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Permalink Reply by Desilu on July 24, 2012 at 1:29pm

I would suggest Old Vegas - Fremont Street. It's between there and the Main (New) Strip that you'll find all of the drive thru chapels. If you don't want a drive thru, just for kitsch value, check the hotels where you will be staying - alot of them have the wedding packages already set-up that include hair, make-up, photos, staying at the hotel, and little extras. I also know there are a couple of tat artists on Fremont, but don't remember their shop names (I've only been there twice). I just love the feel of Fremont - it's not as harried and rushed and in your face as the Strip is. That's more my style.

Just as a note: my BFF was married at Mandalay Bay, and like I mentioned, they had wedding packages already set-up that you could choose from. Hers included photo (which sucked, because attendees were not allowed to use flash-photo to take their own pics, because it would throw off the included photog's pics), cake and hors d'ovuers in her room, part or all of their room stay, hair and make-up, and probably some other incidentals. I know Mandalay Bay was expensive, but I am pretty sure the other hotels have a similar deal set up. It is kinda cliche, but cliches are based on reality to some extent.

Whatever you do, have a great time - it will fly by so fast, you won't remember everything, so take LOTS of pics (and we'd love to see them!!)!!!

Double O Jenn

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Permalink Reply by Voodoo Bettie on July 25, 2012 at 10:22am

Thanks Jenn! We were hoping to have the most ridiculous and over-the-top Elvis wedding experience and I found Graceland chapel which is looking promising, especially since they have packages for $199 and you get a couple of songs from the Elvis and they take some pics that you can purchase for not too much money (definitely a plus). I do want to get my hair and makeup done by someone though so the hunt continues for a stylist who does vintage looks. Definitely want to get some happy snaps and will share for sure!

I'm going to read up about Fremont, I think we'd be planning to stay on the Strip but we haven't booked anything yet.

Thanks for the advice!

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Permalink Reply by Alyssa Cutuli on July 24, 2012 at 4:53pm

Thanks Voodoo Bettie, I was just about to post a similar message. I'm from Australia, and looking at a vegas wedding next year. Though not a huge fan of Elvis (I know, shock horror!) I would love to hear of a good frank sinatra.

And I would also love to know of a good place for reception/party. Maybe a good tiki bar....

Voodoo Bettie, not sure if you have heard of offbeatbride.com but they would have great ideas for non traditional dresses. Thats where I found dollycouture.com (they also do colours)

Thanks Double O Jann, I am looking at Mandalay Bay!

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Permalink Reply by sandy francis on July 24, 2012 at 8:18pm

when my fiance were first deciding on what we wanted for a wedding, we looked at Vegas. 

the MGM has a 'vintage wedding package' that has hair, makeup etc I think that started around 1k.

having lived in vegas for a bit, and visiting relatives there from age 9 to now 30, I can absolutely suggest staying away from 'old las vegas'. it's dirty. 

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Permalink Reply by Desilu on July 24, 2012 at 8:59pm

Really?? My last 2 visits to Fremont St (my only 2 stays in Vegas period) were in the past 2 years, and it appears that if they haven't already rehabbed the old hotels, they were in the process of it. We stayed at the Gold Spike for reasonable rates, played there, walked Fremont during the day and at night, and had no problems or issues whatsoever. I personally can't handle the crowds, rudeness and constant flyerpushing (especially for prostitutes, cause you know, as a chick, I'm looking to get laid by another chick... I know some may be, but I'm not, but I digress). Whereas the Strip has the modern amenities like a hotel to hotel tram and all the shows, I preferred the more funkiness of Fremont hands down. Is there something I'm missing??

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Permalink Reply by sandy francis on July 24, 2012 at 9:01pm

I just found it dirty, dank, and just a more run down version of the strip plus or minus bed bugs.

I don't ever stay on the strip in vegas- if I'm not at my dad's house, I stay at the Green Valley Ranch.

I just wouldn't ever consider having a wedding in old las vegas, she asked for opinions :) this was mine.

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Permalink Reply by Desilu on July 24, 2012 at 10:36pm

No problem... I was just curious, that's all. thanks for sharing!! ;)

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Permalink Reply by Voodoo Bettie on July 25, 2012 at 10:33am

Thanks for the tip! It's just going to be my fella and I - we're secretly (except for internet postings hah) eloping - I've been married before and the whole white wedding thing isn't really "us" and for the dress I want something I can wear again so I think I'm going to go with the Dangerous Dames tiger stripe dress but thanks for the tips.

If you are looking for wedding stuff yourself, a friend of mine was featured recently on a website called http://www.rocknrollbride.com/ and it's got lots of non-mainstream people who share what they did for their weddings - great for inspiration.

I will definitely keep an eye out for good tiki bars while I'm there for you and good luck with your wedding!

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Permalink Reply by Aubrey on July 26, 2012 at 11:18am

Frankie's Tiki Bar is amazing!!!

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Permalink Reply by Ali Williams on July 25, 2012 at 10:37am

I got married at the Hollywood Wedding Chapel. If you have a chance to see Purple Reign, it's a Prince tribute band, go.  They are awesome.  My husband got a tattoo by a girl named Cat or Kat at the Vince Neil Ink tattoo shop in O'Sheas Casino on the strip. It was a beautiful tattoo. You should also go to Batista's Hole in the wall restaurant on Flamingo Road by Bally's.  It's a little Italian place that has lots of charm.  It's all you can drink wine and they have a little old man that plays the accordion.  You have to go get your marriage license at the office downtown, but it's very quick.  Planet Hollywood is a good casino for a younger crowd.  Hard Rock is off the strip, but it's lots of fun too.  Definitely go to Freemont Street at night to see the light show.  It's kind of dead during the day.

I have been to Vegas several times and stayed on Freemont once.  It was okay, but I would stay on the strip and visit Freemont.

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Permalink Reply by Voodoo Bettie on July 25, 2012 at 9:32pm

Fabulous! I love Prince (my secret shame) & all of this is so helpful! Thank you so much!

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