How to Elope in Las Vegas
So you wanna know more about how to Elope in Las Vegas?
Perfection! I’m a Las Vegas wedding & elopement planner, so eloping in Vegas? Kinda my thing! Maybe you’ve both arrived at the decision to elope because you’ve seen your friends and elopement and thought “super cute, is that us?”. If you’re already questioning it, because you know a trad wedding is not your thing, then eloping might be for you. Here’s the deal though, eloping is not for everyone, and that’s totally ok. But, if you are super curious about how to elope in Las Vegas, you’ve stumbled on the right blog!
Needless to say, its extremely easy to elope in Las Vegas. But it is also just as easy to get lost in #allthethings. If you’re anything like me and you want to have all the information you can get your hands on, then Googling how to elope in Vegas to the ‘nth degree’ might just leave you more confused than when you started. You might suddenly find yourself stumbling upon all the factors of consideration when searching for how to elope in Vegas. Things like the weather (kind of a big one), venues, where to stay, officiants, and everything else in between. Luckily for you, I’ll be going through all of that and more, so keep reading!
Can tourists get married in Vegas?
You might be wondering if you can elope in Vegas if you’ve never been AND don’t plan on coming until your elopement. It is absolutely possible to plan an elopement completely through email, even as a tourist. In fact, I worked with one of my couples to plan a 250-person wedding via email during the Pandemic. Actually, 2020 – 2021 was a blur of virtual wedding planning for most couples as the world began to emerge from the pandemic. So yes, a tourist can still get married in Vegas.
How much notice is needed to get married in Vegas?
The answer to this really depends on the experience you want out of your Vegas elopement. The Clark County marriage license bureau in Vegas is open from 8 am to Midnight – 365 days a year. Do you want to fly in, grab your marriage license, and get married on the same day? It’s totally doable!
However, if you want an elopement experience that comes with a wedding venue at the location of your choosing along with added amenities such as florals and a photographer who fully understands your vibe then you need to do a bit more planning than the “same-day” experience. In that situation, I recommend a minimum of two weeks of planning. Especially if you have your sights set on a well-sought-after venue. As a super quick example, Red Rocks Canyon requires at least 14 days notice for your elopement. Wondering how a marriage license works in Vegas? While you’re here, you can grab more information on that, right here.
Do you need a witness to get married in Vegas?
Short answer? Yes! The state of Nevada requires you to have a witness at your wedding who is at least 18 years of age. Also, FYI, the witness has to be someone other than your officiant. Now you might be wondering how you’ll be able to fulfill the role of your witness, especially if you were hoping to elope with a ‘just the two of you’ situation.
If you want to bring along a friend or family member to fulfill your role as a witness, you totally can. If you were planning on an elopement with up to 40 guests, you get to select which of your guests will co-sign as your witness. But, if it’s just the two of you for your whirlwind elopement in Vegas, there are a few ways around this. First, your wedding photographer can 100% be your witness. Second, many chapels offer a professional witness who can fulfill the role for you.
How much is a wedding in Vegas?
You feel the daily effects of inflation and you’re wondering how everything will work when it comes to planning your wedding. You’re wondering how much it will cost to host your wedding or elopement in Vegas. Surprises are always welcome, but not usually when it comes to money. Unless of course, it’s money coming your way, but that’s not exactly the point of this particular conversation. What am I getting at? You have to figure out what you and your partner are realistically comfortable spending for your wedding. In order to do that, you need a little bit of information to help you make an informed decision. So, I’m gonna give it to you straight.
Let’s talk numbers because I have receipts….
According to The Knot’s 2023 Real Wedding Study, the national average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $35,000. Which is a $5,000 increase from the 2022’s average.
According to Fidelity the average cost of a wedding in Nevada hovers right around $22,353. Which is a $3,000 increase from 2022. Here’s where I like to take the opportunity to point out that the cost of an elopement planning package through P3 starts right at $3,500. You might’ve heard that a wedding planner can actually save you money, so there it is!
Now that you have the (unofficial) receipts, you can both sit down together and have an open conversation about what your number might be. No, your number doesn’t have to match the national average. But you do need to have a number. Because when you do, it becomes a whole lot easier to make decisions, including booking your wedding vendors.
