How to plan the ultimate Las Vegas wedding
Whether you’re planning a wedding with 200 guests or want to elope with just you and your fiancé, Las Vegas has a way of making every love story feel larger than life. Known as the wedding capital of the world, this iconic city has hosted millions of “I do” moments—ranging from glamorous black-tie affairs to spontaneous, just-arrived-from-the-airport ceremonies.
The beauty of a Las Vegas wedding is that it can truly be whatever you want it to be. And while Las Vegas is famous for its over-the-top wedding lore, you don’t have to lean into every stereotype unless you want to. Yes, an Elvis impersonator is always an option—but so is an elegant ballroom affair, a chic restaurant ceremony, or an intimate celebration with incredible desert views.
However you envision it, this guide will walk you through how to plan a wedding in Vegas—or an elopement—that feels thoughtful, personal, and unmistakably you.
Why choose a Las Vegas wedding?
People choose a Las Vegas wedding for so many reasons, and often it’s a mix of practicality and pure fun. For starters, convenience is a huge draw. Vegas is designed for visitors, which means flights are plentiful, hotels are abundant, and vendors are experts at executing events efficiently—even on a tight timeline. It’s also incredibly budget-flexible. From affordable wedding chapels to extravagant destination wedding weekends, the range of Vegas wedding cost options makes it accessible for many couples.
Then there’s the fun factor. Vegas weddings tend to feel less stuffy and more celebratory, giving couples permission to break tradition and lean into what actually excites them. Add in the city’s built-in entertainment, dining, and nightlife, and you’ve got a wedding weekend guests will never forget.
How to plan a Las Vegas wedding or elopement
1. Determine the scale and formality
The very first step when planning a Las Vegas wedding is deciding what kind of celebration you want. Are you envisioning a full-scale destination wedding with 250 guests? A smaller affair with your 12 closest friends? Or a romantic elopement with just the two of you?
Once you’ve settled on size, think about formality. Vegas can do casual incredibly well—think pool parties, welcome drinks, and a relaxed wedding ceremony—but it also excels at glamour. You might opt for a black-tie, casino-inspired evening complete with a ballroom reception, or a chic rooftop celebration overlooking the Strip. There’s no wrong answer here—just what feels right for you and your partner.
2. Set your budget
One of the most common questions couples have when planning a Vegas wedding is about budget. And the truth is: Vegas wedding costs can vary dramatically. A classic chapel ceremony with minimal guests can be incredibly affordable, while a luxury hotel ballroom wedding with hundreds of guests can easily reach six figures.
Start by deciding what you’re comfortable spending overall, then break it down by category—venue, food and drink, attire, photography, and so on. If parents or family members are contributing, have an open conversation early on about what they’re comfortable covering. And if you and your partner are footing most of the bill, prioritize what matters most to you. Spending less on décor might mean more room in the budget for an unforgettable photographer or an epic after-party.
3. Choose a date
Timing matters, even in a city that seemingly never sleeps. If you’re planning a Las Vegas elopement, you can often move much faster—even with just days or weeks of notice. Larger weddings, however, will benefit from more lead time.
It’s also important to keep Vegas’s climate in mind. Summer months are extremely hot, which may not matter if most events are indoors or poolside, but outdoor ceremonies can be uncomfortable. Spring and fall tend to be more temperate and popular. Remember that Vegas is a major tourist destination, and that holidays, spring break, and major events like music festivals or sporting championships can mean higher prices and larger crowds.
As you narrow down dates, check in with close family and must-have guests. You may not find a date where everyone can attend, but focusing on your priority people will help you land on something that feels right for your Vegas wedding.
4. Select a venue
Vegas offers an incredible range of venues, which is part of what makes planning a wedding there so exciting. You might opt for a classic wedding chapel, perfect for eloping or hosting a small group on short notice. If you’re dreaming bigger, many iconic Strip hotels offer ballrooms, gardens, terraces, and even on-site chapels—making it easy for guests to stay and celebrate in one place.
Beyond hotels, consider restaurants, country clubs, museums, or outdoor spaces like botanical gardens and scenic terraces. But no matter what you choose, it’s best to act quickly. Vegas wedding venues book up fast, so reach out as soon as possible to schedule tours or gather details.
Once your venue is secured, it’s time to book a hotel block for guests. Proximity is key, and if events are spread out, providing transportation can be a thoughtful touch. With Paperless Post, you can add an Accommodations Block directly to your wedding invitation page, making it easy for guests to book the right place for their stay.
