Get destination wedding information for Vegas, including wedding venues, marriage license laws and essential tips for booking vendors
When it comes to epic wedding destinations, Las Vegas is up there with the best of them.
Our standing as the Wedding Capital of the World coupled with The Strip’s bright lights, world-class dining and entertainment and breathtaking natural landscapes means Vegas knows how to deliver everything your heart desires.
Plus, Vegas is a short trip for Californians wanting a quick escape that feels worlds away.
Our most popular question from Californians is, “If you get married in Vegas is it legal in California?” And the answer is “YES!” Of course it’s legal. Lawmakers in Nevada and Clark County have made it super-easy to get a legal marriage in Las Vegas because they want the tourism dollars that couples spend on their wedding trip. Hollywood tells the story a little differently. But rest assured, your wedding dreams can come true in the Wedding Capital of the World.
Planning a wedding across state lines is easy, especially with the help of this guide.
This guide delivers practical information, and the Vegas wedding must-knows you need.
You’ll find details on the legal parts of getting married in Las Vegas if you’re from California, location suggestions, inspiration for your day and an overview of accommodation and honeymoon ideas in and around Sin City.
In this guide:
- Planning your wedding remotely
- Sorting the legal stuff
- Getting Married in Las Vegas for Fun
- Your officiant
- How to Get Married in Las Vegas by Elvis
- Ceremony locations
- Personal touches
- Where to stay — couple and guests
- Local and nearby honeymoon ideas
- Flying from California to Las Vegas
- Driving from Southern California to Las Vegas
- Driving from Northern California to Las Vegas
- Stress-free elopements from California to Las Vegas
- Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Wedding Remotely
As a couple making the short trip from California, you have advantages that thousands of couples don’t. People from all corners of the globe get married in Las Vegas while facing much steeper challenges than you do.
Consider yourself lucky. You’re in the same time zone. You’ve likely been here before. And if you need to, scouting trips are very doable. So don’t be afraid. It doesn’t have to be scary or difficult. Plus, Email, video calling and text messaging make the process simple.
We plan the destination weddings of hundreds of couples every year, from all over the world. When you team up with our local Las Vegas experts you’ll be involved with every decision and at every step.
Experienced wedding vendors do everything in their power to deliver the destination wedding you want. If either party needs a catch-up, then you’re only a phone call or email message away.
So really, remote planning a wedding isn’t so daunting. The real bonus, especially if you’ve never been to Vegas before, is that you have someone on your team who’s on location and whose job it is to help you cover every detail.
Sorting the Legal Stuff
Marriage in the United States is a matter of state law and for the most part requirements are very similar across all 50 states. When you meet the Nevada requirements (and get married in Las Vegas) your marriage is valid in every other state.
Federal law ensures that your marriage will be recognized across state lines, provided you’ve legally obtained a marriage license and certificate from the state where you got married.
Las Vegas Marriage Laws
In Clark County, Nevada, the only requirements for obtaining a marriage license are:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- You must provide government-issued identification to prove your name and age.
- You must not be currently married.
- You must not be nearer to kin than second cousins or cousins of half-blood.
A couple of other useful things to know when getting married in Vegas:
- There is no waiting period.
- You do not need a blood test.
- Your marriage license is valid for one year. From the day you pick up your license you have a whole year to hold your ceremony. By contrast, in California, a marriage license is only valid for 90 days.
- Marriage records in Nevada are public documents and cannot be made confidential or sealed.
Getting a Las Vegas Wedding License
You need an approved and valid marriage license authorised by the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. A license costs $102 and getting hold of this essential bit of paperwork is quick and easy.
Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit card and debit card. Checks and money orders are not accepted. A small convenience fee is applied to debit and credit card usage. A small convenience fee ($3.29) is applied to debit and credit card usage.
Follow These Steps
1. Fill out the pre-application online form, which you can find on the Clark County, Nevada website.
2. When you arrive in Vegas and before your wedding date, you and your partner must go to the Clark County Marriage License Bureau and present a legal form of identification.
Accepted ID include: driver’s license, passport, US or foreign county ID card and military ID.
