Gerry and Brenda met in June of 2014 and began dating and it blossomed into something special. They never gave up hope that they would find that special someone who would the their perfect fit. They came in to the marriage with grown children but their families blended beautifully and even add a 9 month year old miniature golden doodle (Zoey) that has been a joy for all family members.
When I asked them what they liked the most about their relationship they had a lot to say. They started off saying they look forward to sharing each day and experience together. They expressed they now have a best friend to share life experiences with. They also look forward to retiring together and growing as a couple while experiencing the many opportunities for world together (travel to Europe, beach vacations, etc). Best of all sharing laughter and the ability to make the other one smile is something they both value and appreciate in one another. They have no problem laughing at or with each other.
Photo at the Red Rock desert amphitheater location
Gerry and Brenda decided to have their Red Rock wedding at the amphitheater location at Red Rock Canyon visitors center. This is a beautiful setting for any planned elopement or large wedding party looking for a desert wedding in Las Vegas.
Julie at Custom Las Vegas Weddings planned Gerry and Brenda’s Red Rock weddings elopement package. They decided to customize the basic package and include extra services. Their desert elopement wedding included planned transportation, ceremony, photos, flower planning, and a video to capture the moment for a lifetime of memories.
On the day of their wedding the weather was a beautiful 80 degrees at Red Rock Canyon. After the ceremony they walked in to the desert and took romantic wedding photos on the desert pathways. They had a fabulous time exploring the desert around the visitors center overlooking the scenic drive exchanging, romantic kisses and interchanges.
Gallery
The ceremony begins.
Gerry seals his promise by giving Brenda her wedding ring.
It’s Brenda’s turn to give Gerry his promise and ring.
Gerry and Brenda seal their vows with a kiss.
Here the bride and groom enjoy the intimate moment when they make it official.
They brought along silly glasses to celebrate the occasion with some light fun.
Here the wedding couple poses with the beauty of the desert with the Red Rocks behind them.
Happy newlyweds planned spelling out LOVE with their hands. Creative!
We had to showcase Gerry and Brenda’s fun and comfortable choices of shoes.
Red Rock weddings are very popular and trendy now. The reasons for this lie in the stunning natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon mountain ranges and terrain. A lot of wedding couples don’t know this but this is reserved as a federal park and is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM only allows a small amount of permit holders to hold weddings at Red Rock. In fact, there are only 3 locations the BLM will allow wedding ceremonies to take place. They are the overlook, the amphitheater and Ash Springs.
Photo of the tiered seating at the amphitheater by the visitors center at Red Rock Canyon
About this ceremony location: This wedding experience showcases a wedding at the amphitheater of the Visitors Center which is located directly behind the Visitors center. The visitor center features interpretation of cultural history of the area and information about the habitat. The center has exhibits and a gift and book shop.
How about seating? This is the only location the BLM allows as many as 200 guests. This is also the only location that has or allows seating at Red Rock canyon wedding sites. The amphitheater has tiered concrete seating for wedding guests to sit.
Need to know information about the amphitheater location
Are decorations allowed? The BLM stipulates permit holders and their customers are not allowed to engage in throwing bird seed or confetti at wedding ceremonies. They also do not allow natural decorations to be placed in the desert as it may affect the natural habitat of the species that inhabit the area. They do allow carefully placed artificial minimal decorations if they are all removed after the ceremony. The BLM are guardians for the natural habitat at the park and consider it a serious violation to break the rules or engage in picking up or interacting with the desert tortoise, which is protected now under the endangered species laws. There is a $500 fine if this rule is not abided by.
Photo by Matthew Seeman
About the scenic drive: The amphitheater ceremony location is located inside the guard gate entrance for the scenic drive. Red Rock Canyon scenic drive is a one-way 13 -mile drive with a 35 MPH enforced speed limit by park rangers. The BLM does allow wedding customers to enter the scenic drive with the photographer after the ceremony is done but it has to stipulated on the wedding permit by the wedding planner. The wedding permit covers the entrance fee for all guests to go on the scenic drive. The scenic drive is the place where you will get the most unique and beautiful wedding photos. To choose this option you may drive yourselves to Red Rock canyon and have the ceremony there and then move on to the scenic drive with the photographer. This will allow more flexibility for you and will be a cheaper option if you are on a tight budget. Otherwise, if you plan to use a limousine service and want to include the scenic drive for photos you need to reserve the limousine for at least 4 hours of time. Limousines will require a minimum vehicle booking of 4 hours to travel and take in the ceremony and the scenic drive. This is due to the fact that it will take 45 minutes just to drive around the scenic drive as it is a one way drive. This does not include stopping and walking to get photos, which lengthens the time spent on the scenic drive.
Guest limits for the amphitheater location: 200 guests are allowed. The maximum number of vehicles for wedding couple and guests is 20 and limo buses count as 2 vehicles.
Times change for availability based on the season. Here are the seasonal hours for amphitheater weddings. The amphitheater closes at 4 pm therefore weddings need to be done by 4 pm and scheduled at the latest for with a 2 hour permit from 2-4 pm. This means sunset weddings will not be possible for this location during spring and summer up until fall when the sun sets earlier in the sky.
