Planning a Wedding in Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular destination for couples looking to get married. If you are planning a wedding in Vegas, there are a number of things to consider - it is not simply a matter of driving or flying out to Vegas and showing up at a chapel!

One of the reasons that Las Vegas is a popular destination for weddings is the lax requirements for obtaining a marriage license. There is no waiting period, and a marriage license can be obtained for a fee of fifty dollars in under fifteen minutes, and no blood tests are required. Both parties entering into the marriage must be present at the courthouse to obtain the marriage license, so if you are coming to Vegas from out of town or out of state, be sure to schedule the courthouse visit in your trip. Also, a witness other than the individual marrying you must be present for the ceremony.

It is important once you begin looking at chapels to have them send you a copy of the contract of what is included in the package you purchase from them. For instance, you do not want to expect a free limo, only to find out that there was a fee for the driver, a fee for which you hadn't budgeted for. Almost any kind of wedding style can be accommodated in Vegas, from elegant weddings at the Bellagio, or tropical themed wedding at the Tropicana. There are Paris-themed wedding where a couple can exchange vows on top of a 50-ft replica of the Eiffel tower, or there are Star Trek, Pirate, or other fantasy wedding options available. And don't forget, of course you can opt to get married by an Elvis impersonator!

If you are traveling with friends, be sure that the hotel you wish to stay at can accommodate your party when you want to get married. It'd be a terrible disappointment to arrive in Vegas and find that your first choice for a hotel is all booked up due to a special event or convention in town. If there is a specific restaurant you would like to eat at, be sure to call ahead and ask about availability and accommodations for large groups. Plan ahead, and call ahead!

Figure out if you are going to buy or rent a dress locally, or in Vegas when you arrive. If purchasing your wedding clothes in Vegas, you may want to at least narrow your choices before you arrive in Las Vegas, in order to more quickly choose your dress. You or your future spouse will probably have to take time off work for the wedding, so your time is limited and you need to make the most of it.

Likewise, plan out where you will stay before and after the wedding, and it's a good idea to discuss what you would like to do in Vegas during your stay - in addition to getting married. Perhaps an entertainer will be giving a performance that weekend that you both enjoy - make sure you get the tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. You might want to consider doing some of the more romantic attractions in Vegas, such as gondola rides at the Venetian or going on a tour at the nearby Grand Canyon. Be sure to ask around about newlywed packages or discounts - or consult a travel agent for more information.
Remember that planning a wedding in Vegas is like planning any other wedding; although many packages are available and there is no waiting time, the more you know and have planned out ahead of time the smoother the event will be.