Why is Las Vegas the top wedding destination in the world? The answer has little to do with the old-school glamour of the desert city or even the Elvis impersonators. It's actually more practical.
Clark County marriage licenses require no pre-booked appointment and are valid immediately, so couples can marry the same day the license is issued, which is extremely rare. Most states require couples to wait at least 24 hours after a license is issued before allowing a ceremony. On top of that, international visitors can legally wed in Las Vegas, needing only valid passports to receive a license and a marriage certificate they can bring home with them. It’s all about convenience.
But just because Las Vegas weddings can be an easy "signed, sealed, delivered" experience, doesn't mean that's the only reason to visit. Similarly to New York City, there is always something big happening, from Formula 1 to a concert at The Sphere and endless other entertainment. Consider this your guide to the reinvented Vegas: where to stay, what to see, and how to eat, drink, and toast your way through a long weekend in the desert, whether you're planning an elopement, a full wedding celebration, a bachelorette, or a relaxing—yes, relaxing—few days.
When to Go
Las Vegas is a year-round city, but the calendar rewards a little strategy. Spring and fall are the sweet spots: warm, sunny days in the 70s and 80s, cool evenings made for rooftop cocktails, and the kind of golden light that flatters both a wedding portrait and a poolside afternoon. Summer requires some emotional preparation and logistical awareness; but it is completely doable. June through August routinely climbs past 100 degrees. Our own June visit hovered around 96 to 103 degrees, but coming from a NYC summer, the dry heat was extremely manageable. Plan your life around the pool in the mornings and the (blissfully air-conditioned) restaurants and lounges after dark. Winter is mild and quieter, ideal if you want lower rates and smaller crowds, though Las Vegas is a true desert, so expect temperatures to drop drastically at night. One Vegas-specific tip: check the city's events calendar before you book—specifically the convention calendar. A major trade show or sporting event can send room rates soaring, so a little advance research goes a long way. (During our stay, there was one of the largest international McDonald's conventions with golden arches everywhere.) And if a wedding is the reason for the trip, know that the indoor-outdoor flexibility of the big resorts means almost any season works, so you're never truly at the mercy of the weather here.Where to Stay
"Did Caesar live here?" Despite Caesars Palace opening long after ancient Rome, we (kind of) understand why Alan from The Hangover would ask that question, in awe of the drama that Las Vegas hotels bring. Hospitality is one of the things Vegas does best, and we've broken down our favorite stays:
Photo: Courtesy of Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is the newest tower on the Strip, and it shows. Its sleek interiors are modern with a '60s vibe à la Mad Men. It also features one of the most memorable spa experiences, the guided Art of Aufguss sauna performance, concluding with a mini sound bath. If your priority is quiet luxury and a serious wellness moment, this is your address.
Photo: Courtesy of Crockfords
Resorts World is the anchor of the new north-Strip moment and a smart home base. The sprawling complex houses three hotels under one roof—Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad, and the ultra-exclusive Crockfords—so you can dial the experience up or down without changing your address. We're particular fans of the latter two, featuring Byredo bath products, an in-room Theragun, and sweeping views of the city. The resort's crown jewel is a 5.5-acre pool complex with seven distinct pools, including an infinity edge with Strip views. Wynn remains the gold standard for impeccable service, some of the city's best restaurants, and modern yet welcoming design. Bellagio will always be synonymous with Vegas: the famous fountain show, Cirque du Soleil, the conservatory—plus it now has the Carbone Riviera restaurant, complete with a speedboat that traverses the fountain. For those looking to relax, perhaps during a bachelorette trip, Aria features the largest Forbes Five-Star Spa in the world—proving you can actually relax in Las Vegas. And The Palms’s Blush Suites were made for a girls' trip. Olivia Culpo and her bridal party stayed there before she walked down the aisle in Rhode Island. And finally, for guests who want to be in Las Vegas but not necessarily feel like they're in the heart of a casino, the Four Seasons is a non-smoking and non-gaming property with a private entrance and beautiful Art Deco pool.Where to Say "I Do"
Over The Moon couples have long been eloping and making the most out of civil ceremonies in Las Vegas, so we're highlighting the two most popular chapels with a special shoutout to another that doubles as a work of art.
OTM Bride Samantha Ruiz and Daniel Williams at A Little White Chapel. Photo: Vanessa Todd
A Little White Chapel had to make this list. J. Lo and Ben Affleck were wedded here, and so were several Over The Moon couples have gotten married. OTM Bride Samantha Ruiz and Daniel Williams professed their love to each other (with Elvis as their witness) here before jetting off to a larger ceremony in Puglia. “We had no idea what to expect from a ceremony conducted by an Elvis impersonator, but it was actually the perfect blend between fun, lighthearted, and emotional,” Samantha shares. The experience unfolded with a mix of charm and surprise. Elvis forgot their names, Dan’s nephew walked her down what she described as the world’s shortest aisle, and Dan presented her with a recreation of her mother’s engagement ring. “The day fully exceeded our expectations.”
Grace Helbig and Elliott Morgan on their wedding day. Photo: St. Chelle
Chapel of The Bells is where OTM Bride and comedienne Grace Helbig said, "I do," to Elliott Morgan. “We found out a few hours earlier
Photo: Courtesy of The Palms
While no OTM couples have yet walked down the aisle of the Til Death Do Us Part chapel at The Palms, it deserves a highlight. The brainchild of Guatemalan-American artist Joshua Vides, the black-and-white immersive chapel features a 2D design across its 800-square-foot space, complete with real benches. It's available for actual wedding ceremonies or portrait sessions, and for the art-loving couple, it's a must-see.Where to Eat
Las Vegas has quickly become a dining destination. With impossible-to-get reservations from New York City—like Carbone and, soon, The Corner Store—popping up alongside an endless list of Michelin-starred chefs bringing their talents to the Strip, you’re guaranteed to eat well in Vegas—and these four earned their spots on our itinerary.
Photo: Courtesy of Scotch 80 Prime
Scotch 80 Prime at the Palms is the modern Vegas steakhouse done right: a high-end, art-filled dining room, an exceptional wine program, and steaks that justify the splurge. It's a great choice for a celebratory first night. And do not skip the ladies' room's middle stall; it's an experience like no other. While the newer Carbone Riviera at Bellagio brings a taste of the Italian coast to Vegas, we still love the O.G. Carbone at Aria for classics like the world-famous rigatoni. Non-New Yorkers won’t even realize how lucky they are to grab a reservation at this hotspot. Also at Aria is the London-famous Gymkhana. The U.K. restaurant was awarded two prestigious Michelin stars, and both locations feature a largely Northern Indian menu.
Photo: Courtesy of Mayfair Supper Club
Again looking to London, Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio was decorated by Martin Brudnizki, the same interior designer behind the ultra-Instagrammable private members’ club Annabel’s. The Vegas restaurant is easily a grand finale for a night out: an immersive dinner-and-a-show that blends elevated cuisine, live performance, and old-Hollywood glamour, all with a view of the Bellagio fountains.
Photo: Courtesy of Chéri Rooftop