The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is located at 201 E. Clark Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101. It is open 7 days per week, 8 a.m.–midnight and is open on all holidays with no exceptions!
3. If completed the pre-application form online, you should head to the Express Lane at the bureau. Get your paperwork and ID checked and you’ll get your marriage license. Hold on to this and give it to your officiant before your wedding service.
That’s it. Three steps and you’re all done.
Receiving Your Marriage Certificate After Your Ceremony
The marriage certificate is proof that a marriage ceremony was performed in Clark County. It’s useful when conducting name changes with banks, insurance companies and the like.
The marriage official who performs the ceremony has ten days to submit the marriage certificate for recording.
Once they have submitted it, you should be able to request a copy from Clark County one day later. The request can be made online, by mail or in person.
All copies are folded and sent standard mail by the U.S. Postal Service and you should allow up to 3 weeks to receive your order.
Getting Married in Las Vegas for Fun
As you can see, a real marriage in Las Vegas is super easy and exciting. But we know there’s people out there that just want the fun experience of a quote unquote “Las Vegas wedding” without it being legal. We can do that too! Skip the marriage license, book a non-legal vow exchange and you’ll have your wild Vegas wedding story without the legalities. If this is what you want to do, let us know so that we can handle it basically the same as we would a vow renewal.
Your Officiant
The person conducting your ceremony must be registered to officiate weddings in the state of Nevada.
Cactus Collective Weddings’ modern celebrants are warm, welcoming and forward-thinking. They also have a knack for finding the right words.
Most simple wedding services are 10 minutes long. They involve a welcome message, the exchange of legal vows and a few closing words.
Extra readings and personal flourishes can be added so you have what we call “a custom wedding ceremony.” Custom ceremonies involve extra organization and more of the celebrant’s time, meaning the cost goes up a bit.
How to Get Married in Las Vegas by Elvis
The other oft-cited and iconic image of a Vegas wedding is a ceremony that’s officiated by ELVIS! We get this special request a lot. After all, many couples find they simply can’t help falling in love with the kitschy magic of the King. Ask about our amazing Elvis officiant if this is something you’re interested in. This is an easy added extra to any of our all inclusive Las Vegas wedding packages. He’s a licensed officiant and will leave you both feeling all shook up with excitement.
Ceremony Locations
Vegas may be famous for its wedding chapels, Elvis impersonators and drive through wedding windows, but there’s also an entire industry beyond the in-and-out high volume chapel options. Look a little deeper and you’ll not only find Las Vegas marriage chapel packages, but you’ll also find some pretty amazing chapel alternatives. We are proud of our gorgeous outdoor venues in some of the American Southwest’s most beautiful landscapes that can be found in and around Las Vegas.
What’s the best place to get married in Las Vegas? There is no singular best place. We’re a city filled with incredible options. The best place for you might not appeal to someone else. And vice versa. That being said, here are some stunning options offered by Cactus Collective Weddings.You may think we’ve got nothing on the dazzling beauty of the Pacific Coastline, but maybe a peak at a few of our outdoor gems will change your mind.
Valley of Fire State Park
One of the most stunning venues in the Mojave Desert, this is by no means a conventional venue. Each of the ceremony areas in the Valley of Fire delivers a secluded, private occasion that’s away from tourists.
- Peaceful and precious, without the touristy vibes.
- Exclusive wedding destination just 90-minutes from Vegas.
- Fiery sandstone formations offer dramatic backdrops and endless photo opportunities.
Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery
If you’re looking for local, original and romantic then this is it. Owned and run by Vegas local Joe Davidson, it’s one of the largest cacti nurseries in the region and one of our favourite locations to suggest to our couples.
- Awarded “Best of the City,” Best Plant Nursery in Las Vegas and Nevada.
- Beautifully landscaped desert gardens for amazing photos.
- Say your vows in or in front of the small, quaint chapel.
Red Rock Canyon
Couples from around the world elope to exchange their vows in the vast Red Rock Canyon. Our photographers love shooting in this epic desert scenery. Cactus Collective Weddings is proud to be one of only a handful of companies who are approved for wedding permits inside this National Conservation Area.
- Choice of backdrops for your ceremony: The Overlook, Red Springs Boardwalk, the Visitor Center and a couple trailheads.