Nov – Feb – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM March – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Apr – Sep – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Oct – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This package showcases an example of a Red Rock wedding package that incorporates the scenic drive into the experience. However, Custom Las Vegas Weddings also provides other options starting with basic elopement services.
You finally decided on the perfect destination wedding experience and chose a Red Rock wedding. But there are details you need to know to plan for having a wedding at Red Rock Canyon and this article gives important facts, tips and ways to make it a more comfortable and successful experience.
Compared to the Las Vegas Valley, there is typically a seven degree difference to prepare for in elevation and sometimes the difference can be greater. Each season brings its surprises. Here are a few seasonal tips for planning around the weather for a Red Rock Canyon wedding or photo shoot.
A Spring Red Rock Wedding
Spring time
The spring welcomes wildflowers in the lower elevations that pop out of the ground like butterflies from their cocoons. The remnants of winter chill the early morning. The wind picks up and the day is cool with clear skies.
If you don’t mind crisp air, a spring Red Rock wedding is beautiful among the wildflowers. Enjoy milder weather and sunshine between noon and mid-afternoon. Though cool, the sun’s rays can still burn your skin, so be sure to bring sunscreen.
The temperature steadily rises in spring. Click here for an hourly temperature guide from the official Red Rock Canyon site. This is an accurate and very helpful resource to keep updated on the weather.
In March, the high reaches 65° F. In April, the high is 73° F, and in May, the temperature reaches up to 82° F.
Springtime is a great time to get married at Red Rock Canyon however it may still be windy. As the colder winter conditions subside, there is an air conversion effect which causes increased wind to come in to the Las Vegas valley and surrounding areas. You may want to have your wedding in the valley at Red Rock Canyon. A great place to have your wedding ceremony that is more protected from the wind is at Ash Springs. It does require a small 10 minute hike to get there however. Being closer to the rocks does seem to provide more refuge from the wind than the Red Rock overlook or the Amphitheater area does.
A desert summer requires sunscreen and grit. Only the strong survive. Temperatures can feel scorching in the 100’s. In June, the high starts at an average 93° F.
Definitely bring umbrellas and stay updated on the weather. There is no avoiding the heat and summer also brings a good dose of humidity when the monsoon season hits. Monsoon season in Las Vegas officially starts early to mid-July from early to mid-September. July and August are the most humid months in the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon also experiences the same conditions if not worse. The mountain ranges there seem to attract in the storms.
To cope with the intense heat be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Consider bringing an umbrella or parasol a part of your wedding day. Some brides now prefer to carry parasols and other personalized alternatives in the place of a bridal bouquet. Many of the allowed locations for weddings in Red Rock State Park don’t offer shade.
Whenever Custom Las Vegas Weddings plans your wedding, they will make sure your limousine provides bottled water and a glorious invention that pushes out cold air, commonly known as air conditioning. We definitely recommend getting an early start. Late weddings can be beautiful and when the sun isn’t directly shining on you it can seem less scorching, but the rocks still hold the heat of the day to be careful when sitting or lying on the rocks.
As summer temperatures fade, a fall Red Rock wedding will feature mild and lovely weather conditions. Mid-September, the entire month of October up until mid-November seems to be Red Rock Canyon weathers sweet spot. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a very comfortable temperature as a standard with low wind.
Monsoon weather is usually over by the 1st week of September and raises only the occasional concern. Don’t get caught in the rain near a body of water or you may end up in a flash flood.
It will be the responsibility of your Las Vegas wedding planner to guide you in getting the timing right for your wedding in the desert. In September the sun sets around 7 pm. By October the sun sets around 6:30 and the later in the month it’s around 6 pm. November brings a time clock change and clocks roll back an hour with sunset at 4:45 pm.
A Winter Red Rock Wedding
Photo taken near Calico Basin – Ash Springs
The winter weather at Red Rock Canyon tends toward chilly and sometimes wind accompanies the rain attracted to the mountain areas. Layering is strongly advised and bring a warm coat. You can find fashionable wedding cover-up garments that will keep you nice and warm. It is also advisable to bring a hat or wrap around for your head. The wind can be sharp and cold on some winter days.
From mid-January to the beginning of March Red Rock can experience periodic bouts of rain in the forecast. The mountain range tends to attract the storms. If you have a wedding scheduled when there is rain in the forecast it is advisable to keep a close eye on what is happening as flooding often occurs in the wash areas of Red Rock Canyon. The Bureau of Land Management controls the permits for weddings in Las Vegas. If there is any danger they will contact your Las Vegas wedding planner who is helping you and issue a warning. They will also work with the planner to reschedule the wedding if needed due to safety reasons.
In winter temperatures usually reach the mid-fifties by day, but warmer weather can occur. It’s best to have a winter Red Rock wedding in the early to mid-afternoon to take advantage of warmer temperatures.
From mild to cold weather, you don’t need to worry about sunscreen too much. Of course in winter the sun goes down earlier and ducks behind some of the tall mountain range by 3:30 to 4 PM. You will want to consider having your Las Vegas desert wedding earlier in the afternoon if you want to capture some warm from the sunlight to offset the cool weather. Even in the desert, blankets of snow cover the Red Rock Canyon mountains after a snowstorm and snowstorms do happen then.
