first step is to get a certified marriage certificate and you can fill out the pre-application form here.
Why?
You may be asking yourself this question. Why would I get eloped in Las Vegas when I could just have a traditional wedding where I live?
A few reasons :
Cost
According to The Knot, the average American wedding costs $30,000.
That number may be jarring to you and one of the main reasons why you decided on a smaller, and more intimate elopement.
Las Vegas is the perfect place to tie the knot in a beautiful and inexpensive way.
The average daily room rate in Las Vegas is $150.21 (according to www.reviewjournal.com) with many ceremony costs being within the $2,000-$5,000 range if you vouch for a national park. Elvis weddings are between $300-$500.
Southwest Airlines is Las Vegas’ #1 carrier and providing affordable flights daily.
Entertainment
If you have visited Las Vegas in the past, then you will know there is an endless amount of things to do.
Las Vegas provides a fun and thrilling experience for the two of you and also your potential guests (if there are any at all! )
Here are a few things to do before and after you say, “I do”.
The Strip- Las Vegas Boulevard Baby. Home of most of the casinos and resorts you see in the movies, this is what people know as Vegas. On the strip you can find unique attractions such as the Bellagio Fountains, the High Roller Ferris wheel at the LINQ, and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. There are a plethora of bars and restaurants covering the strip, perfect for your pre and post elopement celebrations.
Fremont Street- Known by some as Downtown Las Vegas or “Old” Vegas, a quick Uber ride will get you there from the Strip in less than 10 minutes. This is an eclectic street of Las Vegas with unique and vintage attractions. You simply cannot leave the city without seeing the Fremont Street Experience or walking over to the Fremont East Entertainment District.
Outside of Vegas- Already discovered all of what Las Vegas as to offer? Contact your local Avis (over 7 locations on the strip) and take a drive! Check out the nearby Hoover Dam or the Seven Magic Mountains.
Weather
Fearful of rainy weather crashing your elopement?…not likely in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has a subtropical desert climate, with the average rainfall being 4.19 inches annually (via lasvegassun.com ). If you fantasize about a sunny and warm elopement, it is the perfect place.
Where?
These are some of our favorite spots to elope in Las Vegas.
Eldorado Dry Lake Bed
Located in the Great Basin of the Mojave Desert, the Eldorado Dry Lake Bed provides a beautiful landscape for elopements. It is an open desert playa, best suited for an extremely intimate ceremony.
A Little White Wedding Chapel
I said I would talk about Elvis and I wasn't lying.
A Little White Wedding Chapel is located on the Las Vegas Strip near the Strat Casino. They offer several indoor chapels and even a drive-thru “Tunnel of Love”.
You can be united by the King of Rock n’ Roll and ride off into the sunset in the chapel’s iconic pink Cadillac.
More Info at alittlewhitechapel.com
The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum, also known as the Neon Boneyard, is a Las Vegas exhibition featuring and preserving retired neon signs.
You guys…how cool is this place?
The museum hosts ceremonies for couples who want a fun and unique experience coupled with a picturesque backdrop. It offers a 60-minute ceremony package and accomodatess up to 50 guests.
More Info at neonmuseum.org
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a national conservation area about 15 miles outside of the Las Vegas Strip. It is well worth the drive for anyone visiting Vegas, but it is also a popular elopement site.
It features several ceremony locations such as The Red Rock Canyon Overlook, The Red Rock Canyon Red Springs Boardwalk, and Red Rock Canyon Ash Springs.
The park is absolutely breathtaking with a set of large red rock formations and sandstone peaks.
The Overlook and Red Springs Boardwalk will accommodate up to 50 people, Ash Springs will accommodate up to 15.
More Info at redrockcanyonlv.org
Valley of Fire State Park
Similar to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park is located about an hour outside of the Las Vegas Strip, but features familiar scenery.
It is known for its bright red Aztec sandstone and also offers several ceremony locations.
The Seven Sisters location accommodates the largest of up to 60 people, the Cabins will accommodate up to 15, and the Rainbow Vista will accommodate 35.
More Info at parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire
When?
You may have a special date in mind that is significant to the two of you.
With this, it is helpful to know the typical weather of Las Vegas season to season.
Spring
Pros- Considered to be the best time to visit. Comfortable temperatures and room deals.
Cons-Major events in town
Summer
Pros- Weather keeps many visitors away
Cons- HOT HOT HOT! This can be a pro if you enjoy extreme heat or are a night owl. Increase in rainfall
Fall
Pros- Comfortable temperatures
Cons- Can get busy nearing end of season
Winter
Pros- Cooler weather (can be a con for some)
Cons- Can get busy around major holidays (Christmas and New Years Eve)
I hope this guide can help you plan your Las Vegas Elopement.
Contact us for more information, I would love to help you plan your dream wedding!
