The image of A drunken couple running off to a gaudy Vegas chapel to be married by Elvis has become something of a cliché. But while these kinds of weddings certainly have their place (hey, who are we to judge?), weddings in Las Vegas can be as elegant and intricately planned as they are anywhere else.
Weddings in Vegas can range from the fun and wacky (ever thought of getting hitched dressed as the Flintstones or seated on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle?) to lush and elegant. Best of all, with special packages at various resorts, they can be surprisingly affordable destination weddings (some basic packages cost less than $1,000), with plenty of entertainment all around to keep guests occupied. If your clients want to tie the knot in Las Vegas, here’s what you need to know to help them make the day memorable.
Making It Legal
First off, as with any other wedding, your clients will need some appropriate paperwork to make it legal. The fee for the license is $60, and both the bride and groom will need valid identification and a social security number. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is the official government agency in the city that issues marriage licenses, which your clients must have before any ceremony can be performed. (The bureau is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, including holidays). Fun fact: The Marriage Bureau issues an average of more than 100,000 licenses a year—that’s almost 274 weddings per day.
There are dozens if not hundreds of wedding chapels throughout Las Vegas—many of which, saysNevada Wedding Association representative Joni Moss (who also owns LV Wedding Connection), are commissionable to agents. “It’s economical,” Moss says about destination weddings in Vegas, pointing out that the city is ideal for every part of the process. “They can have the bachelor party, the wedding, the reception and the honeymoon where they really want to be. They’re amazed at what they can get [for the price].”
Helping clients organize a Vegas wedding involves the same skills as organizing a vacation for them. “Ask questions,” advises Moss, and find out what exactly the couple is looking for. “Some want it traditional, some want fun and themes.” Agents can contact Moss at joni@lvweddingconnection.comor 702-236-8728. In addition, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau offers tips for weddings atwww.visitlasvegas.com.
