Ok, so you might not be running away to Vegas to get married, but what if you were? How would you go about it? Read on for a bit of Sunday morning escapism.
Photo: Vitamin C Photo
Inspired by Aisling and Colm’s Secret Bellinter House Wedding, and news of Corrie actress, Katherine Kelly’s recent elopement to Vegas, we’re wondering what it would be like to run away and get married in Vegas. Luckily, we have Las Vegas Wedding Planner, Claire Addy, at hand to answer all of our questions.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in Las Vegas?
It’s very easy to get married in Las Vegas. There’s no waiting period after couples have applied for their marriage license. The marriage bureau is open until midnight on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends, although the state of Nevada has yet to recognise same sex marriages.
How long must a couple be in Las Vegas for before they can get married there?
You can touch down on the airport tarmac and go straight to the marriage bureau if you wish. I would advise getting over the jet lag first though!
Photo: Exceed Photography
Are ceremonies in Las Vegas religious or can couples have a civil ceremony?
It’s Las Vegas – you can have your wedding however you want! There are many chapels, particularly in Downtown Vegas (the central business district), or couples can marry in the casinos, and have as much or as little religion as they like. Another option that is quite popular, depending on the time of year, is to marry outdoors. Here couples will have the most control over what they say in their vows, because many chapels have a pre-written standard ceremonies.
Is there a particularly busy season?
It’s always busy in Las Vegas. Possibly the least busy time for American visitors is July and August, because it is uncomfortably hot during the day, but many Europeans tend to come here during the high summer anyway. The busiest days are weekends. Some chapels will perform several ceremonies per day on a Saturday, so if you want to take your time, come mid-week.
Photo: Meg Ruth Photography
How much of the wedding can you plan?
I can go and check out your short-list of chapels and take photos for you along the way. I can advise on places to celebrate the wedding. I can introduce couples to high quality and reliable photographers. I know great florists, bakers and hairdressers. I can book reliable transport for their day. Overall, I act as a scout in the field, so to speak. If a couple are over in the UK or Australia, then they rarely know exactly what they will get if they just book online. I am not connected to any chapel, so will offer completely unbiased advice.
What tips would give to couples thinking of getting married in Las Vegas?
Do your best to really check out the location. Many of the Chapels invest in a nice website, but the buildings aren’t so nice. There are some lovely places to get married in Las Vegas, but there are also some old and shabby ones, and ones that are in not-so-nice areas. Many of the casinos offer an off-the-peg standard package, which makes life nice and easy, but these often only include professional photography in the casino chapel, which often looks as if it could be anywhere. I would suggest finding a professional photographer for a few shots on Fremont Street, outdoors on the Strip, by the Las Vegas sign, and even better, out in the desert.
Photo: tomsikphotography
Do you have a favourite location that you would recommend?
Yes! I love the Strip, and the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, but what I would do if I were getting married in Las Vegas, is have my ceremony out in the desert, then have my celebration in a top-class restaurant on the Strip. There are a couple of great spots within an hour of town, such as The Valley of Fire, or even closer, around half an hour away, such as Red Rock Canyon, where you could have a totally unique and unforgettable ceremony in the peace and quite of the desert. Doing this would allow you to choose your own officiant, and personalise your vows, and find a photographer that is on your wavelength and can provide interesting and unique shots that will dazzle friends and family back home for years to come.
Getting married in Las Vegas sure sounds like a lot of fun! You can view Claire’s website, Las Vegas Weddings, HERE.
