The Guide to Getting Married in Las Vegas from Texas

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.

Vegas may not have as many honky tonks, but we sure know how to throw a party.

All sounds great. But how do you plan a wedding across state lines? Enter this guide. It 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 Texas, 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

No task is too tall for a Texan, and that includes pulling off a fabulous micro destination wedding or elopement in Las Vegas.

Making your special day turn out exactly the way you pictured it doesn’t have to be as hard as putting socks on a rooster. Use of email, video calling and text messaging make the process easier than falling off a log.

We plan the destination weddings of hundreds of couples every year, from all over the globe. This certainly isn’t our first rodeo and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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 trick is having someone on your team who’s on location and whose job it is to help you cover every detail.    

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The biggest difference between Nevada and Texas is the 72 hour waiting period. If you’re coming from the Lone Star State to Vegas, there is no waiting period and you can get your license and hold your ceremony the same day!

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.

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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. By contrast, in Texas there is a 72-hour waiting period.
  • You do not need a blood test. This is also the case in Texas.
  • Your marriage license is valid for one year. By contrast, in Texas, a marriage license is only valid for 90 days.
  • Marriage records in Nevada are public documents and cannot be made confidential or sealed, whereas in Texas you may have them removed if you both consent, or petition to have them sealed for privacy.
Modern minister signing a marriage license for a newly married couple.

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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. 

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 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. As long as you’ve completed the pre-application form online, you should head to the Express Lane at the bureau.

Your paperwork and ID are checked and, upon approval, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Ceremony Locations

Vegas may be famous for its wedding chapels, Elvis impersonators and drive through wedding windows, but there’s an entire industry beyond the in-and-out high volume chapel options.

We’re 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. 

You may think we’ve got nothing on the dazzling beauty of West Texas, but maybe a gander at a few of our outdoor gems will change your mind.

Valley of Fire State Park

Bride and groom celebrating marriage in the Mojave Desert.
Newlyweds sitting with the guests at a reception in the Valley of Fire State Park.
Newlyweds embracing after wedding ceremony in Mojave Desert.

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 city.
  • Fiery sandstone formations offer dramatic backdrops and endless photo opportunities.

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Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond Nursery

Bride and groom stand in front of cacti at Cactus Joe's.
Cactus Joe's Wedding Chapel
The post "I do" walk out of the Cactus Joe's chapel.

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.

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Red Rock Canyon

Newlyweds in the desert of Red Rock Canyon.
Groom popping bottle of champagne with bride next to him.

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 Spring and the Visitor Center. 
  • A unique background of grasslands, desert views, mountains, cacti and other desert greenery, colorful rock formations and wildlife. 
  • Perfect for sunset weddings.

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Eldorado Canyon

rachael sam eldorado canyon wedding
Bride and groom sitting in the back of an old truck at Eldorado Canyon.
Eldorado Canyon - Bride + Groom Holding Hands

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.

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Dry Lake Bed

Newlyweds kissing in a classic car in the Dry Lake Bed in Boulder City, NV.
Newlyweds kissing under arch in the Dry Lake Bed in Boulder City, NV.
Bride and groom sharing a romantic. moment in the Dry Lake Bed in Boulder City, NV.

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.

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Floyd Lamb State Park

Bride and groom stand near a tree with wide open grassy area behind them.
Newlywed couple standing at alter in Floyd Lamb Park.
Bride, groom and guests at a Las Vegas wedding in Floyd Lamb Park.

Teeming with life yet beautifully serene, Floyd Lamb Park in Tule Springs is a true desert oasis. The vivid green parkland and lakes 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.  

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The Bellagio

Couple sharing a kiss in front of the famed Bellagio fountains.

Weddings at the Bellagio are as quintessentially Vegas as they can get. Inspired by the romantic Italian village of Bellagio, 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.

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Canyon Gate Country Club

Romantic wedding photo taken in front of Canyon Gate pond.

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.

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Green Valley Ranch Casino

Woman reading vows at ceremony.

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

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GreenGale Farms

A wedding kiss amongst the dreamy colors of 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.

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JW Marriott

Post-wedding excitement shared at the JW Marriott Las Vegas.

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.

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The Neon Museum 

Newlyweds embracing at wedding in the Neon Museum in Las Vegas.
A romantic dip against the signs of 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.

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Red Rock Resort

Chic and modern wedding style on the Red Rock Terrace.

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.

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Mt. Charleston Retreat

Couple getting married at Mt Charleston peak in Las Vegas.
Newlyweds celebrating at Mt Charleston peak in Las Vegas.

