‘Til death do us party

Welcome to
Vegas!

Welcome to our Las Vegas Wedding Travel Guide!

We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Sin City. Whether you’re here for the main event, or staying around to roll the dice, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your trip — sharing our tips from the research we’ve been doing.

The Strip

Most of the wedding action will take place on ‘The Strip’ - a 4 mile (6.5km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard all the way from The Stratosphere in the North, to the Mandalay Bay Resort in the South.

The Strip is home to some of the most iconic places in Vegas - the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Resort, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian’s Grand Canal.

It’s also where you’ll find Vegas’ iconic hotels, bars, restaurants, casinos, and of course - wedding chapels.

Click here to view an interactive map of the Las Vegas strip.

Where to stay

Vegas is famous for its iconic hotels,and there’s really something to suit everyone, and every budget.

We have listed the main hotels on The Strip below from South to North, each with our pros and cons to help you if you’re not sure where to choose!

If you are booking your flights and accomodation separately (i.e. not a package deal), we recommend booking direct through the hotel website for the best rates, or take advantage of the ‘no prepayment, free cancellation’ options on websites like booking.com.

  • Mandalay Bay

    Pros: Luxurious feel, great pools and casino, nice restaurants, connected via free tram to Luxor and Excalibur

    Cons: Location far away at the very end of the strip, more expensive option

  • Luxor

    Pros: Good value for money - usually one of cheapest options, nice casino, plenty to do, iconic Vegas themed hotel

    Cons: Still quite far away from the main part of the strip, rooms can be shabby

  • Excalibur

    Pros: Also one of the cheapest options in Vegas, well connected to New York-New York and MGM Grand, good happy hours!

    Cons: It’s very old and dated so has a lot of bad reviews (although we didn’t think it was too bad!)

  • New York-New York

    Pros: Always reasonably priced, amazing rollercoaster!

    Cons: The pools are a letdown here if you plan on spending some time chilling out

  • MGM Grand

    Pros: Pool complex looks great, and there’s plenty to keep you entertained, you’d never need to leave

    Cons: It’s so big it takes about 20 mins to walk from one side of the lobby to the other!

  • Park MGM

    Pros: Modern and fresh vibe, great location on the strip connected to other hotels, feels more upscale and relaxed

    Cons: Casino is much smaller and not much else going on here, on the more expensive side

  • Aria

    Pros: Aria is nice and luxury with great amenities with a good location on the strip, connected to the Shops at Crystals

    Cons: Definitely on the more expensive side, can still feel further from the action

  • Cosmopolitan

    Pros: Rooms here have balconies which is rare for Vegas, and some with good views, great location on the strip

    Cons: Quite corporate, not as much atmosphere as some of the other hotels, and not cheap

  • Planet Hollywood

    Pros: Great value for money, prime location with quick access to everything, good dining and linked to Miracle Mile shops

    Cons: Some of the rooms showing signs of ageing

  • Paris Las Vegas

    Pros: Iconic hotel with great casino and bars, great location in the middle of the strip

    Cons: Can be less value for money than other hotels depending when you book

  • The Bellagio

    Pros: Beautiful high end hotel in the middle of the strip with iconic fountain show, great shops and restaurants

    Cons: Pricier than other options (to be expected!)

  • Caesars Palace

    Pros: Iconic luxury Vegas resort with vast casino, pools, shopping centre with loads of bars and restaurant

    Cons: Expensive and can feel impersonal

  • Flamingo

    Pros: Great location and very cost effective, new renovated pools for 2025 and the home of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!

    Cons: Hotel is very shabby and customer service is terrible

  • The LINQ

    Pros: Central location, affordable rates, connected to famous High Roller observation wheel and LINQ Promenade

    Cons: More basic, smaller casino, crowded areas

  • Harrah's

    Pros: Central Strip location, affordable rates, casual atmosphere, vibrant casino, good dining options

    Cons: Older property so can feel dated at times

  • The Venetian

    Pros: Iconic and luxurious with loads of amenities, shops, bars, restaurants. Take a gondola ride through the hotel!

