Planning a Wedding in Las Vegasa blogger's report
In April 2005 we toured certain wedding facilities in Las Vegas, having narrowed our focus to the following five large hotels:
This is what we learned:
All of the venues we saw would make a lovely setting for a wedding.
No matter where or how the ceremony is held, it will only last about 15 minutes.
Cashman Professional or Las Vegas Photography provide the photography and videography for
most of the hotels, so the prices and options are (or should be) pretty much the same for these services.
All stressed that photos could be taken around any of the venues, usually with an escort.
All of these hotels have premium rates for Saturday, but otherwise, it varies. Weekdays are better values and have less competition for venues and photo ops.
Ceremonies are held daytime only, from around 10:00 am till about 5:00 pm, may be later in summer.
The sun and heat in Summer and the wind in Spring and Fall in Las Vegas can make an outdoor wedding oppressive, especially if guests, as well as wedding party, are not protected.
Everyone is reminded that the marriage license fee is $55 and the minister donation is a minimum of $50.
Ceasers Entertainment, which owns both The Flamingo and The Paris, has been taken over by Harrah's. This might affect prices in the immediate future. Locking in prices at any of the hotels is recommended.
Probably, there are more places for a unique wedding experience in Las Vegas than most anywhere else.
Weddings in Las Vegas make up a very big business and are being heavily promoted.
And a little reminder: "Women's total instinct for gambling is satisfied by marriage." - Gloria Steinem
Listed in alphabetical order. Click on photo to see larger version.
Flamingo Gazebo
Flamingo Gazebo
Flamingo Garden Trellis
Flamingo Garden Chapel
Paradise Falls
| The Flamingo 800-933-7993
Venues Chapel
Garden Gazebo
West Lawn gazebo
Paradise Falls
Garden Trellis
Pros
This hotel has really invested in its wedding facilities.
It was the only place where the wedding chapel ("The Garden Chapel") and office were in a separate facility.
It was the only place that had 15 acres of lovely gardens for ceremonies and photo ops.
it was the only place that we toured that offered a person to take you around and tell about the individual venues.
"The Gazebo Chapel" and the "Garden Trellis" are nicely secluded and shady.
The Chapel at the Flamingo was one of the loveliest, with lots of floral arrangements. See photo.
Cons
"Paradise Falls", "Crescendo Pool", and "The West Lawn" are in high-traffic areas, though they do try to block off the areas.
"The Garden Trellis" is really PINK. You would want to rethink this area if you object to that color.
The pews in the chapel may seem too "churchy" for the secular.
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Main Chapel at MGM Grand
| The MGM Grand 800-646-5530
NOTE: They were conducting a wedding when we visited so we took fewer pictures.
Venues
2 chapels
poolside
conference room
Pros
Imposing entrance to the wedding facilities and behind closed from the busy restaurant area.
Their brochure wins hands-down, thorough and informative. It even includes an interactive DVD.
We didn't tour them, but dressing rooms are included
Non-denominational in nature, catering to civil, religious, "cultural and commitment ceremonies" performed by "officiants".
Nice selection of honeymoon suites.
Online webcasting. See web cam site
Cons
Lots of walking to the wedding chapel. We received a map at the lobby.
Chapel is a bit plain, but we were advised that you could bring in some upgrades, e.g. more flowers,if portable, bows for the pews,a runner.
Poolside weddings must include a catered reception.
Only place where I was not impressed by the friendliness of the staff.
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Chapel (Chapelle du Paradis) at The Paris
Smaller Chapel (Chapelle du Jardin) at The Paris
Cabanas for Poolside wedding
Poolside Patio Setting
Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
(You observe what you want, I'll observe what I want.)
Pool Patio from Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
| The Paris 877-650-5021
Venues 2 Chapels
Cabana / Poolside
Eiffel Tower Observation Deck
Pros
Nice brochure
Wedding chapel office, which opens at 9:00 am is conveniently located on the 2nd floor, guest elevators.
Online webcasting.
Poolside option includes two air-conditioned cabanas.
Unique setting at the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. We appreciated that we were offerred comp passes to check it out.
Poolside and Tower packages offer an inclement weather alternative in chapel with a price refund.
A penthouse at Bally's is a honeymoon suite option that could also be used for the ceremony.
Cons
The garden murals in the smaller chapel did not appeal to me, and I thought the pews looked out of place.
Eiffel Tower setting available only at 9:30 am
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West Chapel at Treasure Island
East chapel or Photo Area at TI
Pirate Ship at Treasure Island
Pirate Ship at Treasure Island
| Treasure Island 800-866-4748
Venues 2 Chapels
Pirate Ship
Pros
Chapels are very pretty.
Wedding chapel office is conveniently located on the 2nd floor, guest elevators.
Unique setting on pirate's ship.
Cons
Pirate's ship setting allows only 2 persons besides bride, groom, and officiator.
Guests have a view from a corded off VIP section about 50 feet away.
We received a small brochure that, we were told, they are redoing.
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The Chapel at The Venetian
Bridal Gondola at The Venetian
Brdge at The Venetian
An April Monday view of traffic in the Square
| The Venetian 866-548-1807
Venues Chapel
Bridge
Gondola
Pros
posh locale
Wedding chapel is private and conveniently located on the 2nd floor, guest elevators.
Cons
Not much of a brochure
The "charming chapel" is more like a large conference room that can be sectioned into thirds by drawing curtains.
High traffic areas for bridge (Ponte al di Piazza) or gondola (Emporio de Gondola) venues.
For the bridge or gondola setting, LOTS of walking to "Saint Mark's Square" for guests and dressed-up wedding party. We were given written directions to get there.
Guests would have minimal view of ceremony in gondola.
the gondolas are actually motorized but quiet.
The brochure says of the Bridge option, "As you exchange vows, onlookers join in the celebration." I would question the value of that.
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