Hopefully, those national averages didn’t scare you too much, because let’s face it, if you are figuring out how to elope in Vegas, your wedding will be anything but average. But just for fun, here are some more stats from The Knot’s 2023 Real Wedding Study:
- 14 is the average number of wedding pros hired by a couple
- 42% of couples select a fall wedding date (it’s hot here friend!)
- 15 months is the average length of an engagement
- 1 month is the average time a couple waits after their engagement to begin wedding planning
Best time of year to get married in Vegas
Personally, I think one of the great things about getting married in Vegas is that is an amazing experience, year-round. I’m originally from Chicago. Which translates to 3 good (weather) months for weddings, so I never take the weather in Vegas for granted. Needless to say, each season in Vegas has something different to offer. However, my favorite time of year to get married in Vegas hands down is fall. So let’s start there!
Fall Weddings in Vegas
Fall in Las Vegas is magical. The air is crisp, the trees change color and the skies provide the most amazing sunsets. September is the first month when Vegas starts to feel a cool down from the heat of the summer. Over the last few years, October has been a mix of totally random HOT days. But, overall it stays consistent with the cooler tone of fall. By the time November hits, Vegas residents are already used to wearing a slightly heavier jacket when going out. Throughout fall in Vegas, the average temps are 60°F during the day and 40°F at night.
Winter Weddings in Vegas
Winter weddings (December to February) in Las Vegas can be gorgeous. During this time, couples typically opt for indoor elopements with their wedding photography experience outdoors followed by an intimate dinner (indoors) or maybe even a toast around a roaring fire! There are amazing options for Winter weddings in Las Vegas, you just might need to add a cute wedding-themed jacket to your attire!
Spring Weddings in Vegas
When March rolls around in Vegas, everything is in bloom, creating a beautiful backdrop for your wedding or elopement. Actually, my best friend was married on May 19th and while it did rain (horrifically), she got some of the prettiest wedding photos I have ever seen! A lot of wedding planners will say the chance of rain is low or that it never rains. However, I would tell you, it’s always important to consider a rain plan and know your options ahead of time. You don’t want to go into your Spring wedding in Vegas without a backup plan, otherwise, throwing a wrench into your best day ever. While I’m at it, I will tell you this…. think about hairspray, lots of it! Because Spring is known to be windy.
Summer Wedding in Vegas
Summer in Vegas – like the scorching hot surface of the sun summer – runs from June through August. Temperatures are extremely hot and typically exceed 100°F. Most of your well-known desert locations do not offer weddings through the hottest months and will also post advisories when necessary. Early morning or evening ceremonies are always recommended to ensure it is not too hot for you and your guests. During summer, there is also more of a chance of light showers throughout the day, but they typically roll right through and act like Mother Nature’s sprinklers.
So when is the best time to get married in Vegas? That all depends on you. You do not have to pick your date based on the season. Actually, I would suggest first selecting a date that means something to both of you on a personal level. The date is far more important than the weather, which can easily be worked around. If you don’t have a particular date in mind and things are kind of still up in the air in that department, then first decide what your dream location or venue might be and work from their availability.
Selecting your Vegas wedding officiant or modern minister
Before I get into venues and chapels, I have to say, it is so important to decide what type of service you’d like as well as the person who is going to marry you. We work with a variety of Vegas wedding officiants & modern ministers. Mostly because we love how they vibe with our couples while also serving as an amazing resource throughout their ceremony. Because while it may not seem like it, there are several small details that go into a wedding ceremony. Yes, even an elopement in Vegas!
It doesn’t matter if your wedding is big or small, your officiant should be someone who can walk you through each and every step of your ceremony. For example, you might find yourselves wanting to recite custom vows (always highly recommended, btw), your officiant should be able to provide you with tips on how to easily incorporate custom vows into your ceremony. Or, if you know you want your wedding ceremony to have something extra special that just feels like your vibe, but you don’t know what it is, your officiant should be able to make recommendations based on your personality. Above all, your officiant should be someone who is able to listen to you while determining how they can make your wedding ceremony truly unforgettable.
Las Vegas elopement venues
Vegas has some of the most amazing locations to plan your elopement. Including a few just a bit outside of the city. Those will be for you if you’re looking for something with a little bit more flair than an Elvis Ceremony. The below elopement venues in Las Vegas are some of my personal favorite locations. I’ve included everything from spots, literally, in the desert to an amazing quintessential Vegas wedding chapel on the strip!
