What does Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Elvis Presley and Priscilla Anne Beaulieu, and Mickey Rooney and his eight brides all have in common? They, and many other celebrities like them, were all hitched in Las Vegas. 
Weddings are one of the primary reasons why many make the trek to Sin City. And the Wedding Destination Capital of the World is more than just a hotspot reserved for celebrities or those wanting a wedding that’s scandalous and spontantaneous. Las Vegas weddings are growing increasingly popular in the most respectable circles.
Bridal couples and Las Vegas also have something else in common: They love their number sequences. Last year it was August 8th, 2008 which drew in huge crowds because in Asian cultures 8’s a lucky number. Two years ago it was all about the 07/07/07 which is the jackpot-y-est of all dates.
Many times, the pros of having a Las Vegas wedding outweigh the cons, particularly in today’s current economic reality, in which many Americans are hemorrhaging money and watching all their pennies.
It’s hard not to find a Las Vegas casino or wedding venue that is not getting in the spirit of 09/09/09 weddings. Whether it be Cupids Wedding Chapel, Little White Chapel, or the Riviera, all are offering some package deal to draw in thousands of wedding couples that will, hopefully, improve long-sagging wedding industry revenues.
On the haute style end, Bellagio is offering a very special package. For $5,000, the bride and groom can treat guests and themselves to a wedding that includes one hour of chapel time, a bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, two mantle floral arrangements, bottle of Dom Perignon bubbly, wedding certificate, an officiant, rose petals and more.
Caesar’s Palace offer packages that fit any budget and that offer up the outdoor plaza or the Venus Garden as settings. They also have a category called “Unforgettables.” These are the details that personalize a wedding. With the help of a wedding planner, couples can design a unique wedding cake or even arrange for a live character such as Cleopatra or Roman guards to attend the wedding.
Arguably one of the most romantic of all wedding sites in Las Vegas is the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino and Hotel. Although only big enough to host 12 guests, the Eiffel Tower Observation Deck allows couples to wed night or day, with the bejeweled Las Vegas vista behind them.
If you more into the big crowd feeling, on September 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pm, 99 couples are paying $99.09 for the privilege of getting married on the Stratosphere’s enclosed observation deck, enjoy a champagne celebration, get themselves superimposed in a Stratosphere souvenir photo and get two tickets to ride the roller coaster.
Despite the spontaneity that can come with a Las Vegas wedding, it is important to allot enough time to get the marriage license at the Marriage Bureau at 201 Clark Ave. The fee is $55 in cash. Anyone applying for a license must be at least 18 years old and must be able to prove their age. Social Security numbers are also required.
For those of you that can’t make this memorable date, don’t forget THE largest Las Vegas wedding convention – the Las Vegas Bridal Spectacular – will be August 21 and 22 at Cashman Center. The event offers all the wedding resources under one roof to make your special day a lifetime memory.
Viva Las Vegas!
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 