- A unique background of grasslands, desert views, mountains, cacti and other desert greenery, colorful rock formations and wildlife.
- Perfect for sunset weddings.
Eldorado Canyon
Chic, vintage, stylish and eclectic, Eldorado Canyon is a blend of stunning nature and erratic man-made structures, plus the most beautiful cholla cactus field we’ve ever seen. (Extra tip: The sight of the sun setting against these cacti is unreal.)
- Located just 45 minutes from Las Vegas.
- Three ceremony areas to choose from, offering a variety of backdrops.
- Great for intimate elopements and expansive enough for larger micro weddings of up to 50 people.
Dry Lake Bed
Looking for a blank canvas? Then consider Dry Lake Bed in Boulder City. It’s serene, surreal and truly unique. The flat, dry lake bed places you and your partner in the heart of this natural scenery, with the horizon and surrounding mountains as witnesses to your nuptials.
- Pops of color in dresses, florals and decor add an impressive element.
- Spacious location allows for plenty of privacy and great for a festival-vibe wedding.
- Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Vegas Strip.
Floyd Lamb State Park
Teeming with life yet beautifully serene, Floyd Lamb Park in Tule Springs is a true desert oasis. The vivid green parkland and ponds are a welcome sanctuary for all.
- Exchange your vows at the water’s edge in the presence of your nearest and dearest.
- Sheep and Spring Mountains are both within viewing distance — a reminder that the desert isn’t far away.
- Perfect for fall weddings when the trees that fill this 680-acre park display their autumn colours for your special day.
Bellagio
Weddings at the Bellagio are as quintessentially Vegas as they can get. Inspired by the romantic Italian village on Lake Como, this luxury hotel hosts charming venues, both indoor and outdoor, fit for a storybook wedding.
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony options are available.
- Located on the Strip for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception.
- Iconic fountains and elegant architecture deliver perfect Vegas wedding photo opportunities.
Canyon Gate Country Club
Marry at the Canyon Gate Country Club and you not only get a venue that boasts a beautiful lake and luxurious greenery, but it also delivers spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon.
- Close to The Strip and McCarran International Airport.
- Beautiful Greco-Roman inspired architecture.
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations to suit all seasons.
- Serves as a dual ceremony and full reception venue.
Green Valley Ranch Casino
Green Valley Ranch Casino (GVR) is known as one of the favorite local resorts in Las Vegas. Located just outside of the main city, GVR houses an array of experiences that can be easily catered to the elopement of your dreams.
- Gorgeous terrace overlooking the beach-style pool
- Stylish, Tuscan-inspired decor
- Lodging that accommodates entire group
GreenGale Farms
Within the grounds of this truly unique, family-owned farm are multiple all-natural backdrops. From fruit orchards to olive groves, desert wilderness to woodlands, there’s a ceremony location to suit every wedding style.
- A brilliant option for couples searching for an eco-friendly venue.
- Located in North Las Vegas and just 20 minutes from The Strip.
- Home to a menagerie of rescue animals, which your wedding will support.
JW Marriott
This venue’s power lies in its ability to deliver a classic, traditional-style wedding vibe without the overwhelm. Carefully selected locations within the grounds lend themselves perfectly to gorgeous weddings.
- Close to Red Rock Canyon and only a 20-minute drive from The Strip.
- Enjoy Mojave Desert mountain views while the venue’s oasis of water features, palm trees and pristine lawns.
- Accommodation, dining and spa facilities make it a great all-in-one Vegas ceremony option.
The Neon Museum
Are you looking to include some real Vegas history in your wedding? Then the Neon Museum is for you. Say ‘I do’ surrounded by iconic neon signs that blazed up the Strip in years gone by and enjoy an offbeat ceremony site that’s truly unique and full of playful photo opportunities.
- Located in Downtown Las Vegas, close to trendy restaurants and bars for your reception needs.
- Ceremonies and photoshoots are best held in the private North Gallery, aka the “Sweetheart” section.
- Private area closed to the public to ensure an intimate, uninterrupted micro wedding experience.
