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| Newlyweds enjoy a photo op on the balcony of the Doge’s Palace facade of The Venetian. |
When it comes to hosting destination weddings, the city of Las Vegas continues to hold its own. In fact, it appears to be gaining in that regard. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s 2012 Visitor Profile Study, four percent of arrivals in the city last year cited “wedding/to get married” as the primary purpose of their visit. That’s up from three percent, a figure that had held steady for the previous four years. And, since 2007, the city has issued an average of more than 100,000 marriage licenses annually, with the most popular dates being Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
Las Vegas’ popularity among newlyweds-to-be is further underscored by The Knot Market Intelligence: 2012 Destination Weddings Study, which shows that six out of 10 domestic destination weddings take place in eight top U.S. locations, among which Nevada ranks third behind only the coastal (think beach) states of Florida and California. Following is a sampling of some of the newer facilities, packages and special deals, along with a selection of tried and true offerings for your Las Vegas-bound couples.
Aria Resort & Casino has just opened its new 2,750-square-foot Wedding Chapel. It has seating for up to 60 guests and offers couples the ability to broadcast their wedding live online for friends and family who are unable to attend. The lavish decor includes a white-and-chocolate scheme with splashes of floral color, metallic accents and live flowers woven onto the walls. The space also includes a foyer for post-ceremony receptions, a women’s dressing lounge, and groom’s private game lounge with a pool table and wet bar.
To help get the word out about the new chapel, Aria is offering a special limited time promotion. Book any wedding package for your clients, to be hosted now through December 2013, and they’ll receive 20 percent off the price. Likewise, any reception booked in conjunction with a nuptials package is available at a 15 percent discount. The promotion applies to new bookings only. Direct inquiries to [email protected] or 702-590-LOVE.
Through December 30, 2013, couples who book the $10,000 Il Sogno Wedding Package at the Bellagio will be eligible for an upgrade to the Terrazza Di Sogno (Terrace of Dreams) for $500 instead of the usual $2,000. If they choose the $25,000 Cosa Bella Wedding Package, the upgrade is free. This offer is only available for new bookings. Agents can reach out to Aida Bouaoun (702-693-7700), wedding chapel manager.
At Caesars Palace, brides- and grooms-to-be who book a Caesar (from $3,600), Cleopatra (from $2,100) or Simcha (from $2,600) wedding for a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday ceremony now through August receive an additional night’s stay free. Bookings must be made before August 14, 2013. Caesars is also repeating its Valentine’s Day special next year. Clients getting married there on February 14, 2014, get 14 percent off any of the above-named packages. Book it before July 14, 2013, and the hotel will waive the holiday premium, an additional saving of $500. Direct any questions to Desirae Parker ([email protected]), weddings services manager.
At the MGM Grand, couples can choose from two elegant wedding chapels. For wedding parties of 70 guests, book them into Forever Grand’s Legacy Chapel. If a more intimate ceremony is called for, choose the Cherish Chapel that hosts parties of up to 45. In either setting, your clients’ wedding day will be accompanied by the music of their choice played on a baby grand piano. Three video cameras are discreetly positioned in each of the chapels to capture these memories. Reach out to Jennifer Parnell ([email protected]), executive director of leisure sales, or visit www.mgmgrandweddings.com.
On May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Wagner in a brief ceremony at the Aladdin hotel. Just over six years ago, the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino opened on that same site. On May 1 this year, the hotel paid homage to its predecessor with two one-day-only, Elvis-themed wedding/commitment/vow-renewal packages, “Viva Las Vegas” and “Love Me Tender.” The resort will repeat the offer on May 1, 2014. “The King” himself presides as minister for both ceremonies; for clients who choose the former, “Elvis” sings as well. The wedding chapel seats up to 65 guests. For details, get in touch with Ali Hamper or Erin Gilday ([email protected]), the Planet Hollywood wedding team.
In addition to an array of wedding packages, including two that take place on its iconic Song Ship, Treasure Island offers couples the option of a wedding webcast channel. TI also hosts Nikkah and wedding receptions with customized Indian and Pakistani menus available. You can get more details from LeMisha Fields ([email protected]), wedding chapel manager.
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| The Spa at Encore Foyer doubles as a chapel for the Wynn’s Zen Ceremony package. |
Italy is still among the world’s most popular destinations, but if that’s too far afield for your destination wedding candidates, The Venetian and its sister hotel The Palazzo could be viable alternatives. For starters, there are two “Gondola” options among the many wedding packages. Other indoor wedding sites include four themed wedding chapels (Jasmine, Gardenia, Magnolia and Princess), the Bridge of Love and the Palazzo Waterfall. Outdoor packages include the Garden Romance, Gardenia Terrace and Jasmine Terrace.
Gerald DiPietro ([email protected]) is the agent liaison for The Venetian and The Palazzo; alternatively, e-mail [email protected].
Wynn Las Vegas has introduced three new ceremony packages and venues for tying the knot. In addition to the traditional offerings at the Wedding Salons, couples can experience an intimate ceremony in The Spa at Encore Foyer, get hitched while overlooking the Lake of Dreams or be wed in the ultrachic Tryst Nightclub. All these options include a wedding consultant to assist in planning services of an officiant, bouquet and matching boutonniere, floral arrangements and photographs, plus special touches depending on the venue.
Accompanied by live music, couples opting for the Zen Ceremony will walk down an aisle illuminated by Moroccan lanterns and exchange vows in front of a large Golden Buddha in The Spa’s Tranquility Hall. Price is $4,790 (after 9 p.m.; maximum 10 guests).
More economical is the Lake of Dreams Terrace Ceremony package overlooking the resort’s three-acre lake with its 45-foot tall waterfall and a pine-tree topped “mountain.” It costs $2,490 ($2,990 on Saturdays and holidays; maximum 20 guests).
The most extravagant is the Tryst Wedding Celebration, starting at $14,395. Couples say “I do” on the dance floor that opens out onto a secluded lagoon and a 90-foot waterfall. Price includes the services of a DJ and two hours with a master photographer. Direct any queries to Ramesh Sadhwani ([email protected]), senior VP and GM, hotel operations, or e-mail [email protected].