Known as the quick wedding capital of the world, Las Vegas is the perfect place to elope. Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Las Vegas and make those Vegas chapel wedding dreams come true, baby!
Keep reading for all the dirty deets on how to plan the perfect elopement in Las Vegas!
How to Get There
PLANE TRAVEL:
McCarran International Airport (service over 30 airlines)
CHEAP FLIGHTS TO LAS VEGAS
Southwest Airlines flies to Las Vegas every single day. Round trip tickets from Arizona (where I'm based!) to Las Vegas (with a 2 month buffer) are around $80-100 per person. This includes two checked bags.
Allegiant Air also offers direct flights to Las Vegas for around $150 per person with the perk of choosing your own seat there and back.
* This means when you hire me as your elopement photographer, the travel is super inexpensive! *
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
Presidential Limousine Las Vegas
Highly recommended to get from the airport to your hotel room, offers roundtrip option, perfect for parties (this is super ideal if you do NOT plan to rent a car! Prices vary but expect to pay $150 round trip)
Another amazing limo service that can host up to 24 people in their largest options van
UBER/LYFT:
Rates for trips from Las Vegas airport to the strip run around $15-$20 one way. (this option adds up to being very pricey. However, if you plan on staying in just one location in Vegas, it’s mostly ideal).
Get a FREE $15 OFF when you use my link!
CAR RENTALS:
Short week: about $250 for cars.
Parking is free in most places and at hotels
This is by far my favorite way to get around in Vegas. It allows you a freedom you don’t have typically and driving in Vegas isn’t too bad!
OTHER FUN WAYS TO GET AROUND:
Where can I have my ceremony? Pick your chapel!
I am so glad you asked! There are just about a million places to get married in Las Vegas.
Most of these locations include everything in their fees and so for around $300 you can get married by an Elvis impersonator, have him serenade you, and exchange your vows in a little white chapel or outdoors in the Vegas sun.
Unfortunately, not all venues allow outside photographers so if you plan on hiring someone (like me). You’ll have to pay a small fee between $150-$300. Being “all in” for a ceremony with Elvis for $300-$600 is a steal and your blue eyes won’t be crying in the rain at that price!
(the cutest) LAS VEGAS WEDDING CHAPELS AND VENUES
Source: https://www.surethingchapel.com/
Sure Thing Chapel Firstly, this chapel is so freaking cute, second, their cheapest wedding package is $333 and you'll basically be in & out in 15 minutes! They have adorable add on options, as well like flowers, Elvis officiant, photo booth photos, and more!
The Little White Wedding Chapel A CLASSIC. Need I say more?
Viva Las Vegas Weddings located on the main Vegas strip, weddings range from $260-$1600. You can also bring an outside photographer for an extra fee.
Paradise Wedding Chapel Regular ceremonies begin at $150 and Elvis ceremonies from $270 with Elvis or Little Elvis. Bring your own photographer is $300. They’re located right off the Vegas strip.
Best Outdoor Locations to Get Married
Las Vegas is full of beautiful lights and attractions. It’s also surrounded by miles of desert beauty! Here are some of the best locations outdoors to get married in Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon State Park Spectacular rust-colored mountains; 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. This location will require a and wedding permit. Thankfully, nothing else is required so the cost is fairly low.
Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed This spot is the PERFECT location for desert portraits. It’s free to elope here and is easy to access. Pro-tip if you invite guests, visit the lake bed in advance and pin a location on your maps to send to your decorator and guests. The dry lake bed is vast and very empty. I’d recommend somewhere along the edge to marry because there are lots of cars, trucks, and motorcycles that race out there as well. Thankfully, it’s big enough for everyone.
Calico Basin Next door to Red Rock Canyon is Calico Basin, another gorgeous stop into the Vegas desert. This location has great views and is just a short drive outside of Vegas. Here’s the link to the wedding permit you’ll need in order to marry there. The permit covers a photographer as well so no extra fees are required.
Valley of Fire State Park The Valley of Fire State Park, located Northeast of Las Vegas, is a gorgeous and dreamy red rock and desertscape of intimate hideaways and gorgeous views. If you love nature, hiking (of any skill level) and want photos like no one else’s, this is your stop. In order to host a wedding there, you’ll need a licensed planner. Emily, with Elopements Las Vegas can help you get the wedding permits you’ll need and provide decor and rentals for your elopement day!
Lake Mead Located less than an hour from The Strip, Lake Mead is a beautiful lake reservoir with desert surroundings, perfect for an elopement day.
The Neon Museum This location, home to all of the past signs of Las Vegas, is the perfect place to start your new adventure together! You’ll have 60 minutes to share vows and have portraits taken there along with guests! The cost is around $1000.
To get legally married in Las Vegas and to plan a Las Vegas elopement, you’re going to need to get a certified marriage certificate. Don’t worry, it isn’t hard. You can fill out the pre-application online and then just stop by the courthouse a day before your ceremony. Here’s a link to the application and information!
Sold? Hire me as your Las Vegas Wedding Photographer.
Because I live so close to Las Vegas and I love doing sessions there, I have a package specifically for photographing elopements and bridal sessions in Las Vegas (that include travel and planning).
Click here to fill out an inquiry form and let me know that you're interested in a Vegas elopement in the notes section so I can send you the pricing guide right away!
xx,