Let Nature Inspire Your Wedding
Red Rock State Park is made up of 286 sprawling acres with stunning scenery. Trails meander through juniper and manzanita to the edge of Oak Creek. The creek travels around the park, enriching the riparian habitat with abundant wildlife and native plants.
Do be careful with the natural habitat at Red Rock Canyon. There are hefty fines in place established by the BLM for breaking the rules so don’t feed the burros. You also need to know that the desert tortoise at Red Rock is considered endangered and you must not stand within 5 feet of them or else there is a hefty fine.
This ancient and scenic environment provides several beautiful backdrops for a dream outdoor wedding in nature. Take advantage of warmer weather and walk the trails several months or a year before your wedding to get ideas about theme, color scheme and possible weather conditions.
Keep in mind that only certain areas of the park permit weddings and no weddings are permitted on the scenic drive. Custom Las Vegas Weddings is one company that is approved to perform weddings at Red Rock Canyon. They hold a permit for 3 of the designated areas to have a wedding in Red Rock. They will be able to guide you in very creative and romantic experiences at Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock State Park visitor’s center website is a great resource and place to learn about the history of Red Rock. It is located at the entry of the scenic drive which is a must see if you have the time. You are instructed on the various life zones of the park, which include plant life, wildlife, history and archaeology. Make note of the plant life and colors you see. If you’re a fan of birds, bird walks and hiking trails abound. Remember to always leave the park as you found it.
Planning Wedding Attire around Red Rock Weather
It’s a popular idea to showcase the backdrop of the scenic mountain range with a cactus bouquet or artificial flowers as natures alter. Have your Vegas wedding planner style your wedding at Red Rock and help you create your own unique vision to match the environment.
Be creative and incorporate blush or pastel colors into your theme, bouquet and wedding attire or have Custom Las Vegas Weddings help you plan a Las Vegas desert wedding that will be very private and unique for you.
Imagine the use of blue and yellow primary colors against the red rocks of the park. Blue, violet or silver hues would also look lovely in a winter wedding. Let the natural dusky hues bring out the wild romantic in you.
You must keep your attire choices in mind as you plan around the weather. Don’t sacrifice your dream wedding wear, but do remain conscious of your fabric choices. Be prepared to carry wedding gown trains.
Imagine custom-made vegan or leather boots or pastel color dress and tux styling for your wedding that match the desert landscape.
If it’s a little rainy and muddy, you don’t want to sacrifice delicate and expensive shoes. Bring along an extra pair of shoes to walk the trails and put your expensive shoes in a carry bag or tote. Then when you are ready to start the planning for the wedding ceremony and photos get those beautiful shoes out and let your style shine. Don’t forget umbrellas or a stylish parasol.
Layer up for chilly weather, and wear SPF makeup and sunscreen for hotter months. Umbrellas or parasols also come in handy to provide instant shade from the scorching sun.
Red Rock provides an inspiring landscape for a stunning destination wedding. Let nature inspire your Red Rock wedding, but keep the changing seasons in mind as you plan.
Contact Custom Las Vegas Weddings for more tips on navigating the changing weather at Red Rock during your Las Vegas wedding planning process. They will make sure you get there in style and comfort, so you can focus on making one of the most important memories of your lifetime.
Planning a Las Vegas destination wedding from out of the country or even from a different state of the union is a thrilling proposition but there can be challenges at times. This article is helpful with some of the best Las Vegas wedding preparation tips to make your experience better.
Las Vegas is a dream city and getting married there is a memorable experience no matter where you come from around the world. Here are great Vegas wedding planning tips to help you prepare accordingly.
1. Jet lag preparation
Flying to Vegas from out of the country or from another state to have a Las Vegas destination wedding can be a long, tiring journey. Jet lag can dramatically affect how you feel and if you aren’t prepared it may make your Las Vegas marriage experience be less than desirable. Avoid jet lag symptoms by carrying melatonin supplements. Traveling often disrupts the circadian rhythm of melatonin in the body. This often causes severe jet lag for those that travel long distances. Use between 0.5 mg and 5 mg of melatonin an hour before sleeping and only after reaching Las Vegas. Vegas hotels can be noisy with a lot of disruptions from foot traffic and hotel pool parties. Whatever sleep aids you use, take it with you for a refreshing slumber. This will ultimately be a life saver if you want to get married in Vegas without feeling groggy.
2. Enough time to sleep and recuperate
Flying to Vegas means crossing different time zones. Crossing more than one time zone will disrupt your circadian rhythm and your body will require a few days to acclimatize. Our advice is allow enough time to lapse between arrival and your wedding day. Allow at least two to three days to recuperate. It’s also a great idea to prepare yourself physically ahead of time by exercising regularly, enjoying a healthy diet and getting as much adequate sleep as you can.
3. Keep in mind the time difference when communicating with family
Calling family and friends in Las Vegas can be confusing depending on the time zones and time differences there are. The United States has a total of seven main country time zones. Flying to Vegas to get married at a Las Vegas destination wedding location, depending on where you come from, could mean crossing varied time zones. Note the time difference to call your family at a proper time.
The desert environment, hot sun and swelling temperatures in Las Vegas can be hard on people who are used to a dramatically different climate. It’s very important to drink enough water to keep hydrated. Becoming dehydrated in Vegas is a common problem. The climate is hot and dry and hydration is highly critical for a person from out of the country. If you don’t stay hydrated jet lag effects may worsen, fatigue will result and your excellent experience to enjoy your Vegas marriage could be in jeopardy.