Red Rock Resort
Red Rock Resort weddings deliver an elegant atmosphere with just the right amount of fancy. Say “I do,” surrounded by swaying palm trees, beautiful greenery and luxurious pools.
- Move seamlessly from ceremony to celebration with accommodation, dining and entertainment all available on site.
- A stone’s throw from the beautiful Red Rock Canyon, for even more photo opportunities or mini moon adventures.
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony sites are available to suit your desired wedding season.
- Also serves as a dual ceremony and full reception venue.
Mt. Charleston Retreat
Exchange vows more than 6,000 feet above sea level at the base of Mt. Charleston. Be married here and you’ll be surrounded by greenery at The Retreat resort. Mt. Charleston is an unexpectedly cool escape in the middle of a desert.
- A 45-minute drive from the heart of the Vegas Strip.
- Cooler temperatures make it a perfect venue for summer weddings.
- The outdoor ceremony site delivers canyon views and Mojave Desert mountain backdrops.
- Serves as a dual ceremony and full reception venue.
These are just some of the stylish and adventurous venues that answer the question of where to get married in Vegas. Cactus Collective Weddings is always adding more as we work to bring our couples the most amazing venue options in Las Vegas. See the full collection of Las Vegas wedding and elopement venues.
Looking for something a little more edgy? Check out this article on Rock N Roll Bride about a gorgeous goth wedding with our sister brand, Electric Sugar Elopements.
Extra Touches for Your Day
Having a micro wedding usually limits the number of extra touches you need to organize. But having a destination wedding doesn’t mean ditching every flourish. There’s still room to personalize your day. Our Las Vegas marriage packages include the venue, magazine worthy photography, a modern officiant and florals for the two of you. But there’s always room for some additional items. Some added extras help your special day run more smoothly (transportation for instancefrom our experience) while others bring the pizzazz.
Videography
Reliving your special day through video is one of the surest ways to always remember the joyful feelings and emotions of your Las Vegas wedding.
Professional videography of your arrival, ceremony, vows and post ceremony celebrations will capture the entire scene for you to keep forever.
Relive your wedding through a 2–3 minute highlight video as well as the full video of your ceremony. This is a very popular add-on.
Additional Photography
Many memorable moments happen outside of the ceremony itself. Lots of couples choose to have photo coverage that tells the story of their entire day.
We offer options that cover special moments from getting ready, the first look, at a second location, during your reception, while taking a walking tour of the city and everything in between.
Behind the Scenes Photo/Video
A great way to get all the social media content you crave is to pick a Behind The Scenes add-on.
You’ll get a collection of all your shareable moments captured by a dedicated social media specialist. This is different from your regular photos and videos as it’s raw iPhone footage and unedited candid shots taken with Instagram and TikTok in mind.
The turnaround time on this footage is super quick and you’ll have it available to cut up and edit as you wish shortly after your wedding day. Keep it for yourselves or post it online. This is another popular add-on with our couples.
Bouquets and Floral Decorations
There are a few reasons why you may incorporate flowers into your day.
- Flowers are a simple way to weave your chosen color theme into decorations.
- Flowers native to Texas could be a nod to your home state.
- They’re versatile; they can be used for bouquets, corsages, boutonnièeres and arrangements.
- They add extra life and color to your photos.
If you choose one of our desert wedding venues, every pop of color in your flowers will stand out against the natural backdrop.
As a little something extra, the florist we work with includes succulents in your arrangements.
They wrap them carefully so you can replant them once you get home, which is a sweet memento.
Your new houseplants are allowed into Texas because they are grown indoors in commercially-prepared potting mix, rather than in soil, and are free of pests and diseases.
Cake and Champagne Ceremony Celebration
Cap off your ceremony by popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly. An elegantly decorated treats table stocked with your choice of cake, donuts, cupcakes and sparkling wine is a fun, memorable and photogenic way to celebrate your nuptials.
It doesn’t get much classier or more celebratory than enjoying a sparkler in your gorgeous outdoor venue complete with a beautiful display table adorned with flowers, a decorative rug and a “just married”-style sign. The flowers will match your color preferences.
