Planning a Wedding in Las Vegas

Licenses are available over extended hours at 200 South Third St., an easy walk from any downtown hotel. Parking is difficult so go after 5 PM or on the weekend or hire a cab. They all know the way.

There are many wonderful restaurants and beautiful chapels away from the strip and downtown areas so don't limit yourself. Brochures are very deceptive. Your chosen site may look quite different in person. References are much more reliable.

Frequently an establishment will say they have a consultant on staff. That means they have a sales representative. If one service refers you to another it may be because they get a referral fee.

Weekdays you'll be able to get much better prices at hotels and chapels and restaurants will be more cooperative.

Most chapels offer wedding packages and you can choose from a service "menu". You may be able to order some ala carte things too, especially photos. Some chapels offer cake and punch receptions. Ask if they have a professional photographer and videographer or if the chapel secretary does it all. Ask if the flowers are made to order or if you choose from what they have on hand. Ask how long you will have for the ceremony. Some places give you 10 minutes and some 30.

Those fancy weddings may seem great at the moment but is it what you want to remember on your silver anniversary? There is no "Take 2" on a ceremony.

Lastly, February 14th and the summer months are not the best times to get married in Vegas.