5. Exchange money to have dollars before you arrive
Before you arrive in Vegas, exchange your home currency to the U.S. dollar. You will normally get better rates exchanging your money at home than you will get trying to do so at the main cashier cages in Vegas casinos, for instance. It’s also important to call your credit card provider and bank before you travel to alert them about your travel. It is commonplace for banks to flag and put a hold on bank credit card purchases originating from using your debit card or credit card in a foreign land. Banks and credit card companies are quick to suspect fraud and freeze your money. You don’t want that to happen to you so it’s best to come prepared and know what to expect.
Getting around Vegas is usually not a problem because there are plenty of travel options available. Knowing your options and preparing beforehand is much better than arriving and make spontaneous decisions that end up costing you more in the long run. Uber and Lyft are approved rides in the city. Both companies offer phone apps to pick your driver to get you where you want to go. Lyft can pick you from the airport but won’t show the price range. Uber lets you know beforehand what you’ll pay before you call a specific driver. Beware of surge pricing that could charge you an extra $30 up to a high of $100. You can also get around with monorail if you’re travelling within any of the seven spots it starts from. The monorail starts at a cost of $5 for a single ride pass or $12 for a day pass. Here is an article with valuable Las Vegas tram information and links to help you. Taxi options are abundant and virtually anywhere although the cost varies depending on the time of year and traffic. If you request a taxi from the airport it will cost you more. Deuce is Vegas public transportation that is a very inexpensive option and it covers most of the city areas you will need to get to. The cost of Deuce is $6 for a two-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass or a $20 for a 72-hour pass with ticket purchase available on the bus. There’s also a loop trolley bus service in Vegas with costs ranging from $2.50 to $20 for one-way tickets to 4-day passes.
7. Save money by renting a vehicle
It may be easier and less expensive in the end to hire a rental car for your Las Vegas destination wedding. You may do this easily when you book your hotel as a airfare rental car package or get the rental car from the airport upon arrival. The local shops on the Las Vegas strip can gouge you. You will find the best prices for staples you need will be local shops away from the Vegas Strip therefore having a rental car is preferable and will save a lot of money in the end. Having a rental car will also open up your restaurant choices. There is a big price difference from restaurants on the Vegas Strip verses off the Vegas Strip. Therefore it would be cost effective in the long run to have your own vehicle and not be confined to buying only from Las Vegas Strip establishments. You could rent a car from as low as $7 a day depending on the dates you’ll be in the city. You may find applicable coupons to use which will lower the cost of renting a car thus paying much less in the long run. Stay diligent to keep pricing checking as you might get the cheapest car rental rates this way. Some rental companies allow prepayment options which can give discounts up to 25% off the cost of a full week rental.
8. Make show reservations ahead of time
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. There’s always a show going on, from live music, concerts, city headliners, comedies, movies and other events. Making prior reservations to most shows attracts the best ticket prices. Find out upcoming events in the entertainment casino or hotel you intend to visit by visiting these sites below to book well ahead of time.
9. Do your Las Vegas wedding pre-application before you arrive
Once you’ve made up your mind to get married in Vegas, make a marriage license pre-application online. You can actually do this about 60 days before the ceremony, giving you ample time to prepare. Bring your foreign country issued ID and ensure you’re at least 18 years of age. While making the online application ensure information entered matches the details on your ID. Avoid spelling errors on the form or leaving out any required information.
10. Have comfortable walking shoes and bring a variety of clothes to layer
The hot and dry climate of Las Vegas can be a chore to keep up with. The temperatures in the desert climate sometimes can be as high as 120 degrees in summer months. Plan to stay hydrated and wear sunscreens even for pool visits and short walks. Don’t forget to bring along comfortable walking shoes. Las Vegas has large city blocks and the distance between resorts is deceiving to calculate. You want to have shoes that are soft on your feet. It’s also a great idea to layer your clothes and bring a sweater along, even in the summer. The air conditioning in Las Vegas hotels often feels freezing due to high-tech air conditioning. These establishments keep the temperature cool indoors to offset the summer heat. It is a good idea to bring a light weight wrap or easy to carry sweaters to have as you visit casinos, theaters or restaurants.
Tipping customs or giving gratuities varies across the world. Some countries do not give gratuities as a standard. Most service industry workers in Las Vegas including the vendors in the wedding industry expect gratuities and some depend on gratuities to make a decent living. For drinks, tipping $1 each is more or less the norm. If you are buying from hotel kiosk vendors show tickets will cost you from $5 to $10 in tips, $2 to $5 for dinner reservations and $20 for getting sold-out top shows or tough-to get dinner reservations. Maid or housekeeping service attracts $2 to $5 nightly tips. Tipping a limo driver 20% of the total cost is considered good etiquette. Regardless of your opinion about tips realize service providers will expect a gratuity. Restaurant waiters and waitresses typically get a 20% or more gratuity. Wedding vendors will also typically expect a 20% gratuity as well.
For more resources here are more related articles:
Essential Seasonal Vegas Tips for Planning a Vegas Wedding
In my many years as a Las Vegas wedding planner I have come to learn some important information about weddings, conventions seasons and weather. Here are some important Vegas wedding tips and essential information you need to know about when planning a Vegas wedding.
