September 28, 2017
Put a Ring On It! 7 Best Places to Get Hitched in Las Vegas
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 5 MIN.
We all know there's only one place in the U.S. where you can have the ultimate wedding experience: a sufficiently blinged out wedding chapel, luxurious wedding reception, first-class dining, and enough entertainment options to keep you occupied until your 50th wedding anniversary. Vegas, baby!
According to a recent survey by Community Marketing & Insights, Las Vegas continues to rank in the top five domestic leisure destinations for gays and lesbians. In addition, the city received a perfect score -- on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, which "examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the LGBTQ people who live and work there." All the more reason to consider Las Vegas for your nuptials.
In our three-part series, EDGE offers insider access to some new treasures and classic locales to plan your wedding, honeymoon or anniversary. But to get things started, put a ring on it!
Wynn Las Vegas
Inspired by a Buccelatti sterling silver box made by the Italian crafthouse of Buccelatti, Wynn's newly designed Wedding Salons offer elegance in shades of cream and ivory. Or opt for less traditional options such as the "Zen" ceremony held in Encore Spa's Tranquility Hall or the "Intrigue" ceremony at the namesake club among vibrant lights, private lagoon and 90-foot waterfall. (Starting at $1,790-$29,990*)
Gay Chapel of Las Vegas
The only gay-owned wedding chapel in Las Vegas, owners Ron Decar and Jamie Richards have been tying rainbow knots for more than 16 years. While traditional wedding vows are plentiful, consider dialing the knob up for a Liberace wedding featuring world renowned impersonator Daryl Wagner or an Intergalactic wedding for Comic Con fans or anyone who's happy in a jumpsuit. (Starting at $245-$1,795*)
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
If you're looking for a grand space with a bit of industrial flair, The Chelsea is a one-of-a-kind showstopper that will go down in the record books as your guests' wedding of the century. The former glass factory has been meticulously transformed into a bi-level, 40,000-square-foot venue featuring cast glass chandeliers, a vintage bar, opera boxes, and a dramatic grand staircase for your nuptial entrance. For a swanky rehearsal dinner, consider Beauty & Essex, chef Chris Santos's speakeasy-style supper club tucked behind a pawn shop storefront. (From $2,500*)
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
For vintage Vegas with a contemporary flair, look no further than The Golden Nugget, a Vegas icon since its 1946 opening. An anchor of Downtown's Fremont Street, The Golden Nugget offers wedding packages for a wide range of budgets and venues including the Gold Diggers Nightclub, Tank Pool, or traditional chapel, along with blissful nights in the Rush Tower Suite offering panoramic city views. (Starting at $399-$2,750*)
High Roller at LINQ Promenade
Go big or go home. The tallest observation wheel in the world invites couples (and 24 of their besties) to take their wedding vows to new heights with an unforgettable ride. The Diamond Affair includes a private cabin for one hour, Bluetooth speaker for customized music, bouquets and/or matching boutonnieres, champagne in the Sky Lounge before boarding, and 90 minutes of photography so selfies won't be necessary. (Starting at $995-$4,275*)
ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA's newly renovated and exclusive wedding chapel seats up to 60 guests and offers privacy not easily found on the bustling Strip. Luxurious design details stand out against accent colors of deep purple and chartreuse, while dressing lounges skew a bit more traditional with floral elegance for the bride and billiards for the groom, though a good time can be had in both with a flowing pre-ceremony bar. For something more intimate, consider the Just the Two of Us-In-Suite package held in the stunning ARIA Sky Suite. (Starting at $1,500-$4,500*)
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
Fifty-four acres of lush gardens are yours for the taking at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, where their team of expert wedding planners hitches couples nearly 200 times per year. Consider a brunch ceremony (with a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar, of course), then head to the Strip for a night on the town. JW's newest venue, Cascade, is an open concept that offers both indoor and outdoor space amid foliage and waterfalls or pick from the resort's multitude of other venues. Marriott has been a champion of LGBTQ equality, canvassing the nation with its #LoveTravels campaign. (Pricing by request.)
*Estimated pricing is for reference only.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
