Las Vegas weddings

Few cities are as closely tied to weddings as Las Vegas. For some couples it is the setting for a spontaneous elopement; for others, a carefully planned celebration with family and friends; for others still, a fun and affordable alternative to a big traditional wedding. Whatever the style, the city makes marrying remarkably easy, and that is exactly why so many couples choose it.

How Las Vegas became a wedding capital

Wikipedia's article on Las Vegas weddings explains that a London newspaper once described the city as the "Marriage Capital of the World", a title it has kept, because of the ease of acquiring a marriage licence and the minimal costs involved in having a wedding there. It adds that the ease of getting married was historically a deliberate choice of Nevada lawmakers to promote tourism, and that the city remains a popular wedding destination for the same reasons, as well as for the many types of wedding available.

That combination of simplicity and variety is the key to its appeal. You can plan a Las Vegas wedding in weeks rather than months, keep it as small or as large as you like, and choose from an astonishing range of settings.

The kinds of ceremony on offer

The wedding chapel

The classic Las Vegas wedding takes place in a small chapel: a few rows of pews, flowers, soft lighting and an officiant who performs many ceremonies. Chapels range from simple and old-fashioned to elaborate and ornate. Many offer photography, flowers and music as part of the booking, which makes planning very easy.

Themed weddings

Las Vegas is famous for themed weddings. According to Wikipedia, many chapels offer them, with common themes including Hawaiian, fairy tale, Gothic and Halloween weddings. A themed wedding can be a playful way to celebrate if you both have a good sense of humour, and a wonderful story to tell afterwards. For more on themes, see theme weddings.

Hotel and resort weddings

Many large hotels have their own chapels and event rooms, from intimate spaces for a few people to grand halls for a full reception. This option is convenient if you and your guests are staying in the same place.

Outdoor ceremonies

Beyond the city lights lies the desert, and some couples prefer to marry among the red rocks or on a scenic overlook, with open sky above. Outdoor ceremonies can be breathtaking, especially at sunset, but plan carefully for the heat in summer and cooler temperatures in the evening in winter.

Drive-up weddings

Wikipedia notes that drive-thru weddings are available too. For some couples this is the ultimate in quick and quirky, a ceremony without even leaving the car.

Planning a Las Vegas wedding

• Check the licence rules. Nevada's marriage licence is known for being easy to obtain, but requirements, hours and fees can change. Check the current rules with the county office before you travel, and allow time on arrival.
• Decide on the guest list. Las Vegas suits both elopements and larger gatherings. If family and friends are coming, give them plenty of notice.
• Choose the style. Traditional chapel, themed, hotel, outdoor or drive-up: each creates a different kind of memory.
• Think about the time of year. Desert summers are very hot. Spring and autumn are often more comfortable, especially for outdoor ceremonies.
• Plan the celebration. After the ceremony, a special dinner, a show or simply a quiet evening together can round off the day.

Recognition at home

Wikipedia notes that marriages performed in Las Vegas are legal and binding throughout the United States. Couples from other countries should check with their own government how a marriage in Nevada is recognised at home and what documents they will need afterwards; the where to marry guide explains the general questions to ask, including the role of apostilles.

Honeymoon from Las Vegas

Las Vegas makes an easy starting point for a honeymoon. Some couples stay on for shows, dining and pools; others head out to the national parks and desert landscapes of the American West. The romantic getaways in the USA guide offers ideas for desert and canyon trips, and the destination wedding planning guide covers the wider planning if you are bringing guests along.

Sincere or silly, it counts

Las Vegas weddings are sometimes dismissed as a joke, but many lasting marriages began with a simple ceremony in a small chapel. What matters is not the setting but the promise. If the two of you love the idea of a quick, fun, low-fuss wedding, the city will happily oblige.