Outdoor wedding venues in Las Vegas
Plan Your Elopement at Desert Love
Full disclosure, this is currently the only desert location I work with for my clients. But, with good reason! There is no permit required to plan your elopement at Desert Love. And as a super added bonus, you don’t have to take an ultra-long hike into the desert (usually past tarantulas & rattlesnakes) to get married there. Needless to say, I highly recommend Desert Love if you want the dusty cactus desert vibe for your elopement in Vegas!
Weddings at Red Rock Canyon’s Overlook
Do you love the idea of getting married with the Red Rocks in the backdrop? And, by the way, don’t let the name fool you. Red Rock Canyon’s overlook has so much more to offer than just red rock formations. It’s full of greenery and has its own unique landscape! There are several elopement packages available if your wedding dream is a little less cactus and a little more rocky. I really love this location specifically because of its proximity to The Strip. It’s only about 15 minutes away from all of the amazing restaurants and flashing neon lights! P3 Events does not work here, but we always recommend Cactus & Lace for any weddings at Red Rock.
Las Vegas wedding chapels
Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery Wedding
If you want to elope in Las Vegas with desert vibes, but not *in* the desert, this venue has so much to offer! You can pretty much create your own space with all of the plants, rocks, and decor this venue has. Their pink chapel has two options. Option one, you can get married inside the chapel. Option two, you can get married outside in front of the chapel. If you want the desert feel without the chapel, Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery offers its desert property across the street. Allowing you to get married near a fab koi pond next to their Ranch House!
Sure Thing Chapel
Want to elope in Vegas in a quintessential chapel with that vibe? Think: a dash of old-school drapery mixed with fun kitschy decor and plenty of photo ops. If so, Sure Thing Chapel is truly a hidden gem! Located in Downtown Vegas, Sure Thing Chapel provides the option of being married by a female Elvis. Or, you can be serenaded down the aisle by an organist. They also offer custom florals to their couples through Lucid Juliet. I’ve worked with so many of my couples on an all-inclusive elopement package at Sure Thing Chapel and hits, every time!
The Midcentury Manor Las Vegas
The Midcentury Manor is one of Vegas’ newest private residence venues. It is owned and operated by some of the coolest people in Las Vegas, making it a quick-growing Vegas wedding favorite! The home’s interior was designed by Dale, one of the owners, giving it a fun vibe with modern flair. Midcentury Manor allows you to hire your own caterers and bartenders (who need to be licensed and insured, of course) and their staff is excellent. Having the ability to select your own wedding vendors for your elopement at Midcentury Manor makes budgeting for your wedding that much more flexible. I was the first to work with Midcentury and over time I’ve become great friends with everyone there! My all-inclusive package for The Midcentury Manor is customized for the best possible experience, including a plethora of catering & beverage options.
Downtown Las Vegas (anywhere & everywhere!)
Many of the couples we work with actually want to stay as far away from the Vegas strip as possible. Typically because they prefer not to book their accommodations on the strip. To that I say, same, same! I am personally more of a downtown Vegas person myself, and I find that my couples are too. You might be a downtown Vegas person if you love the murals, the bright colors, the energy of the people and that moment when the golden hour light just *hits*. If so, there are plenty of locations I can recommend for your elopement or micro-wedding. Seriously, I wasn’t kidding when I said anywhere & everywhere!
Personalize your Vegas elopement
I’m going to get into selecting a wedding photographer in a moment, but before I do, I have to say this. There are so many ways to personalize your entire elopement, all without being too ‘cheesy’ for your taste or even over the top. Your wedding day should feel like you, and I always like to make sure my couples display their personalities throughout the entire experience.
I help them do this by first listening to what they love about Vegas. Then I find out what they like to do together. Also, what their idea of relaxation is. I then add it all up with several other details of their story. If you want to go through that process, to get a clearer picture of how to personalize your Vegas elopement experience, here are my top recommendations.
- Select wedding day attire that best represents your personality
- Detail your flowers to match your personality or select flowers that have a specific meaning (ask your florist for help with this!)
- Create a custom menu together at the restaurant of your choice for your ‘after’ celebration
- Plan a mini-cake cutting (or donuts, or cupcakes!) to be delivered to your celebration location
I could go on and on. But the point is, there are so many ways to add personality and uniqueness to your Vegas Elopement!
