How to Plan The Best Las Vegas Elopement
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning your Las Vegas elopement. As a Las Vegas elopement photographer who’s captured hundreds of elopements here in the city of love, I’m here to tell you that the details really do matter! From choosing the best chapel, your outfits, bringing props, and even picking out the hotel where you’re staying! Now let’s dive into all of these tips on how to plan the best Las Vegas elopement for you and your partner, because you won’t want to miss this!
Choosing a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel
When it comes to planning the best Las Vegas elopement, your choice of chapel is incredibly important. This will set the tone for your entire wedding experience here in Las Vegas. It will serve as the backdrop for your ceremony and some of your portraits as well! Picking the perfect chapel for your elopement can make your elopement experience memorable and uniquely yours, so choose wisely! Keep in mind that many chapels in Las Vegas book up quickly, so once you know for sure where and when, book your slot! Need some ideas? Check out these a few of my chapel guides below!
How to Get Married at The Little White Wedding Chapel
Sure Thing Chapel Las Vegas Elopement Guide
Choosing Your Las Vegas Elopement Outfits
Choosing what to wear for your Las Vegas elopement can be so much fun! Whether you’re going for classy, vintage, sexy, or chic, there are so many options! Check out these ‘18 Showstopping Vegas Wedding Dresses‘ by The Knot or visit my Pinterest for all the inspiration!
Recommendations For Your Las Vegas Elopement Outfits:
Have Props & Plan For Activities For Your Las Vegas Elopement
Another fun thing that adds so much to your experience and photos is having props for your elopement or planning for fun activities during our time together that you and your partner would enjoy. Let’s make it the most memorable!
Bringing Props That Represent You & Your Partner
Fun prop ideas can include anything from accessories, florals, decor, or items that bring your vision to life. Props truly add so much! Many couples like to bring champagne for popping, renting a vintage or classic car for photos, wear sunglasses, or even getting a beautiful cake!
Plan For Fun Activities During Our Time Together!
Many couples also like to plan activities during our time together, which is a great idea because we can still get some fun photos along the way. Want to stop for drinks at a cute speakeasy? I’m so down! Want to grab a slice of pizza from the iconic Evel Pie? Let’s do it! There’s so much that you can do with your partner. Vegas definitely isn’t limited when it comes to activities!
Choose a Beautiful Las Vegas Hotel to Stay at
Many of my couples book me for more time than just the ceremony, so often we’ll visit Fremont Street and/or head back to their hotel for photos in the hallways and in their suite. Because of this, choosing a hotel that offers beautiful backdrops is incredibly important. A few of my favorite hotels that I recommend are The Venetian Resort, Bellagio, Flamingo Hotel, and Caesar’s Palace. I also recommend the middle strip as a great location for couples to stay because it’s so conveniently located!
Las Vegas Elopement Timeline Examples
One of the many things in planning a successful Las Vegas elopement is having a timeline in place so we can ensure that we hit all of the spots you want! As a Las Vegas elopement photographer, I offer 1,2, or 4 hours worth of coverage. Below you’ll find example timelines for each.
*Note that times would change based on sunset. I suggest a set ceremony time 1-1.5 hours BEFORE sunset! If you are getting married at The Little White Wedding Chapel, then you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment, and your timeline will need to reflect this.
Las Vegas Elopement 1-Hour Timeline
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Ceremony & Photoshoot
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM: Couple arrives at the ceremony location (Little White Chapel, Sure Thing Chapel, Red Rock Canyon, etc.)
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Elopement ceremony begins. Exchange of vows, and rings.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Couples photoshoot around the ceremony location, capturing the golden hour light just before sunset. Popping champagne or small cake cutting can be included!
5:30 PM: Wrap up the elopement experience. Final photos and goodbyes with the photographer so the couple can continue on and experience Las Vegas together!
Las Vegas Elopement 2-Hour Timeline
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Getting Ready & Arrival
- 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Final touches on hair, makeup, and attire at the hotel or venue. Quick getting-ready photos.
- 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Couple and photographer travel to the ceremony location (e.g., Little White Wedding Chapel, Sure Thing Chapel, Red Rock Canyon, etc.).
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Ceremony
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Elopement ceremony begins. Couple exchanges vows and rings. Photos immediately after ceremony.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Photoshoot
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Couples photoshoot around the ceremony location or nearby beautiful spots, capturing the beautiful golden hour light just before sunset.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Celebration & Wrap Up
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Mini celebration with a quick cake cutting, champagne popping, or celebratory drink at a nearby bar or hotel lounge. Additional photos taken during this time!
- 6:00 PM: Wrap up the elopement experience. Final photos and goodbyes, and the couple can continue to enjoy their time together exploring more of Las Vegas!
Las Vegas Elopement 4-Hour Timeline
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Getting Ready & First Look
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Couples finish’s getting ready at their hotel suite. Final touches on hair, makeup, and attire.
- 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM: First Look between the couple. This can be done privately in the hotel or a beautiful nearby location.
- 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Couple and photographer travel to the ceremony location (e.g., Sure Thing Chapel, Little White Chapel, or an outdoor spot like Red Rock Canyon).
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Ceremony
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Elopement ceremony begins. Couple exchanges vows and rings. Photos immediately after the ceremony.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Photoshoot
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Couples photoshoot around the ceremony location and other iconic Las Vegas spots (e.g., Fremont Street, The Venetian, couples hotel room, fun bar, etc.)
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Celebration & Wrap Up
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Mini celebration with a small cake cutting, champagne popping, or celebratory drink at a nearby bar or hotel lounge. More photos during this time.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Wrap up the elopement experience. Final photos and goodbyes so the couple can experience more of Las Vegas together!
Choose The Perfect Elopement Photographer Whose Style You Love
And last but not least, it’s so important that you carefully choose the right Las Vegas elopement photographer for you! There are many amazing photographers in Las Vegas, and each one has their own unique style. When looking for your photographer, make sure to check out their portfolio, Instagram, and ask to see a full elopement gallery before you decide. You should book your photographer not only because you like their style but also because you like them as a person!
Meet Bri, Your Las Vegas Elopement Photographer
Hey babes!! It’s Bri, and I hope you’ve found this blog on how to plan the best Las Vegas elopement helpful! There’s a misconception that Las Vegas elopements have to be cheap and can be cringe, but that just isn’t true. Your elopement can look exactly as you want it to with a little bit of planning and fun!
If you are looking for a Las Vegas elopement photographer, I would love to be your photographer! I was born and raised in Wisconsin but knew I needed a change, so I moved to Las Vegas in 2019 and haven’t looked back! I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this city and love to capture others during their time here, on one of the most important days of their lives!
You can learn more about me here. If you think I’m the perfect Las Vegas elopement photographer for you, inquire with me! Until then, check out other Las Vegas elopements on the blog for inspiration, and follow me on Instagram to stay in touch!
