Graceland Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas – Rock Star Jon Bon Jovi was married here. Photo Courtesy: Time Anchor
Getting married in Las Vegas has gotten a lot of flak; thanks to many high-profile nuptials performed there that quickly end up in divorce. From Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, to Axl Rose and Erin Everly, through to Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman, Vegas has gotten a not-so-savory reputation as far as the first stop to a life of wedded bliss goes.
Another bad rap that Las Vegas has had to deal with through the years is how its weddings up the cheesy, sleazy factor. Nevertheless, over a hundred thousand weddings are held in Las Vegas yearly. For celebrities and ordinary Janes and Joes alike, Las Vegas is still a desirable wedding destination for many reasons. The biggest one would be for convenience; many wedding chapels compete for the chance to marry couples in a speedy conveyor belt-like manner.
Another good reason is the cost – those on a budget can easily ease into a Vegas wedding without worrying about burning a hole in their pockets.
So how can you put the class in a Las Vegas wedding without falling for the cheap and tacky trappings that seem to plague it?
Right: A Drive-Thru Wedding Package in Las Vegas – Photo Courtesy:istolethetv
Cut the cheese
Assuming you’re getting married in Las Vegas because of budget constraint, you can still keep your nuptial ceremony classy by avoiding the cheesy, show-business type stuff that’s supposed to be fun, but do not reflect you or your significant other’s personality. So if you aren’t a fan of Elvis but you both love the rock ‘n roll, don’t forget that you’re in a place that’s known for both, so you can always choose the latter as theme.
Consider an Al Fresco ceremony over a closed-door one
Left: Venus Garden at Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas. Right: Krystal and Ryan are all smiles just after saying their vows at this beautiful venue. Photo Courtesy: Jimmy G
The venue of you wedding contributes significantly to the overall look and feel of your wedding, so choose wisely. Many “love chapels” are available in Las Vegas, waiting to churn out another batch of newlyweds on a daily basis. However, there are now open-air venues there which get rave reviews from couples and their guests who opt for them. Do a bit of research about them if you want an Al Fresco wedding with a Las Vegas budget. That way, you can still get married in this exciting, always-awake place without the theme park vibe of most of its wedding venues.
Shop around for a minister
Licensed ministers are a dime a dozen in this busy state. Their manner of speaking, dress, and general behaviour are usually dictated by the motif of the venue they are assigned to, so expect an Elvis impersonator in an Elvis-themed love chapel. To keep your wedding personal and significant, why not hire your own minister? You can either scout around in Las Vegas for one, or bring your own as part of the wedding entourage.
Put in some personal touches
Left: Alice getting married at a Lakeside Wedding Venue in the Summerlin suburb of Las Vegas. Right: The Lakeside Wedding Venue. Photo Courtesy: Eric Chan
As with any other wedding, plan yours and don’t go for template themed ones you aren’t too crazy about. Unless it’s a drive-through wedding you are going for, in which case being classy isn’t likely to be a priority, set aside ample time to plan how yours will look, feel, sound, and taste like. Consult a wedding planner if your budget can accommodate one. A Vegas-based coordinator can help you narrow down the choices for catering, tux and gown rental, bridal car providers, wedding cake designers, venues, etc. Doing this can help you come up with a wedding that is close to your heart…and budget!
Author Sharon Sussman has become Brilliance’s very own wedding expert, owing her experience to the couples she has worked with over the past few years. Aside from writing about bridal and wedding topics, she also contributes guest posts about diamonds, gems and jewelry – her main expertise.
time_anchor says
This blog is very well written, and as a 30 year resident of Las Vegas, it portrays an accurate picture of weddings in my city. There are many choices at many levels of cost and intimacy. The main thing to remember about Vegas?
Have fun and laughter and celebration because of the union between two people.
Regards.
Sandy says
Thanks a lot, Lon, for your very kind comments! I totally agree with you that the primary purpose of the union between two people should be fun and celebration (whether in Las Vegas or anywhere else). Thanks also for the use of your excellent image of Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas published in the post above. You’ve one of the best collections of pictures when it comes to your own city, Las Vegas.