And don’t worry, you can have your champers and drink it too. We’ll provide a prop bottle for shaking and spraying and the real thing for pouring into your flutes. In keeping with our Leave No Trace best practices, this service add-on uses glass flutes, none of that flimsy disposable plastic drinkware.
This ceremony celebration blows anything the cheesy chapels in town offer out of the water.
Wedding Transport
Whether it’s just you and your partner, or the two of you and a group of guests, you need transport to get to your venue and then onto your reception.
For out-of-town locations, we strongly recommend booking private transport. There are several options you can explore.
If it’s just the two of you, you could hire a car and drive yourselves or hire a chauffeured vehicle. If you’re bringing guests, book a minibus, party bus or coach to bring everyone to your wedding venue. This prevents the risk of someone getting lost and delaying the wedding.
Hair and Makeup
When you look good, you feel good, which is why you might consider booking a professional to help with your hair and makeup.
You can hire mobile hair and/or makeup professionals to come to your accommodation or find a local salon.
Wherever you decide to have your pamper time, let your servicer know if it’s just you or you plus your wedding party and close family.
Ceremony Music
Live music during a ceremony creates the perfect vibe and environment for an intimate wedding.
It provides entertainment for your guests as they gather and await your arrival and during the signing of the marriage register.
Your musician may also take requests, giving you a chance to hear a piece of music that’s significant to you and your partner.
Find more inspiration on how to personalize your day, and to see prices, please visit our Extra Touches page.
Where to Stay — for Couples and Guests
Las Vegas has a range of accommodation styles that suits all destination wedding budgets.
If it’s your first time here, search for accommodation on The Strip, Fremont Street and Downtown. These areas put the bright lights, shows, restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos on your doorstep.
Las Vegas is more than just The Strip, so if the Strip isn’t your scene, consider nearby areas such as Summerlin, Henderson and Spring Valley.
Here you’ll find comfortable, quality hotels such as Red Rock Casino and Resort, the JW Marriott and Green Valley Ranch. All of these suburbs are filled with modern dining experiences, plenty of shopping opportunities, outdoor activities and local events.
If you’ve flown over you’ll need to rent a car or use rideshares/taxis to access these parts of town. But you’ll be happy to know driving around Vegas is nothing like dealing with the heavy congestion in SoCal.
If you’re a public transport type, there is a city bus operated by the Regional Transportation Commission, but it’s not very convenient and trip time is usually triple what a car can do it in.
Paris Las Vegas
Situated in the heart of the Vegas Strip, it doesn’t get any more romantic than this. Swoon over each other (and the view) during dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.
The French cuisine is incredible, and there are probably more marriage proposals here than anywhere else in town. Snag a table by the window and sit 110 feet above the Bellagio fountains as you peruse the 1,200 label wine list.
The viewing deck is also a romantic spot, as are the cobblestone streets of the shopping district, Le Boulevard, which feels like roaming through the real city of lights.
Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels and Resorts
One of only three Crockfords in the United States, this top-end brand is new to Las Vegas, with the grand opening in June 2021.
They’ve had a couple years to iron out the kinks and are now consistently one of the best luxury experiences in the city. Prices compare well with the other 5-star resorts, but you get more bang for your buck since it’s a newer property.
Couples will enjoy the elegance and exclusivity while also being situated on the larger Resorts World grounds, giving you access to the amenities in place for the Hilton and Conrad portions of the property.
Silverton Casino Lodge
Going off-Strip should always get you a better room rate. That’s always been true at Silverton. They’ve also got a fun outdoorsy, woodsy theme.
Their hotel tower underwent a major renovation in 2023. Check out the Mermaid Show inside the Aquarium, voted Vegas’s best free attraction.
There’s also a giant Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and several other national outlets in the area known as Silverton Village. a very solid all-you-can-eat-buffet. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary 4-person shuttle to the airport — one of the best perks in town! Make sure to make shuttle reservations 24 hours prior to departing the hotel.
Bonus: The local enclave of stores and restaurants along Blue Diamond Road offers pretty much anything you need without relying on the overpriced sundries shops on The Strip. This major thoroughfare has seen some major additions in the past few years and it’s still growing.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Steve Wynn took everything he learned from The Mirage and parlayed his success into Bellagio. The 77-acre property has some of my favorite things on the Strip.