To understand what the weather in Vegas is like for weddings read more in this article which covers spring through winter seasonal pros and cons and helps you understand how to navigate the seasons in Vegas for your wedding planning.
What Spring Weather in Vegas Brings
Planning a spring wedding in Las Vegas is a mixed bag of pros and cons. Spring brings a host of beautiful flowering buds and intermittent weather patterns. Sometimes you get great spring weather and sometimes it’s not so great. The average temperatures in Vegas in the springtime range from 56 degrees as a low to 78 degrees as a high although it can shoot up to the lows 90’s on occasion. Temperatures can be unpredictable. March and April are still good months to get married in Las Vegas however you do want to consider the weather and have a back up plan in the event of inclement weather. May to early June is actually a very good time to have your wedding in Las Vegas during the late morning or afternoon but May does get in to the high 90’s for temperature and the sun starts gaining real strength. It’s advisable to look at the sun index while planning outdoor May wedding ceremonies. Keep in mind the elderly and young are prone to be sun sensitive.
Windy Weather in the Springtime
Although March can be very windy, it is still very temperate this time of year. Las Vegas sits in a valley. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and resembles a city in a bowl. This causes a weather phenomenon of increased spring winds as the hot air begins its descent into the Las Vegas valley and stirs up trouble. Of course the wind is not predictable far enough in advance to plan a trip. The winds can happen up until April and part of May. However, we have had beautiful 80 degree days with no wind in March and April. The chance for high winds usually calms down in May through June. The weather is typically very beautiful in May and early June so this would also be an excellent time to plan your outside wedding in Las Vegas. Just keep the wind in mind and make back up plans for it if you have an outside ceremony or reception.
Summer Weather – Pros and Cons
People traveling here to Vegas don’t realize how HOT the summer can be. It’s SCORCHING HOT!
I have a lot to say about summer weddings in Las Vegas. I have noticed that a lot of people tend to plan to have a Las Vegas wedding ceremony in the summer. Summer weddings are sometimes unavoidable because they are popular as this is a common time off for vacation typically. I have planned and conducted many summer weddings in Las Vegas.
If you are planning a Vegas wedding in the summer there are some things you need to be aware of. On the plus side it’s very nice on summer evenings typically unless it’s humid. The atmosphere of Vegas is alive and hopping. On the negative side there are chances for a bad sunburn, heat stroke and a lot of sweating. My advice is to be prepared and know what you are in for. It’s best not to have an outside wedding in the highest heat of the day. Many times I have felt very sorry for grooms in their suits and brides with running makeup. Quite a few couples I have planned weddings for have decided to have their ceremony in the hottest part of the day without shade. Those who have pulled it off were prepared mentally and physically for the heat. They made it through but preparation and understanding the consequences were essential to a happy outcome.
Summer Monsoon Season: July through August is monsoon season in Vegas. It typically gets hot as blazes and builds up billowing clouds of moisture from the South. This moisture gathers quite a punch! We get rains that make our roads into rivers and often cause wind damage. Be prepared for monsoon weather in case you are having a Las Vegas outdoor wedding planned. It’s good to have an indoor backup plan as an alternative in case the sky gets black and the monsoon visits. When we plan a Las Vegas wedding during the summer we have backup solutions to offer for inclement weather.
Summer Heat Tip: I would recommend you wait until the sun goes down behind our mountains and not have your wedding ceremony outside at the height of the day. The sun index is way too hot for sitting in a wedding audience in the heat of the afternoon from 11am to 5pm. It is best to avoid having an outside wedding in the summer unless you have shade or a vehicle or building you may access to regulate your body temperature. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and avoids heat stroke. It gets dark around 8 pm. Summer peaks in Vegas July through the end of August.
Summer Room Rates: Usually you will find cheaper room rates during summer time in Las Vegas. You can usually get a cheaper rate Sunday to Thursday than from Friday to Sunday. You can find great hotel deals in late July and August because it is hot. A lot of hotels realize they have to reduce prices and lure people in that way. A lot of people prefer to come in early spring and fall to get optimal weather but if you can handle the heat, there are good deals to be found.
Summer Planning Tip: For planning weddings in Las Vegas during the summer months the best idea is to choose a climate controlled location for your wedding in Las Vegas.
There are no really large conventions during the summer months in Las Vegas so it is typically a good time to get cheap hotel rates. Keep in mind it still is tourism season and people travel to Vegas on vacations in the summer, even though it is hot. That means the streets will be packed with tourists, all trying to get a great deal. Conventions and sporting events do however happen year round so it’s always best to ask the hotel if there are any conventions in town while you research making your reservations.
Planning a Vegas wedding in the Autumn is a lot less daunting and more feasible. First of all, the weather is gorgeous. The average temperatures range from 58 degrees for the average low and 81 degrees for the average high temperatures. This makes it a very popular time to travel to Vegas and have a wedding. Usually Autumn is a peak season for travel and hotel fees as well. During the Autumn in Las Vegas it is advisable to plan ahead for your wardrobe. Since temperature varies, layering is a great idea. Bring a sweater or use a wrap to put over your shoulders during the wedding.
