Getting hitched in Vegas is supposed to be fun, adventurous, and most of all stress-free. However, when you’re planning your Las Vegas wedding from another state, or even another country, sometimes the details can be overwhelming. Here are a few facts that will help ensure your wedding day in Vegas is totally stress-free.
1. Popular Locations Can Have Fees and Limitations
There are SO many locations to hold your wedding or have your photo shoot, really the possibilities are endless. What most people don’t know, however, is that some of the most popular locations in town may have fees, require permits, or otherwise have other limitations in place that may take you by surprise when you arrive in Vegas for your big day!
Take the casinos on the strip, for example. Most hotel and casino properties do not allow outside photography, so if you’re wanting those iconic Bellagio fountain wedding photos, you may want to check with your photographer to find out what areas you can go to to achieve those iconic photos.
Another great example would be our amazing state parks around Las Vegas. Lots of couples want to get married away from the bustle of the strip and opt for scenic locations like Red Rock or Valley of Fire. Both require special permitting to have your ceremony, or even just to have your wedding photos taken within their borders.
The best practice would be to do thorough research on whatever location you’re choosing to have your ceremony or wedding photo session, and most times you’re able to consult your wedding photographer who should be totally up to speed on any venue rules, fees, or restrictions.
2. Some Wedding Chapels Don’t Allow Outside Vendors
The huge draw to having your wedding at a Vegas wedding chapel is the ability to have an all-inclusive experience. Nothing can be more stress-free than being able to make one phone call while planning your wedding, and that one phone call taking care of every aspect of your big day. I totally get it. What most people don’t realize though is that most chapels use their own vendors and don’t allow any outside vendors to be part of your wedding. Probably the most requested outside service would be wedding photography, so do keep this in mind when choosing your wedding chapel. Some chapels will require you to use their own ministers, photographers, and florists and may or may not offer you the ability to bring in your own vendors for an additional fee. It’s definitely a question worth asking when calling to book!
3. Transportation and Traffic Can Be A Nightmare
When I moved to Vegas one of my first outings was with my cousin to the strip. We decided to walk from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay so we could see all of the Strip. After all, how far could it be? The strip looks tiny from an airplane. Yeah, no. It was over 5 miles in 100+ degree weather. It was the pits.
Lots of people underestimate how large the strip, and Las Vegas as a whole, are. This town is HUGE! Couples and their guests definitely need to plan transportation accordingly. A big tip I have for folks traveling to Vegas from out of town is if you’re not renting a limo or driver, consider car ride services like Uber or Lyft over the taxi companies. The response time is MUCH faster, and you’ll be able to get from point A to point B much faster than using a taxi. Keep in mind however that most hotels have a totally separate area for Uber and Lyft cars to pick up passengers, so consult with your concierge on where the proper pick-up zones are located.
4. There Are A Ton Of Venue and Reception Options
So many options, and in every price range, both on and off the strip! If you ever feel like you’re going to get stuck having a “cheesy Vegas wedding”(and you don’t want the quintessential cheesy Vegas wedding experience), check out this directory to find your perfect venue. You can sort by size and price range to find exactly what you need!
5. Vegas Is A Tipping Town
Lots of people may not know this, but here in Vegas tipping is in our DNA. We’re such a service-oriented city and because of this tipping has become a staple for us. Though (usually) never expected, tipping your vendors will always be appreciated. The transportation service industry is usually a bit more expectant of tipping. Everyone from your limo driver to the person that hails a cab for you at your hotel, all work off of tips.
Most wedding chapel employees also work off of tips. Do consider including tip amounts within your final budget, as you may run into situations from time to time where tipping would be appropriate!
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