Fashioned after the village of Bellagio on Lake Como in northern Italy, it boasts a fine art gallery, the world’s largest glass sculpture (a magnificent piece by Dale Chihuly), a wonderfully appointed and ever-changing conservatory and the famous dancing fountains.
Wynn originally wanted a French-style resort. But the casino magnate became so smitten with the real Bellagio on a trip with his friend Paul Anka (yep, that Paul Anka) that he scrapped 10 months of design work to start over in order to replicate one of the most stunning regions in the whole world.
At a cost of 1.6 billion dollars, Bellagio was the most expensive resort on Earth when it opened in 1998.
Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Built and opened at the height of the extravagant pre-Great Recession building boom, Red Rock Resort quickly became a local favorite.
More than a billion dollars was spent to make this Summerlin resort as impressive as any of the 5-star mega resorts on The Strip.
Rooms feature open floor plans, plenty of natural light and awe-inspiring views.
With Downtown Summerlin’s recent addition of the Vegas Golden Knights practice facility and one of the newest AAA baseball stadiums in America, the entertainment zone surrounding Red Rock Resort makes this west valley suburb a destination in and of itself.
Caesars Palace
Vegas doesn’t get any more iconic than Caesars Palace. Shortly after opening in 1966, stuntman Evel Knievel cemented the casino as an American legend. Crash landing while attempting to jump his motorcycle over the fountains in front of the property put Caesars Palace on the map.
I’d tell space aliens crash landing in Southern Nevada to go to Caesars. Everyone has to go to Caesars.
Circa Resort and Casino
Bachelor parties will love it because of the world’s biggest sports book. Bachelorette parties will love it because of Legacy Club, with the cocktail lounge and terrace offering intimate spaces and beautiful sunsets.
Everyone will love it because of Stadium Swim. It’s no longer the only outdoor pool fully open year-round in Vegas, but they did set the standard and are still blowing away the competition. Circa is the first new casino to open in Downtown Las Vegas since 1980. The long wait was worth it.
MGM Grand
This monster property has everything you could ask for when going wild with your crew. Wet Republic rocks as hard as any pool party in Sin City.
Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House leads the way for 14 restaurants. Hakkasan Nightclub’s celeb DJs will keep you dancing all night.
And the country’s largest Top Golf will serve as your fitness centre for those who need to always be on the move.
Local and Nearby Honeymoon Ideas
Part of what makes Las Vegas such an attractive wedding destination is that it’s also a fantastic place to honeymoon.
After your wedding, if you’re planning to stick around for your honeymoon after your wedding, here are a few ideas for what to see and do while you’re in town, venturing into other parts of Nevada or heading for nearby cities in neighboring states.
Arts District
The 18b Arts District is a collection of galleries, street art, bars and theaters that stretch more than 18 blocks (hence its name).
The defining feature is The Arts Factory. This converted warehouse is home to more than 20 galleries and art studios, along with small gift stores and spaces for poetry and music readings.
Visit 18b.org to see what fairs, markets, shows and events are on during your visit.
Museums, Vegas-style
Vegas is home to weird and wonderful museums such as the Mob Museum — the only museum in America dedicated to the history of organized crime.
You’ll also find The Neon Museum in Vegas (where retired Vegas Strip neon signs RIP), Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum, and the Erotic Heritage Museum.
This last one is home to the world’s largest sex bike. Only in Vegas, right?
State Parks and National Parks
You may have come to Las Vegas specifically to get married at one of our amazing venues in the great outdoors.
But exploring the various trails isn’t ideal when dressed and prepped for your special day, and you may want to come back the next day or later in the week for a hike.
Both Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Valley of Fire State Park have hiking trails varying in length and difficulty.
Walking not your thing? Then enjoy the parks on a bike tour, head to the picnic areas for lunch and a stroll, or camp there for a few nights.
In the cooler months, make your way to the trail heads in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area where it will be warmer than on the mountains on the west side of the valley.
Lengthier drives can get you to a number of US National Parks. Great Basin National Park, Zion National Park in Utah and even the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. If you want to see the Grand Canyon in style, consider booking a helicopter tour!