Winter Las Vegas Weddings
Planning a wedding in Vegas during the winter months also has its pros and cons. Let’s face it, just after the Thanksgiving Holiday in late November, most people are focusing on family and getting ready for Christmas, holidays and winter. For this reason most people choose not to come to Las Vegas in December. This is good news for you if you are considering getting married in Vegas then. Holidays and winter is typically off season in Vegas with New Year’s Eve being an exception to this rule. But for the most part the winter months are an inexpensive time to have a wedding in Vegas. During the Christmas season, with the exception of New Year’s Eve holiday, hotel room rates are cheaper as well.
Winter Weather Pros and Cons
National Rodeo: Also, you need to know this; during the month of December there is one convention that wreaks havoc in Las Vegas and that is the National Finals Rodeo. This is a 10 day event and is considered the Super Bowl of rodeos that happens the first couple weeks in December. During this time you would be very lucky to book any rooms at the best or even cheapest hotels. Prices spick for transportation and traffic is a nightmare.
Consumer Electronic Show: Another convention time you will want to avoid is the Consumer Electronic show which typically takes place the second week of January. So unless you are attending the show and are planning a Vegas wedding in conjunction with attending one of the conventions you might want to avoid coming to Vegas this week. Your room rates will be higher in Vegas then because the convention people take a huge block of rooms in most hotels. The traffic is also a nightmare here then. So if you are planning to get married in Las Vegas I would recommend doing it either after or before the convention to save yourself hassle and make it more enjoyable.
Visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authorities site for a reliable resource to check what conventions are in Las Vegas before making plans to have your wedding in Las Vegas. You might want to make sure you are not scheduling your wedding during a convention for many reasons.
Holiday Season: December through February is one of the slowest and other optional off season but it’s not great pool weather. It’s simply too cool for most people to enjoy the pool. If you enjoy Las Vegas shows, also be aware that some shows take an extended break and go dark and some casinos think it’s a great time to undertake their renovations. Check with your intended hotel before you some and ask if they are planning any renovations.
Super bowl weekend is also a very busy one here in Las Vegas. It usually takes place the first weekend of February.
NASCAR race weekends: You would do well to avoid traveling to Las Vegas during the NASCAR racing events. Once again, the traffic tends to be tied up and it can be very crowded than. I have married quite a few couples that were huge fans of NASCAR and came to Vegas to get married because there was a big race in town. The races take place a couple times during the year. These type of sporting events can wreak havoc on hotel room rates, so beware of that.
Las Vegas is incredibly busy on New Year’s Eve. The entire Strip is shut down to traffic and it becomes like one giant block party for you and 300,000. This makes traffic an especially crazy mess. Fortunately there are a lot of ride share and alternative traffic solutions to get around but the roads are still crowded. It makes it especially challenging to have a Las Vegas wedding ceremony on New Year’s Eve. In my opinion the best solution is to choose a hotel away from the main part of Las Vegas boulevard.
Las Vegas Boulevard from Sahara Avenue to Mandalay Bay Road is totally blocked off to traffic by barricades and closed down from 6 pm to 3 am. Also many side roads that intersect with South and North Las Vegas Boulevard as well as some freeway entrances and exit points close to traffic. This makes having a wedding ceremony on the Vegas Strip especially challenging to do for many. Be prepared to have all your affairs in order and stay put for many hours in one spot. If you do plan a wedding on NEw Year’s Eve and want mobile Las Vegas wedding vendors to serve you be prepared to hear a lot of no’s or to pay more for their services. The other alternative is to book a hotel away from the mayhem in sections of the city not impacted by the traffic and celebration as much.
What Seasons Do You Get the Best Room Rates in Las Vegas?
The answer to that question is off season.
Timing: Come to town when it’s off season and you will find better hotel room rates and a good supply of rooms available. It is cheaper to stay during the week opposed to the weekend.
The take away from this article is to make sure you know what you are up against regarding the weather seasons in Las Vegas as well at the dynamics which will affect the cost of planning your wedding in Las Vegas as well as the decision on where to have your Las Vegas Wedding.
Timing it wisely will be the best idea. Now you are armed with more information to choose.
Consider a Hotel Suite to get married in Las Vegas
Consider this wedding advice before you make a decision where to get married in Las Vegas. These hotel suites are terrific choices to consider using if you are researching having an in-suite Las Vegas wedding because it may end up being the most cost-effective solution for you in the long run.
The aim of this article is to help you determine if they are cost-effective. If so, then here is some needed advice for choosing your hotel suite.
Utilizing a hotel suite to get married in Las Vegas provides a solution for couples who desire a unique approach to their wedding. This option to consider may be the ticket and this choice provides a wedding in vegas for two that is private yet elegant.
Consider these hotel suites to hold a small Las Vegas wedding ceremony and reception. This idea is appealing to people whether you are eloping in Vegas or have guests for a larger event and this choice offers many advantages.
The major advantages:
More affordable: An in-suite wedding in Las Vegas will be more affordable in the long run if it fits into your style and vision. It is fairly easy to plan, casual, and perfect for those with privacy in mind. This choice may also be the best solution for the smaller hotel suite wedding reception.
