Should You Get Married in Las Vegas?

Nearly every couple that has faced the ordeal of planning wedding has, at one time or another, joked about going off to Vegas to get married. For most couples, this is a not a serious proposition -- thanks to Hollywood, Vegas weddings have been characterized as cheap and tacky.  But is there anything to this "weddings in Vegas" thing?

Weddings in Las Vegas are a far cry from the tawdry affairs portrayed in movies and television shows.  Sure, there are still drive-through wedding chapels off-Strip that will provide a wedding ceremony in short order; however, just because you get married in Las Vegas doesn't mean your ceremony will be officiated by an Elvis impersonator.

Getting married in Vegas can actually be a very romantic and classy experience, if you take the time to research, compare wedding venues, and plan your event.  For example, hotels such as the Bellagio offer full-service packages, including limo service, ornate flowers, and high-class receptions.  You and your guests can be treated to an experience that is far more memorable than any homespun wedding could ever be.

Las Vegas is also a great place to go if you want to have an unusual wedding -- at the Venetian, you and your beau can tie the knot on an ivory gondola as a charismatic gondolier serenades the two of you.  The Venetian also offers photography services, so you will have a portfolio of wedding pictures that will provide a lifetime of memories.

One thing to consider, though, when you are planning a wedding in Las Vegas, is the number of people that you want to attend your special day.  Your guests will expect you to pay for their accommodations, so the expenses can add up quite quickly.  If you want to get married in front of dozens of friends and family members, this option might be cost-prohibitive.

Thus, getting married in Vegas is not without its complications.  It is important to remember that Vegas weddings are not as cheap as you might expect -- if you have a large wedding party or lots of guests, a Vegas wedding can easily cost you $20,000 or more.

Aside from the sheer number of classy and unique wedding settings, one of the main advantages of getting married in Las Vegas is the fact that you won't have to book additional travel for your honeymoon.  Las Vegas offers a wide variety of luxuries, including spas, world-class shopping, sophisticated entertainment, and fine dining, that rival those of any vacation destination in the world.  This alone is reason enough for many couples to choose to wed in Las Vegas.

Of course, if you've always dreamed of being married by a guy dressed as Liberace, you can do that too -- but for the rest of us, there are plenty of wedding options that will make you look back fondly or your special day, instead of wondering why the two of you ever decided to get married in your car.