Exchange vows more than 3,000 feet above sea level by the peak of Mt. Charleston. Be married here and you’ll be surrounded by greenery at The Retreat resort. Mt. Charleston is an unexpectedly cool, lush oasis 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.

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These are just some of the stylish and adventurous venues on offer from Cactus Collective Weddings. And, we’re 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.

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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. Some added extras help your special day run smoothly (from 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. 

Photographer taking pics of two brides in the desert.

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.

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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 his 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 California if they are indoor plants, pest-free, ornamental and not for resale, and they’re potted in potting mix or other “clean” medium.

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Luxe Wedding Bouquets
Standard Wedding Bouquets

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 cake decorated with purple flowers.
Table set in the desert with champagne and wedding cake.

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Wedding Transport

Transport is an easily overlooked wedding detail.

Whether it’s just you and your partner, or the two of you plus several of your posse, 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.  

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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.  

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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.

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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 infamous traffic nightmares of Houston. 

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.

Just off the main floor you’ll find one of the best country bars on the Strip, Dawghouse Saloon.

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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 a very solid all-you-can-eat-buffet. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle to the airport — one of the best perks in town! The Silverton has branded itself as “Lodge Vegas,” and the theme of the property feels a bit like being on a camping trip.

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.

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 the second-newest AAA baseball stadium in America, the entertainment zone surrounding Red Rock Resort makes this west valley suburb a destination in and of itself.

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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.

Bonus: Blake Shelton’s country bar, Ole’ Red is just across the street at the Horseshoe Casino.

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, the only outdoor pool open year round in Vegas. 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.

Losers Bar, a country-themed bar, serves up live country music and cold Sarsaparilla every night.

And the country’s largest Top Golf will serve as your fitness centre for those who need to always be on the move.

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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?      

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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!

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Lake Tahoe

Couples 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 prairies and tumbleweeds of Texas. 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

Dwight Yoakam may not have found any glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted lives, but you don’t have to be searching for stardom to enjoy SoCal 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 and might be a nice place to stop if you happen to take a scenic road trip back home to Texas. 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.

The Texas Rangers call Surprise Stadium home during Cactus League play. Stop by and say, “Howdy,” to all your favorite players from a comfy spot on the lawn or one of just 10,000 seats.

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. Taking your swings 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.

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Flying from Texas to Las Vegas

Texas’ five busiest airports all have direct flights to Sin City. If you’re traveling from Houston, Dallas or Austin your estimated flight times are shown in the chart below.

Travelers from Midland, San Antonio, El Paso, Amarillo and Lubbock can also fly non-stop to Vegas.

Couples and their guests traveling from Waco, Corpus Christi or Brownsville will have to make a stop in the Big D or H-Town.

Those of you leaving the Lone Star State from Brownsville also have the option of making a lone stop in LA.

Depart fromEstimated travel time
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport2 hours 55 minutes
Dallas Love Field Airport2 hours 49 minutes
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport3 hours 10 minutes
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport2 hours 40 minutes
Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport3 hours 10 minutes

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Driving from Texas to Las Vegas

Unless you’re pulling your horse trailer to Las Vegas and plan on getting married during the National Finals Rodeo, you should ask yourself, “Do I really want to drive rather than fly?”

Even from El Paso, it’s a full day on the road. We’re talking 11–12 hours with no stops. And making the 1,400 mile trek from Houston would mean 21–22 hours behind the wheel.

I’m originally from the upper Midwest, so I get the appeal of driving — and in turning just about any vacation into a great American road trip.

But now that I live in Vegas with a super accessible airport and a huge number of destinations serviced, I think y’all are crazy for not flying.

My advice would be to save the road trip for the honeymoon. Better to get here fast and then take it slow.

Heck, you could fly here and then rent a convertible for the drive home if you really feel the need for highway speeds.

Stress-free Weddings from Texas to Las Vegas

Getting married in Las Vegas if you’re from Texas is easier and more doable than you thought, right?

All-inclusive Las Vegas destination micro weddings and elopements are stylish, adventurous and affordable — and they 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.We’ll make the magic happen.

McKenzi Taylor

McKenzi Taylor

McKenzi Taylor is America's go-to elopement and micro wedding expert, often featured in small and major media outlets, such as the New York Times. With over 15 years of wedding photography experience, it was after planning her own Las Vegas elopement in 2016 that McKenzi felt her purpose shift into elopement coordination. She started Cactus Collective Weddings soon after in 2017. Since then, she's become a WIPA board member, currently serving as President, and has helped thousands of couples from around the world get hitched in style around Las Vegas, San Diego and Black Hills.