GeePeeS'r

I think its about that time for my girlfriend and I. We have been dating for 5 years, both are 27, I am done with school and she is almost done. And we live together. But neither of us want a big obnoxious, stressful waste of money type wedding. Sure, wedding are beautiful, and it is a very special day. But we just don't see the point of all that money (which we ourselves would have to pay a good portion of) being spent when could use it toward a house or for retirement savings, or even our kids future education (if we have kids).

So, we plan to possibly pseudo-elope. We will probably go to Vegas for a few days, and only invite our immediate families, and maybe 1 or two friends. And keep it low key. It just seems like it would be a lot of fun. And then go to a honeymoon somewhere else for a few more days.

Anyone get married there and stay sober enough to remember it? Any thoughs or ideas would be great. Even if you have just been there to visit and have casino, bar, hotel or restaurant suggestions, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

maleficent

I honestly don't remember what chapel they used, just that it was a pretty white place. (Helpful, I know)

Friends had asked me and a few others to Vegas for a long weekend, we got obscenely good airfares and roommates so we couldn't not go.

Friday night, we went to dinner, then a limosine took 6 of us to a very pretty wedding chapel, located near a lake. (I don't remember the name) They then hit us with, "hey we're getting married". They had planed it for a few months, and got some sort of package that they paid a few hundred dollars for that had a video tape of the wedding, flowers for the wedding party (men and women) champagne toast, the bride's choice of song for one dance, a candle lighting ceremony, and the bride and groom wrote their own vows. I expected it to be really cheesey, but it was such a beautiful ceremony because these two were/are so much in love that it was nicer than any big ass huge wedding that would set you back 10's of thousands of dollars.
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New Years Eve in 2000, my brother and his wife, hiked to the top of some mountain in Washington State (where they were living at the time) in a backpack, they had a bridal veil, flowers, a bottle of champagne and some glasses. Among the people on the hike was an ordained minister (who knew what tehy were up to) and my brothers best friend since high school and his wife (they served as the best man and maid of honor). They reached the top of the mountain - and they got married... The pictures are absolutely beautiful.. .and again -- it was a ceremony about love, and not about other people...

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gar1976

10 year reunion, the Mrs. and I are renewing our vows in the church of Elvis.

4 1/2 to go, and my wife is getting more worried by the month

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Blistex, in regards to crappy games -

They made pong look like a story driven RPG with a dynamic campaign.

CoachAlan

All of my friends except one have been married in Vegas. Of course, I live in Vegas, so that stands to reason. It's possible to have ANY type of wedding in Las Vegas. And I mean ANY. Large or small, we are the wedding capital of the world, and we know how to do it right.

Since you're interested in saving money, I'll tell you that there are many packages that include travel, room, and wedding for one price. A little searching could go a long way toward making an unforgettable, and economical, experience.

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"If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, I shall not go!"
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pinkie

My sister-in-law and her hubby married there, and they were very happy with it. So did my husband's best friend. However, he got wasted and lost in the desert.

GeePeeS'r

Thanks guys. These are the types of responses I was hoping for.

maleficient - you make some very good points. I need to keep searching for those package deal you and CoachAlan are mentioning.

gar1976 - did you get married there or is it just for the renewal?

pinkie - yes, that is one of my fears. Getting cold feet, getting so drunk I dont know where I am, and then ending up on an episode of CSI somehow. Thanks for the warning.

More insight please!

Gloves

Hey Gee>I lived there of 5years>Got married by a justice of the peace>lol>And had a great time at the Dinner shows and A little gambling, movies,and the great hotel room>real good service. This is something you walk into with your eyes open! Have fun!

Kyp's Girl

I got married in reno (closer to home then vegas) and it was great. my family wasn't there and I felt a little bad about that but I didn't have to deal with "everyone trying help" or any financial difficulties. So it's not vegas but kind of the same idea. I wouldn't have wanted my whole family at my wedding anyways.

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yournamehere

We got married there - her parents were scheduling a visit to see us (in Tucson at the time), with a stop-off in Las Vegas. We were planning on getting married around that time anyway, so I asked my parents if they'd like a free trip to Vegas - they agreed, so we decided to do it there.
We got a lot of brochures, made a lot of phone calls in advance (pre-internet days!!), and decided on a place that had gardens and waterfalls - not your typical Las Vegas chapel. The whole deal only cost around around $500 (excluding air fare), and I was on a winning streak while we were there. After paying for everything, and living fairly large while there, we still went home with over $500 more than we came with.

An all-around good time.

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