How to Plan a Las Vegas Wedding

If you’re planning a Las Vegas wedding, you have the world at your fingertips. This bustling city in the Mojave Desert has pretty much everything you’ll need on the big day, from top-notch vendors to amazing scenery and lots of sunshine. Whether you’re planning a traditional Las Vegas wedding, eloping, renewing your vows, or are looking for something totally out-of-the-box, we’re sharing our best tips to help you get started.

Here’s exactly what you need to know about planning a Las Vegas wedding.

The Basics

You’re probably already familiar with the Hollywood version of Las Vegas: partying, casinos, wedding chapels, Elvis… the list goes on. But stereotypes aside, Vegas is an exciting place, and it’s full of great perks and unique experiences that are perfect for couples looking to host an unforgettable wedding. If you’re looking to get hitched at a moment’s notice or without any in-depth planning on your part, Las Vegas is the perfect city! Most of the major resorts offer all-inclusive packages with everything you’ll need (even the rings, in some cases), and many Las Vegas wedding chapels can accommodate ceremonies with only a few hours’ notice.

Las Vegas is home to many of the world’s premier resorts, chefs, entertainers, to name a few. You’ll be surrounded by the best in the biz on your wedding day, and you and your guests won’t be short on things to do while you’re in town. Keep in mind that Las Vegas is one of the country’s most popular destinations for conventions, trade shows, festivals, and bachelor/bachelorette parties — basically, there’s always something happening! If you’re considering a Las Vegas wedding, make note of any major events taking place at your resort or near your wedding venue that could affect your big day.

Getting There and Around

Las Vegas’ primary airport is McCarran International Airport, located about five miles south of downtown. There are shuttles, public buses, and taxis to transport you to most of the major resorts, along with ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. If you’re up for a road trip, LAX is a five-hour drive from Las Vegas.

Once you’re in Vegas, you can get around via monorail, sightseeing bus, or on foot (there are pedestrian bridges at all main intersections along the four-mile Strip).

Weather

Las Vegas is a year-round destination, thanks to its warm and sunny climate. Even in the heart of winter, average temperatures stay around 60 degrees, with lows in the 40s. During the summer, Las Vegas can get especially hot with highs often reaching 100 degrees or more. You won’t have to worry about much rain at all — precipitation levels in Las Vegas average less than five inches per year (that’s about 300 days of sunshine). Because of minimal rainfall, the air in Las Vegas is relatively dry and hot, not humid.

Wedding Venues

• Outdoor

Golf resorts, rooftop patios, and rustic ranches are just some of our favorite outdoor wedding spots in Las Vegas.

Outdoor wedding venues in Las Vegas »

• Unique

There’s no other place in the world like Las Vegas is, and this city has a number of unexpected wedding venues to match its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Get married in a helicopter, at the Eiffel Tower, or in an underwater tunnel.

Unique wedding venues in Las Vegas »

• Romantic

Las Vegas isn’t all glitz and glam — it’s also surprisingly romantic. You can say “I Do” at an elegant garden, in a grand ballroom, or aboard your own private gondola.  

Romantic wedding venues in Las Vegas »

• Epic Backdrops

Whether you get married in front of the Bellagio Fountains or in front of a two-story chandelier, Las Vegas is full if wedding venues with incredibly memorable backdrops.  

Las Vegas wedding venues with epic backdrops »

Marriage Requirements

In order to obtain a Nevada marriage license from the Clark County Marriage Bureau, both parties must be at least 18 years old and will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you will also need to provide your social security number on the marriage license application. After receiving your marriage license, there is no waiting period and the license is valid for one year.

Things to Do In Las Vegas

Manhattan might be the city that never sleeps, but Las Vegas isn’t far behind! No matter the time of day (or night), you can find plenty of things to keep yourself busy while you’re in town for a Las Vegas wedding.  

• Restaurants, Nightlife & Live Entertainment

The Strip is dotted with restaurants created by celebrity chefs, from Buddy Valastro and Wolfgang Puck to Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Giada de Laurentiis, and more. If you’re looking to party all night long, head to Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand, which is home to big-name DJs including Calvin Harris and Steve Aoki. Last but not least, no trip to Vegas is complete without at least one show, especially if it’s your first time in town. Check out a quintessential Vegas act (the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Penn & Teller), or opt for the latest celeb headliner, like Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, or Britney Spears.       

• Spas & Resorts

For all the hustle and bustle you’ll find in Las Vegas, there’s an equal amount of opportunity for rest and relaxation. Pamper yourself at one of the many luxurious day spas — you can find one at nearly every resort along the Strip. Relax in the Roman-style baths at Caesars Palace, or go all-out and rent a private Sahara Suite (personal butler included) at the Cosmopolitan.  

• Casinos & Slots

Casinos are among Vegas’ most popular attractions. Even if you’ve never gambled before, you might want to try your luck at table games or slot machines, if only for the experience!  

• Outdoor Activities

Las Vegas is surrounded by the Mojave Desert, giving you the chance to experience some incredible scenery firsthand. You don’t have to travel far outside of downtown Vegas to reach stunning Red Rock Canyon, where you’ll find mountains, mining town replicas, and desert wildlife. If you have more time to spare, make a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is three hours east of Vegas by car or about an hour by helicopter. Grand Canyon excursions are available through a number of Vegas-based tour companies.

• Adrenaline Thrills

You could argue that Las Vegas is one giant amusement park. There are dozens of roller coasters, thrill rides and other heart-pumping activities throughout the city that are an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Zip lining above Fremont Street, skydiving over the Las Vegas Strip, or driving a race car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway are just a few options.