Your Las Vegas elopement photographer
In all honesty, what is the point of figuring out how to elope in Vegas, only to end up with wedding photos that are absolute crap? Honestly, please tell me, I’ll wait….. Your wedding photos are one of the few tangible items you will have left once your day is over. Making photography one of the most important parts of any wedding- no matter the size. Your photos are the only thing that can be shared to mark this amazing moment in your lives and one of the few things to look back on together. On average, a Las Vegas Wedding photographer costs around $5500. However, with a Las Vegas Elopement photographer, you can expect to pay about $1,500.00- $2,500.00.
When it comes to elopement photographers in Las Vegas, you are in great (experienced) hands
I am personally still in awe of seeing such amazing stylized and artistic images. Our packages aim to pair you with a photographer based on your photography style (what images you lean more towards). Wondering how to find your photography style? The best way to find your wedding photography style is to use Pinterest and start pinning! Pin all the images. The second thing to consider is photography locations. Again, Pinterest! From there, we can help you find a Las Vegas elopement photographer who specializes in the very same style you vibe with most.
With your style and locations nailed down, the next thing to do will be to create a shot list. Having a list will help your photographer map out your day and include the stops you requested. The point of all this pinning is to really make sure your photographer understands what you’re going for. While no photographer will copy another photographer’s work, they will keep all of your requests in mind. This will allow them to produce something that aligns with their creative integrity and your wishes. You decided to find out how to elope in Vegas for a reason. Remember that when putting all of these details together for your photographer.
Where to stay when you elope in Las Vegas
There is no shortage of places to stay in Las Vegas, for real. It’s really a matter of preference and the experience you are looking for. If it’s just the two of you, I love the Delano. It does not have a Casino on the property but there is one in Mandalay Bay (right next door). What I love about Delano is that the lobby is less busy, less bright, and has a more secluded feeling. It is furthest down the strip, allowing you to be part of the action, but not “all up in it.”
If you want to splurge on your stay when you elope in Vegas, I suggest Sky Suites in the Aria. Not only do you get amazing views of the strip but it also comes with door-to-door service from the time you land (or drive from your home, if you’re a resident). It also comes with a lounge specifically for Sky guests as well as a personal concierge.
Inviting guests to your Vegas elopement?
If you have a few things lined up that include guests, I always suggest everyone stay at the same place. For this, I really like The Nobu Hotel at Caesar’s Palace. It’s designed beautifully and the service is beyond amazing. I also really like The Palms. Much like the Delano, its further down the strip and provides amazing views. It also offers up superb restaurants and entertainment, all onsite! The Palms is hands down the best if you are looking to plan a jam-packed weekend. Think: prearranged meals, shows, and pool times. In fact, the staff there will work with you to bring your Itinerary to life!
Luckily, Vegas is the capital of customer service and instant gratification. If you want more options similar to The Palms, that will be able to fulfill your requests, I highly recommend these locations as well.
- Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
- JW Marriott Resort & Spa (Las Vegas)
- The Element (Las Vegas-Summerlin)
- The Cromwell (The Strip)
In Conclusion
You officially have all the details you need on how to elope in Vegas. We covered where to stay, vegas elopement venues, obtaining a marriage license & having a witness, the key elements to help you select a photographer and the weddings by the numbers. I hope this realllly long blog helped you learn more about how to elope in Vegas. Elopements are truly one of the most magical experiences. If you read this blog or bookmarked it for later (look, it’s super long, I already know that) and you are ready for the next step, I would love to help you plan your Vegas elopement. You can schedule a time to chat with me, here.
Thanks for reading!
XO, Lindsay
Table of contents
- So you wanna know more about how to Elope in Las Vegas?
- Can tourists g et ma rried in Vegas?
- How much notice i s need ed to get married in Vegas?
- Do you need a witness to get married in Vegas?
- How much is a wedding in Vegas?
- Best time of year to get married in Vegas
- Selecting your Vegas wedding officiant or modern minister
- Las Vegas elopement venues
- Outdoor wedding venues in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas wedding chapels
- Personalize your Vegas elopement
- Your Las Vegas elopement photographer
- Where to stay when you elope in Las Vegas
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