Lake Tahoe
Southern Californians may wish to travel a little further afield to the Northern Nevada-California border where they’ll find the stunning Lake Tahoe.
It’s world’s away from the beaches and palm trees of SoCal. The crystal clear lake, surrounding snow-capped mountains and pine forests are a recipe for romance.
Driving takes around eight hours from Vegas, or you could catch a flight to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Southern California
Conversely, Northern Californians may find the southern part of their own state a bit exotic. Las Vegas is a half-day’s drive from Southern California and its beaches, movie studios and other attractions.
Perhaps after the happiest day of your life you’d like to visit the happiest place on Earth — Disneyland! There are two parks to visit there: California Adventure, stocked with Pixar’s rides and attractions, and the original Magic Kingdom, filled with the park’s legendary characters and spaces.
The major metros of Los Angeles and San Diego boast world-famous beaches along the Pacific coastline. The beach towns beckon honeymooners with their palm trees, tourist shops and laid back vibes. And a sunset drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is the stuff that dreams are made of.
Film buffs may want to take a studio tour. Universal, Paramount and Warner Brothers are the three biggest. They each offer a full dose of Hollywood history, behind the scenes access and potential celebrity sightings.
We could write a whole book about what to see and do in SoCal. Suffice to say, there’s plenty for honeymooners to do while soaking up the California sunshine and some of its world famous wine!
Phoenix and Scottsdale
Arizona’s biggest metro is also within reach for Las Vegas visitors. Check out some of these possibilities.
Couples having a spring wedding in Vegas who love baseball nearly as much as their sweetheart might enjoy a baseball-themed honeymoon while taking in some Cactus League spring training games.
Fan bases of five California teams can enjoy their favorite side in pre-season action. The LA Dodgers, Los Angeles/Anaheim Angels, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics compete for fans’ attention as they build their rosters and get warmed up for the real deal on Opening Day.
Golfers have nearly 200 courses to play while in the Valley of the Sun. Bring your clubs or rent them. The golf courses are open year round. Golf in the desert is a totally different game than you may be used to on the coast, but swinging amongst the mountains, arroyos and saguaro cacti is something worth trying at least once.
Arizona’s spas offer a range of wellness retreats to suit every style. Are you all about the views? Or do you prefer five-star luxury treatment? You’ll find spas specializing in everything from their meditative qualities to locally inspired treatments.
Looking to strike it rich on your honeymoon and get your marriage started off with a golden bang? The gold deposits are legendary and Arizona’s recreational mining laws make it easy for hobbyists to try their hand at panning or metal detecting while exploring local rivers and streams without any special permits or licenses required.
Flying from Texas to Las Vegas
An abundance of airports in Southern California means several options for flying to Sin City. Northern California residents can choose from a handful as well. Short direct flights can have you from gate to gate before you even realize you’ve left the ground.
Commercial carriers are the most common way to fly between the Golden State and the Silver State, but semi-private jets are becoming more popular. They offer a premium experience with slightly shorter flight times and you may find them a good value for the extra money.
| Depart from | Estimated travel time |
| Los Angeles – LAX, SNA, BUR, LGB (others) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Palm Springs – PSP | 1 hour |
| San Diego (SAN) | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Tijuana, Mx. (TIJ) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Sacramento – SMF | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| San Francisco – SFO, OAK, SJC, STS | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Driving from Southern California to Las Vegas
Car culture and California go together like gasoline and V8 engines. Or maybe you’ve gone green and prefer batteries and electric engines?
Either way, Californians love their cars. If you’ve got a classic you want to include in your wedding photo session or you just want to be able to embrace the freedom and individuality of the open road, Vegas is a fun road trip to make.
The LA to Vegas drive is about 270 miles give or take, depending on where you leave from. On Friday afternoons, you’ll encounter the heaviest traffic, slowest speeds and longest elapsed time. And on the return trip, Sunday afternoons can be a real drag.
Holiday weekends can be downright terrible in both directions. You’ll be wise to hit the road before the masses get off work on Fridays or as everyone heads home after hotel checkout on Sundays.