Controland choices: choosing to have a Las Vegas hotel suite wedding ceremony will allow you to control it the way you want to. Quite often couples find limits are imposed on their wedding day they don’t like. This option allows you to have more control and implement ideas that work for you. You may also use decorations of your own choice and better control over the vendors you want to use for your wedding, ultimately getting more for your money.
Wide selection of hotels: Las Vegas offers a wide range and selection of hotels to choose from. There certainly are a host of fancy and fashionable hotel and suite choices. In my opinion, some hotel suites I have personally visited have stood out as superior for wedding ceremonies and reception choices.
You might want to also read this article about seasonal Las Vegas weather tips.
To add some special wedding feel and bliss to your in-suite Vegas wedding, here are a number of things to think about and some background information about the suites you will want to know.
But before we look at the hotels, let’s look at your budget.
Determine your budget:
Determining your budget is the first thing you want to do. I created a Las Vegas wedding budget checklist you may want to look over here. How will you know which suite is best and what the total costs are unless you do your homework first? This article is a good starting point to help you determine what you want for your wedding ceremony and reception.
How much are you willing to pay for the most exquisite suite and is there a compromise if your budget is smaller? Know your budget and if you can make the best decision for a suite that offers a separate bedroom section so your guests and you have the privacy you need for getting ready and a first look option before the bride walks down the aisle.
Vegas Wedding Planning Preparation Checklist:
The excitement of Vegas can distract you and make you forget a lot of important details. It will help to create timelines to keep your events organized and on track.
Pre-planning wedding checklist:The questions on this checklist are the main ones you will want to decide on and get answers to prior to the wedding day.
Where will the bride enter?
Will any person be presenting the hand of the bride upon entry?
Where will the music be playing from and who will be in control?
What songs do you want to be played before, during and after the ceremony? Write down the order of the songs and separate the wedding and reception playlist.
Do you want the guest to stand or sit during the ceremony?
Will you have a video? Where do you want the cameras stationed for the ceremony? (Tip: get guidance from your videographer for best lighting).
Where will you and your fiancé stand during the ceremony? (Again, get input from photographer and videographer and planner for best suggestions).
What is the recessional plan after your marriage pronouncement? Will you stand in place and have the guest congratulate you casually? Or, do you want to walk out in a more formal processional and have a moment of privacy as newlyweds?
Where will the food be stationed and what food will you provide for guests?
Will there be an official celebratory toast after the ceremony?
Are you having a cake and where will it be stationed? Usually, the cake table and gift table are in close proximity.
Tip: If you don’t want to hassle with the small details you might want to consider using an affordable Las Vegas wedding planner to give you guidance and help you figure out how to implement the romantic touches and decorate your suite for the wedding.
Utilize and get help from the hotel concierge: It’s an excellent idea to check in with the hotel concierge department and know what they can offer. They have many excellent services they provide and can be a great ally. Just be careful to not give too much away if you are having your ceremony in the suite. Most hotels do not officially approve of this practice if they provide a chapel in their hotel. They discourage in-suite Las Vegas Wedding ceremonies however you are renting a private room but if there is a hotel check-in agreement be sure to comply with the rules. Remember, however, you are having a private event and have a right to do the ceremony in your room, despite what the hotel tells you. You should contact the concierge only for periphery items like food, drinks and catering services and leave the special requests up to your planner.
Determine the space you need for the ceremony: One factor you need to determine when you decide to get married in Las Vegas in a hotel suite is whether you want to have the ceremony inside or outside. Some suites will accommodate an outside ceremony with balconies overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. If the only option is to hold the ceremony inside, ensure there’s a distance of about 7-8 feet between the closest guests and the Las Vegas wedding officiate. It gives room for improved projection and enough room for the photographer and videographer to move about.
Remember the ambiance and music: Las Vegas suites have TVs with USB slots. You can play the songs you want using the suite’s system or you can upgrade for a better, distinguished sound. It helps accomplish a certain mood and helps ensure the sound doesn’t hamper the officiant’s voice or anyone talking at the event.
Preparing the suite: You will want to dazzle up the suite in time for the ceremony. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money though. You have options. If you plan to DIY your decorating here are some ideas.
Decorations: If you are a DIY bride or groom and have the vision already dialed in, you will want to make a checklist of items you need. Sometimes hotel concierge departments will allow you to ship in a box of decorations ahead of time if you figure out if it’s cost effective to do it that way. Otherwise, you will want to have a rental car during your time here to enable store buying runs for supplies. This idea will only work if you have the time.
Candles: Consider getting electric votive candles to place around the room. Hotels do not like you to use real candles because it’s a fire hazard. Electric votive candles can be bought at various stores such as Target or Walmart.
Flowers: Use flowers to decorate and bring out the best in the atmosphere. Having the florist prepare a few stationary floral arrangements to sit on the cake table and around the room will add a lot to the event. Flowers can be delivered to your hotel suite from anywhere in the city. Once again, you may have a small wedding planner coordinate all the elements for you. A good planner will work on your behalf and pass on the discounts they get to you so even with their fee it’s not more expensive to have a wedding planner help you.
Aisle runner: Make the room ready for the wedding with an aisle runner. You may purchase an aisle runner well in advance to spruce up the ambiance and add some formal flair to the occasion.
Rearrange the room: Rearrange the different furniture and consider renting chairs if the need is to formalize the setup. There are companies that will bring in chairs you can request them from the hotel for a cost.
