Maybe you’ve seen all the chapel ceremonies offered by the major downtown players and aren’t feeling them. Good news – you’ve come to the right place! Cactus Collective Weddings (CCW) knows our couples don’t want the same Vegas wedding experience that’s been on repeat for nearly 100 years. So, we’ve created a better way.
CCW offers adventurous and stylish micro weddings and elopements that break the mold. Some of you may be surprised to learn that you can say “I do” in Vegas without coming within 1,000 yards of a kitschy chapel! That’s right, your wedding can be more meaningful, more stylish and more about you.
Here are creative alternatives for couples who want a celebration as unique as their love.
Divorce Yourself from the Outdated Idea of a “Vegas” Wedding
In the early 1930s Las Vegas saw the opportunity to draw visitors to the growing desert outpost by relaxing divorce and marriage laws. The wedding industry boomed and has never looked back. The Wedding Capital of The World quickly gained a reputation for quickie marriages in chapels built for speed and efficiency.
We’ve all seen Hollywood depictions of the Vegas wedding. Cue the Elvis officiant, the pink Cadillac and the neon lights. Sure that could be fun for some, but I started CCW for couples seeking something more personal and not just geared to keeping the reputation of an “iconic” Vegas wedding alive for another century.
While a Vegas-style ceremony is often convenient, it isn’t always filled with authenticity. Couples who crave an intimate, authentic wedding in a stunning venue are splitting with the outdated idea of a “Vegas” wedding.
Unique Backdrops for Unforgettable Moments
When I got married I sought out a gorgeous section of the outdoor world my partner and I love to frequent and got married in a private ceremony we purpose built for ourselves. Since that day I’ve helped sooooo many couples do the same. CCW focuses on magazine worthy photography of your adventurous ceremony in one of our nearly 30 stunning venues. I’m not saying you can’t have an Elvis officiant, or roll up in a classic car, those are totally options, but let’s start you off by choosing one of these only in Vegas venues, that aren’t downtown chapels.
The Mojave Desert
Several of our venues are set amongst the peacefulness and serenity of the Mojave Desert. These options are scenic and soul-stirring, especially during an epic golden hour when the light is just right for amazing photography. The stillness and emptiness of the desert offers minimalist beauty with maximum impact.
Red Rock Canyon
The west side of the Las Vegas valley is punctuated by the Spring Mountains and their distinctive cream and red sandstone stripes. These peaks are loved by locals and visitors alike, and are perfect for adventurers, climbers, and nature lovers – not to mention a big favorite of couples on their wedding day. Couples are drawn to the dramatic rock formations and wide open spaces. Set foot in this desert wilderness and you’ll see why. You + nature = wow.
Cactus Gardens & Dry Lake Beds
Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area and it’s surroundings aren’t the only place to see gorgeous outdoor landscapes. Curated cactus gardens like those at Springs Preserve, and the displays at Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Desert Nursery also make for beautiful wedding sites. These spots offer whimsical, earthy, and photogenic venues for couples who want personality and punch without the pageantry. They are laid back and comfortable, and gorgeous in their simplicity.
Of course it doesn’t get any more simple and understated than the Eldorado Dry Lake Bed. The stark emptiness of this desert oddity really looks special at sunrise and sunset. Adding a spattering of decorations makes for an elegant elopement that feels editorial and deeply personal. Consider a simple arbor, some lanterns or even a classic car.
Iconic Urban Corners
If you want your wedding to feel Vegasy, but aren’t feeling the kitschy chapels, I’ve got a few great solutions. Iconic Vegas architecture, and historic Vegas lights are options without heading for a chapel tucked off a hallway inside a mega resort on the Strip.
The Neon Museum gives couples the chance to add their story to the history of Las Vegas advertising signage in all its neon glory. Retired signs bring vibrancy, color and style to your wedding photographs.
Speaking of museums, one of my personal favorites is the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum.
CCW is lucky to be the exclusive wedding partner of this one-of-a-kind gallery. The little known, but often celebrated Vegas artist who could do it all, designed her own museum to house her life’s work. Masterpieces of many different styles and mediums fill the walls and halls of this magnificent space. Fill your love story with art at the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum.
In Las Vegas you also have the ability to live for a day like the stars of yesteryear. Make yourself comfortable at the Midcentury Manor, a gem of a property located in the first master planned community in Vegas. You’ll feel like a member of the Rat Pack on your wedding day!
A more modern option, that’s no less stylish, is the Beverly Theater. Say “I do” in a glamourous arthouse theater with design elements that will add sophistication and an offbeat and artsy feel to your wedding day, without being cheesy.
Get city vibes with a twist at these stunning locations if you’re a couple with an edge.
Not Everyone Wants a Big, Blingy Bash
A traditional wedding, with 150 guests filling the church and a reception at the VFW isn’t for everyone. Micro weddings and elopements in Vegas are for laid-back couples who love travel, adventure, and prefer to collect experiences instead of stuff.
A small intimate celebration might fit the bill if you’re getting married for the second time or if you are blending families. Small tight groups are perfect for micro weddings. Maybe the two of you are long-term partners, already feel like you’re married but it’s time to make it official in a way that’s special to you.
What if you’re looking for that destination wedding feel, but don’t want the airfare chaos of getting your extended family to Mexico or the South of France. Vegas is the way to go! It’s cheaper than almost every other wedding destination and easier to get to thanks to one of the busiest airports in the country — Harry Reid International.
Plus Cactus Collective Weddings believes that love is love and you have the right to marry whoever you want. We coordinate safe, affirming and personalized ceremonies for LGBTQIA+ couples all the time.
Small Doesn’t Mean Simple
Just because your micro wedding is small on the guest count doesn’t mean you can’t go big on the vibes or lay heavily into a theme and decor. Cactus Collective Weddings and our trusted local vendors can hook you up with just about anything you can think of.
Consider adding on live musicians, celebratory cakes, donuts and Champagne, or even a Behind The Scenes content creator so your wedding feels major without going over budget. Need Vegas catering, custom florals, videography or a styled ceremony setup? We got you covered!
Your wedding day dream can be a reality. Imagine pink covered picnic tables with desert florals, craft cocktails in hand and heartfelt vows under a peach sky. Or what about a spooky Halloween themed wedding in late October. Our sister company, Electric Sugar Elopements offers some ideas.
My point is, you don’t have to just elope—you can elope beautifully.
Say “I do” Your Way
Vegas is an adult playground. That goes for weddings as much as it does for gamblers, concert goers and pool partiers. If you’re not a traditional couple, don’t feel pressured to have a traditional Vegas wedding. Just like there’s a show, a restaurant or a hotel for everyone, there’s also weddings of all kinds. You don’t have to follow the crowds to the downtown chapels. Let your love—and your location—shine in a way that’s as bold and original as you.
Ready to do Vegas your way? Check out our all-inclusive desert wedding packages to create a moment that’s truly yours.
