Modern day Vegas weddings can be held just about anywhere. The weather is always warm, sometimes hot, and so outdoor weddings are easy to arrange. You might be surprised to know that rolling mountains surround the city and are the location of beautiful Red Rock Canyon, as well as the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort at Lee Canyon (about a 45 minute drive northwest of town). In addition, Lake Mead is approximately 35 miles away and offers a scenic backdrop for a more natural wedding. And, of course, the city of Las Vegas offers so much to any type of couple, and many choose to hold their wedding and reception at a theme hotel such as Excalibur or the Luxor.

Although it is located in the middle of the desert, Las Vegas is easily accessible from Los Angeles via Interstate 15. It is also just a few hours’ drive from Phoenix and Salt Lake City. McCarran International Airport is very centrally located in Las Vegas, with many airlines offering direct flights from both east and west coasts. The airport itself is aglow with slot machine lights and all the bells and whistles you’d expect to see and hear in Vegas. It also offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and darn good people watching. Arrive early in the evening and you may even spot a showgirl decked out in her stunning regalia.

Navigating through Las Vegas is relatively easy, as the Interstate runs squarely down the middle of town (including the Strip). However, I-15 can be intimidating - most drivers move at breakneck speed, ignore turn signal features, and are hard-pressed to allow merging traffic to come in. Many visitors to this exciting city opt for cabs and shuttles, and there are many to choose from at all hours of the night and day. Most hotels and resorts offer free airport and Strip shuttle service - a good idea if the highway is less than appealing, or if you plan (as many do) on imbibing in a few libations.

Most couples choose to get married in Las Vegas for several reasons. As party towns go, this one is at the top of anyone’s list. Vegas is always festive, lively, and full of opportunities to escape the routines and pressures of daily life. It is an ideal place to see the world from a completely different perspective. With so many places to wander through, and so much to see and do, Vegas has always been the destination of choice for weddings and elopements.

We have to stop for just a moment and add our two cents about Henderson, Nevada, which is a suburb to the south and east of Las Vegas. For those seeking a slightly quieter, cleaner location en route to Lake Mead and without the huge crowds or huge rates found on the Strip, check out this town. Sunset Station is a remarkably clean resort hotel featuring beautiful mountain views, numerous restaurants to appeal to any palate, Starbucks, a fantastic and spacious workout facility, a movie theater, bowling, childcare facility, and of course, a large casino. Beautiful palm trees adorn the entrances, and the staff are extraordinarily welcoming and helpful. Happy Wedding Planning!

Browse all Las Vegas listings