Set Aside Troubleshooting Time: Technical issues usually crop up, especially with the sound, music, Wi-Fi, rented electronics, live video coverage, among others. Ensure you’ve set some time before the wedding to cover any of these issues that might come up.
Drinks and snacks: Your guests will most likely expect you to provide some food, even if it’s finger food or hors-d’oeuvres. If you keep it small you may decide to the nearest grocery store and get your own finger food. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Champagne or wine is a good choice to keep the alcohol cost down. This will still allow you to have a wedding toast. Most hotels will not allow outside caterers in providing food in the room. Another option would be to have the hotel provide the food and drinks for your event but this choice will be more costly.
This choice offers a unique Italian feel for any wedding. Their suites are very nice and offer a small sunken living room space for a romantic and small Las Vegas wedding ceremony. This hotel has amazing architecture throughout and a beautiful waterfall that is seasonally decorated, which is a great backdrop for photos after the wedding. The Venetian hotel showcases a small replica of the gondola canals of Venice, which is also a romantic backdrop for photos after the wedding.
This hotel suite is a perfect option for an in-suite wedding in Las Vegas. They offer 80 guest count balcony, three-bedroom tasteful lofts that offer a great city view that is a very romantic backdrop for a wedding. A single loft can actually accommodate 30 guests. The balcony is big enough to fit small tables and chairs and one long table for cake cutting. The view from this balcony of City center and the Las Vegas Strip is phenomenal. There are 14 of these suites available but they must be booked by phone.
The Cosmopolitan Wraparound Terrace Suite: Floor plans and Photos Cost $300-975+ (1680 sq. Ft.)
This hotel It is a gorgeous choice for a trendy and modern wedding in Vegas with a view of the Vegas strip. The scenic wrap around suite provides an indoor/outdoor option for your ceremony. The suite overlooking the Bellagio fountains has a great view of the Eiffel tower and Las Vegas Strip. This suite boasts a well-furnished option with a king bed. It’s great whether you are having a small or larger crowd. The suite seats 17 people. The downside to this hotel suite is the fact that suites are keycard access which means someone from your planning committee will need to escort up the guests. The suites on the East tower are close to the parking garage and will be easier to get supplies up to the room, however, security is tight at this hotel so lugging supplies up to the suite might draw unwanted security attention.
The Mandalay Bay (Vista or Media Suites) Floor plan and photos: Vista Suite,Media Suite Cost: $480 – $780 +
If you are considering an in-suite wedding and reception these suites fit the bill. Consider the option of having a Vegas Wedding Package at your location. This is a perfect choice that offers solutions to your Las Vegas wedding vendor planning needs. Using a hotel suite for your ceremony is a great choice for a DIY reception. The hotel views are phenomenal. The Vista Suite has a terrific floor plan for a wedding with a large bar area. The Media Suite has needed soundproofing for the larger party atmosphere. You might find it a challenge, however, to cater this event yourself. It may be best to use the hotel food and beverage department for the catering.
The Media Suite has a 1035 square foot living room with seating for 22 people. Its occupancy threshold is 40 people. The Vista Suite has 949 square ft. living room with seating for 21 people but accommodates 40 people well.
The Golden Nugget is a classic hotel in Las Vegas. Some people prefer the older classic Las Vegas scene. This hotel is located in the heart of Fremont Street Experience. These suites feature a two-floor layout with a staircase. This would offer the opportunity for great wedding photos as well as a bridal grand entrance for the wedding processional. It also has a classic bar and antique vintage atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The living room 1,200 square feet and it seats.
This penthouse accommodates sleeps eight. You may have 75 people at your event. This is a great idea for a wedding in Las Vegas you probably have not even thought of. This hotel choice also provides a luxury living room complete with a game room and pool table, full island kitchen and fireplace. It has a fantastic balcony to hold your ceremony that would boast a sparkling city view below. Its 3,650 square feet with two king beds.
Tip to keep the suite clean before the wedding:
Before the ceremony takes place, take some time to tidy up the suite, putting away your luggage, belongings, and cases with personal items. If you are having a simple wedding in Las Vegas you might want to consider selecting a hotel that offers an early check-in. This would prevent having to sleep in the suite the night before. This option will allow less time to prepare but the suite will be tidy for the wedding. If you choose this option you will
If the logistics of the wedding timing don’t allow you to have an early check-in that might not be so bad either. There are advantages to staying in the suite the night before as well. One advantage is being able to get ready in the suite and not having to rush and set up everything last minute. This arrangement will also be convenient if you decide to get your hair and makeup stylist to come to your room. You won’t have to go out and spend precious time traveling to a salon. Many hotels offer spas you may consider using as well. In either case, this option may end up being more relaxing and cause less stress.
A Wedding planner can take away the headache
Planning everything even for a wedding in a single suite can be hectic, considering all the factors of the event. Ultimately, want to be stress-free and look beautiful for your partner and guests. For this reason, you might not want to do everything.
The on-location package approach may be the solution you need if you plan a DIY wedding and have a smaller budget. Look over these Las Vegas wedding company reviews and see what other customers have to say.
If you are not into do the wedding research yourself it’s best to hire a Las Vegas wedding planner who will take the weight off your shoulders.
