If you’re considering eloping to Vegas (or anywhere, really, but Vegas is the BEST) there’s so much to consider! The best thing about eloping is how much you can personalize your day without having to worry about seating arrangements, centerpieces, and huge costs that just keep piling up. For all those reasons and more, tons of couples feel like eloping is exactly their answer. However, all that freedom of choice leaves some couples feeling super lost and overwhelmed with their options!

Nicole and Troy chose to have their wedding in Vegas at the amazing Taco Bell Cantina and found the perfect blend of a full wedding and an intimate elopement. I loved how they made their big day so personal to themselves and it inspired me to put together a list of how to make the most of your wedding day in Vegas!

Since I’ve been there, done that a few times now, here are a few of my favorite tips to keep in mind when you get married or elope away from home:

• Be prepared for mixed reactions from friends and family. Getting married is a huge deal to your loved ones, and it’s inevitable that people will feel a little disappointed that they won’t get to join in on the celebrations. Whether you choose to bring a small group of family and friends with you or just go solo, this is why it’s so important to book a photographer! Then you will have beautiful images capturing every moment of your day that loved ones can see and feel a little more included.

• Wear something you know you’ll feel like the bomb-dot-com in! You don’t have to go all out on a wedding dress or tux unless you actually want to. Lots of couples choose other styles like jumpsuits, casual button-ups, or cocktail dresses, which may fit your style even better than extravagant dress. It’s your wedding day — just do what feels best!

• Be prepared for some costs. Many couples choose to elope or have a small wedding to cut back on costs, and while it is cheaper, it doesn’t come completely free! Outside of the cost of your marriage license and venue, you may choose to hire a professional hair and makeup artist, rent a party venue, book a fun experience like a party bus, and hire a photographer! The great thing about choosing this path is it’s all up to you.

• Have a timeline, even if it’s vague. Lots of times, couples want to “wing it” all day, but this can lead to extra stress or anxious downtime that you could have filled with other fun memories. Getting married is no small thing, so make the most of your day while you have the chance!

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating the two of you in a way that feels most authentic to your relationship. If that means dressing to the nines with a group of loved ones, then go all out! If it means throwing on your lucky Hawaiian shirt and heading to McDonald’s after a quick ceremony, then let’s do it. Most importantly, remember to have FUN and celebrate the fact that you’re getting married!!

Amber is a Las Vegas Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.