It’s no question that Las Vegas is the Wedding Capital of the World, and it would be a good guess that some of those marriages are elopements. With a litany of location options to choose from — scenic mountains, desert landscapes, opulent resorts, iconic chapels — the destination is hands down the easiest place to get hitched, even without a lot of advanced planning. Here are a few tips and locations for when you just can’t wait to marry your true love.

Smaller, intimate venues and chapels are great for spur-of-the-moment elopements, not only because they are affordable and don’t need a long planning period, but also because they’re fun and unique. 

  • Downtown Las Vegas is full of chapels with reasonably priced packages, and Vegas Weddings is one of them. Located right across from the Marriage License Bureau (which will be your first stop to wedded bliss), it operates two chapels: THE Wedding Chapel and The Casino Wedding Chapel. But the most novel (and affordable) way to seal the deal is in The Fast Lane, where couples can walk up or drive through to say “I do.” 

  • The historic A Little White Chapel is open 24 hours a day and the ceremony itself can take as little as 15 minutes. Where else can you say you got married where Elvis, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra did?

  • For an intimate, unique Vegas-themed ceremony for just the two of you, choose the “Just the Two of Us” package at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod. You’ll say your vows on the indoor or outdoor observation deck overlooking Las Vegas on levels 108 and 109 of the SkyPod. And the package includes wristbands for unlimited Thrill Rides as you embark on the ride of a lifetime.

Tip 1: Though many venues will accommodate you without a booking, it’s advisable to make reservations for your wedding before you arrive in Vegas.

If you have always dreamed of a wedding at one of Vegas’ resort chapels, that dream can still come true, even if you’re eloping.

  • Mandalay Bay offers an “Elope” package that includes all the amenities a larger ceremony would. From a wedding coordinator and flowers to a pianist performing four songs at the ceremony and a photo shoot, it will be everything you’ve dreamed of.
  • Paris Las Vegas’ “Kiss Me in Paris” or Flamingo Las Vegas’ “Happily, Ever After” ceremony packages includes choice of chapel, flower allowance, pianist or musical accompaniment, photography, bottle of champagne, and a coordinator to help throughout the ceremony.
Tip 2: Keep an eye on the calendar. Pricing may vary and make sure to check availability in advance, especially when other events, concerts or major conventions are happening in Las Vegas.

  • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers in-suite elopements where you pick the suite that best fits you — such as the Terrace Suite or Wraparound Terrace Suite — both allowing you to host a small ceremony in the main living space. They also have a dedicated Wedding Suite on the 36th floor that overlooks the Fountains of Bellagio and the Las Vegas Strip skyline, providing a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.

For a truly memorable Vegas wedding, take it outside. Some of the best places for eloping in Vegas are outdoors and absolutely stunning.

  • The spectacular rust-colored mountains of Red Rock Canyon are only 17 miles west of the Vegas Strip, and perfect for a dramatic outdoor ceremony. The two designated sites for weddings in the canyon provide nature lovers with a scenic backdrop for a dazzling desert affair.

  • You won’t find anything like The Neon Boneyard at The Neon Museum anywhere else in the world. This historical landmark houses iconic neon signs from the Rat Pack era, and each tells a story about Vegas’ glittering past. It’s a perfect location for a wedding that’s fun, nostalgic and 100% Vegas.

  • For a different take on outdoor nuptials, embrace the quintessential Vegas wedding by getting wedded up at a drive-thru chapel. Opt for a walk-up experience or go big by renting a convertible (check to see if one comes as part of the package). This fun twist can be just the two of you or for the whole crew to witness.

Tip 3: Keep in mind you’ll need a special recreation permit to get married at a national park or recreation area. Red Rock Canyon requires the permit application be submitted a minimum of 30 days in advance.

 

With these tips and suggestions, you should now be that much closer to saying yes to forever, Las Vegas-style.