Las Vegas is the perfect setting for traditional wedding ceremonies as well as theme ceremonies for the more adventurous.
Grand Canyon/Helicopter Ceremonies
Elvis Weddings
For those die hard fans of "˜The King,' Las Vegas is the place to hold an Elvis inspired ceremony. Elvis packages differ at each venue. Ceremonies range from a singing Elvis impersonator performing the ceremony to Hawaiian themed events including Elvis performing with several hula dancers. Couples may even choose to make an entrance by driving down the isle in a 64 Pink Caddy convertible.
Gondola Weddings
Couples wishing to marry in Italy, but not having the budget can choose a Venetian inspired wedding in Vegas. Couples may marry on the striking Lake Las Vegas, with Gondolas large enough to accommodate up to twelve guests. Couples can choose to have meals, flowers, champagne and even a singing gondolier for their excursion. The Venetian Hotel also offers Gondola weddings.
Pirate Themes
Couples looking for a fantasy wedding can marry at the Treasure Island Hotel aboard the outdoor pirate ship. Guests can watch from the patio as pirate characters perform the ceremony. Couples may even choose to have a pirate swing down to deliver the wedding rings.
Lake Las Vegas
For couples seeking elegance, a wedding aboard the Lake Las Vegas Yacht may be the right choice. Couples are first picked up from their hotel in a stretch limousine. Once aboard the yacht, they travel to a private resort lake where they may marry with up to 25 guests. The cruise also includes cocktails and appetizers.
Drive Through Wedding
For spontaneous couples, Vegas offers the "˜fast food' of ceremonies - the "˜Drive Through' wedding. Couples may drive a car, limousine or motorcycle up to the venue at any time and hold their quickie ceremony. To up the fun, couples may want to consider renting a luxury sports car or motorbike for the adventure.
Las Vegas Strip Limousine Wedding
Couples that love the lights of the Las Vegas Strip can opt to hold their ceremony in a limousine. The couple and their guests can be picked up from their hotel, taken to the courthouse for legalities, and then have the ceremony performed within the limousine as it cruises up and down the strip.
Star Trek Ceremony
For couples that can't get enough of Sci Fi, the Hilton Las Vegas offers a Star Trek themed wedding, complete with a ceremony aboard the USS Enterprise. Klingons and Ferengi can be witnesses and receptions are held at Quark's Bar and Restaurant. Couples can also opt to include a tour of the Voyage through Space and History of the Future exhibit.
Gangster Weddings
The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel offers several themed wedding adventures including a Mafia theme circa 1940. Couples can be married in the Gangster wedding chapel complete with special lighting, candles, fog and red check table coverings. The Godfather himself can wed the couple while a soloist belts Italian music.
Valley of Fire
In lieu of the Grand Canyon, couples may choose the Valley of Fire as their ceremony location. The Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park made up of masses of bright red sandstone and plants such as the desert marigold. The Valley of Fire has also been the location for several films such as Star Trek.
Legal requirements for marrying in Las Vegas are quite simple. There is no blood test required and no minimum length of stay for the couple. Both people must be at least 18 years of age and have legal documentation. More information on documentation and marriage fees can be obtained from the county courthouse. Most hotels or wedding planners in the area can assist in arranging the paperwork.