5. Design wedding invitations that set the tone
Now comes the fun part: inviting your guests! It’s important to start with a save the date, especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding. This gives guests time to book travel and accommodations. A Vegas-themed design makes for a playful and cheeky save the date, while your formal invitation might lean more classic or modern.
Paperless Post’s customizable wedding invitations make wedding planning simpler and more streamlined. Choose a design that reflects your style, then send it via email, text, or link. Built-in RSVP tracking helps you stay organized, and custom Blocks allow you to share everything guests need—travel details, registry links, wedding party info, and more—all in one place.
If you’re eloping, you can still include loved ones in the celebration. An elopement announcement featuring a photo and date is a thoughtful way to share the news, and you can always send a post-elopement party invitation if you plan to celebrate with friends and family later.
6. Hire the right Vegas wedding vendors
Great vendors can make all the difference, especially if you’re planning remotely. Vegas has an abundance of experienced professionals who know how to execute weddings smoothly and efficiently. For your Las Vegas wedding, these can include:
- Wedding planner or day-of coordinator: These pros are helpful for both destination weddings and last-minute plans. They’ll manage logistics so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
- Photographer or videographer: Vegas offers incredible backdrops—don’t skip capturing them and other special moments on your big day.
- Caterer: Whether you’re serving passed apps or a more formal sit-down dinner, no wedding celebration is complete without food!
- Florist: From minimalist bouquets to statement installations, florals are essential in helping to set the mood and up the romance.
- Bartenders and wait staff: A must for larger events and receptions, whether you’re serving wine and beer or doing a full-service bar.
- Band or DJ: Set the tone for your reception with clubby vibes or classic wedding hits.
Note that some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, so be sure to ask early in the process so you’re on the same page as planning moves forward.
7. Plan what to wear to a Vegas wedding
If there’s ever a time to have fun with fashion, it’s a Las Vegas wedding. When couples ask what to wear to a Vegas wedding, the answer is refreshingly flexible. This city fully embraces personal style, whether your celebration is a laid-back elopement or a formal destination wedding.
For elopements, many brides still choose to wear white, but tradition is very much optional here. You might opt for a sleek white dress, a jumpsuit, or something entirely unexpected. Some couples choose outfits with personal meaning—like wearing the outfit you had on during your first date—while others love the idea of buying something fun and fabulous off the rack once they arrive in town. Grooms and partners can lean classic with a suit or blazer, or go bold with color, texture, or statement accessories that feel distinctly Vegas.
For larger, more formal affairs, your attire can match the scale of the celebration. A glamorous ballroom wedding might call for a full-length gown or tux, while a chic restaurant or outdoor venue lends itself well to cocktail attire or modern silhouettes. This is also a great opportunity to play with sparkle, dramatic silhouettes, or fashion-forward details. After all, Vegas is a city where a little extra never feels out of place.
No matter the size or style of your celebration, comfort is key. Keep the Nevada climate in mind, especially if any part of your day will be outdoors or involve walking the Strip. Lightweight fabrics, breathable materials, and comfortable shoes (or a stylish backup pair) will go a long way in helping you enjoy every moment of your wedding day.
8. Get your paperwork in order
If you’re planning to get legally married in Nevada, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. Luckily, the local Marriage License Bureau makes this process pretty straightforward. You can apply online and then pick up the license in person with both parties present. Check out all the essential details on their website here.
If you’re not legally marrying in Vegas—perhaps you’re handling that at home before or after—then you can skip this step and focus solely on the celebration.
Last-minute tips for your Las Vegas wedding
9. Eloping? You can still hire a planner
Even if it’s happening soon, you can still hire someone to help you pull off the wedding of your dreams. Elopement planners specialize in creating meaningful ceremonies for couples on short notice, helping with everything from florals and dinner reservations to hotel bookings and special experiences.
10. Don’t sweat the paperwork
One of the perks of getting married in Nevada is the speed and efficiency of obtaining a marriage license. You don’t need an appointment to get your license, and there’s no waiting period—you can legally get married the same day you receive it. Just be sure you have the proper documentation, and your partner with you, when you show up at the Marriage License Bureau.
Pull off your Las Vegas wedding ideas with Paperless Post
From glamorous destination weddings to intimate Las Vegas elopements, planning your celebration should feel exciting—not overwhelming. With Paperless Post, you can simplify the process with beautifully designed save the dates, invitations, elopement announcements, and RSVP tools that keep everything organized in one place.
No matter how you choose to say “I do”—chapel, ballroom, country club, desert landscape—we’re here to help you plan a Vegas wedding that feels effortless, personal, and uniquely you.
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