Better yet take both Thursday and Friday off because traffic is almost always lighter on Thursdays. Leave for Vegas on Thursday morning and make a lazy day of it while stopping a few times to see the sights along the way.
There are a number of Americana-style stops worth pulling off the I-15 for. The interstate follows portions of the old Route 66 and you can still get your kicks!
Step back in time for a burger at the retro Peggy Sue’s ‘50s Diner in Yermo.
In the Victorville area, you’ll find Elmer’s Bottle Ranch, Mohawk Gas and Mini Mart and the California Route 66 Museum.
As you get closer to Vegas, you may want to visit the Calico Ghost Town for a tour outside Barstow.
In Baker, attractions include the Mad Greek Cafe, the Alien Fresh Jerky store, and the world’s tallest thermometer.
Once you cross the stateline, you may be tempted to power through to Vegas, but you’d be missing out on the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car in Primm, Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings and the Seven Magic Mountains art installation near Jean.
The seven stacks dayglow painted boulders are actually a great place for a wedding. We can meet you there!
Driving from Northern California to Las Vegas
Driving from the Bay Area is much less convenient than driving from Southern California.
The fastest route takes 8–10 hours and stretches through some very pedestrian scenery for much of the 570 mile trip. Interstate 5 runs through the San Joaquin Valley, a breadbasket region that produces a significant part of California’s agricultural output.
Sounds interesting, but really you’re just driving past acres and acres of farmland. A full day drive past rows and rows of fruit trees can feel like an eternity.
However, if you’re determined to drive, and you want to make the drive take several days with some pretty epic overnight stops along the way, then opt for the scenic route. Starting in Yosemite National Park, (a 4–5 hour drive from San Francisco) you can go down the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and take all the time you care to as you visit Mammoth Lakes, Lone Pine, Sequoia National Park and Death Valley National Park.
If you’re seeing all there is to see, this drive could easily take a week or more. Maybe save it for your honeymoon or an anniversary trip.
Stress-free Weddings from California to Las Vegas
in Las Vegas if you’re from California is easier and more doable than you thought.
All-inclusive Las Vegas destination micro weddings and elopements are stylish, adventurous, and affordable and provide couples with memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll even get amazing photos to prove it!
If you’re looking for a stress-free wedding experience my team of local experts and I are here to help you every step of the way. Tell us about your vision for your special day so we can get the ball rolling.
Use the inquiry form below to share your hopes and dreams with us and we’ll make the magic happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you didn’t catch the answer to these FAQs in the guide above, here’s your second chance. Many California couples ask about these topics.
What is the best place to get married in Las Vegas?
Our most popular venue is Red Rock Canyon followed closely by Valley of Fire. But there’s several more stunning venues to choose from, and we’re happy to help you coordinate your ceremony at whichever one you decide is the best for you.
Where to get married in Vegas?
Booking your ceremony with Cactus Collective Weddings gives you access to more than 30 top-notch venues. Try our Outsidey vs. Outdoorsy venue match making tool to find your venue now!
What’s included in a Las Vegas marriage package?
A standard Las Vegas all-inclusive wedding package includes your choice of venue, magazine worthy photography, a modern officiant, and florals for the couple. The only major variable on your end is the guest count. CCW offers packages ranging from no guests (a true elopement) up to 50 guests.
Do Las Vegas marriage chapel packages exist?
Yes. Up and down the boulevard you’ll find dozens of chapels offering quick in-and-out cookie cutter packages. For couples seeking a more stylish or adventurous chapel alternative we suggest exploring our favorites.
Are there people getting married in Vegas for fun?
I think all weddings in Las Vegas are fun, but I know what you’re asking. Do people get pretend married in Las Vegas if they want to play a trick on their friends or enjoy a fun wedding experience without actually making it official and legal? Yes, they totally do. If you’re wanting to go this route, get in touch.
I want to know how to get married in Las Vegas by Elvis?
We get this request a lot. Cactus Collective Weddings works with one of the best Elvis impersonator wedding officiants in town. He brings a lot of fun, nostalgia and energy to our micro wedding ceremonies and all you have to do is add him to your wedding package. He’s available as one of our Wedding Day Extra Touches!