    Cons: One of the more expensive hotels on the strip

  • Treasure Island

    Pros: Good value for money, honkey tonk bar inside the casino, and free parking if you’re planning on driving, fun pirate theme!

    Cons: A bit dated and slightly further away from the action at the North of the strip

  • Wynn & Encore

    Pros: Most luxurious, if not the most luxurious hotels on the strip, with great pools, bars, restaurants, rooms (Wynn even has a golf course)

    Cons: Comes with the luxury price tag! And a bit further out than other options

  • Resorts World

    Pros: Three hotels in one with massive entertainment complex with loads of pools, very fresh and modern feeling as it’s a brand new property

    Cons: A little off the beaten track and can feel quite crowded and expensive at times

  • Circus Circus

    Pros: Very cheap if looking for a bargain room, and there’s a mini theme park in the back if you are travelling with kids (although probably not!)

    Cons: It’s VERY run down, we would not recommend staying here at all

  • Fontainebleau

    Pros: Newest hotel on the strip, with cool chilled out Miami vibes, very fresh, clean and modern

    Cons: Right at the top of the strip location, not a lot going on, and limited guest reviews due to brand new opening

  • Sahara

    Pros: Cheaper room rates, retro charm and much less crowded than some of the other hotels. Accessible via the Las Vegas tram

    Cons: Isolated location, lack of high end attractions, smaller casino and limited amenities

  • The Strat

    Pros: Iconic views from the top of the tower with fun rides and bar/restaurant, often very cheap room rates here too

    Cons: Bit of a sketchy location, far away from the rest of the strip, and run down hotel/rooms

…and Where NOT to Stay

We have done a lot of research about Las Vegas and heard about some hotels who consistently have the worst reviews. Therefore we would not recommend to stay in any of the following: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino (especially not the Manor Motor Lodge Rooms), Hooters Hotel, Travelodge Las Vegas, Travelodge Center Strip and Rio Hotel & Casino.

Transport

Flying to Vegas

Booking flights to Las Vegas for our wedding? Here’s what you need to know! For guests flying from the UK, direct flights to Harry Reid International Airport are available from London, with flight times around 10 hours. Swiss guests can easily find connecting flights from Geneva, typically with a layover in cities like Frankfurt or New York. Portuguese guests will likely fly from Porto with a layover in major European hubs. We recommend booking between three to nine months in advance to secure the best fares!

Check Google Flights for the best fares and flight times.

Getting in and out

Las Vegas is serviced by Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran International Airport), which is located around 15 minutes from the Las Vegas strip.

The best way to get from the airport is to take a taxi - there are set fares from the airport to the hotels.

Zone 1 $21
Luxor Hotel, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand

Zone 2 $25
Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood

Zone 3 $29
Caesars Palace, Paris LV, The Venetian

(Prices correct as of May 2024)

Getting around

Taxis
The best and easiest way to get around Vegas is to use Taxi Apps - Uber and Lyft are the most popular and not too expensive.

Walking
Exploring Vegas on foot is a must but don’t underestimate the distance between the hotels - you could end up walking a lot further than you think!

Monorail
The Las Vegas monorail stretches from the Sahara Hotel in the North to the MGM Grand in the South (it’s not great for hotels on the west side of the Strip). Single tickets are $5.50 per person but honestly an Uber is just as cheap and much easier.

What to do

What to do when you’re not doing wedding stuff!

  • The High Roller
    This giant observation wheel offers amazing panoramic views of the Strip and beyond, especially at night. Go for “Happy Half Hour” and get an open bar included with your ticket.
    Price: Around $25 per person for a regular daytime ride.
    📍 The LINQ

    The Strat Rollercoasters
    Located atop The Stratosphere Tower, two thrill rides, X-Scream and Big Shot, give you heart-pounding views of the city as you scream and spin.
    Price: Access to tower plus two thrill rides costs $40 per person.
    📍 The Strat

    New York-New York Rollercoaster
    This wild roller coaster twists and turns around the New York-New York Hotel, offering incredible views of the Strip and a high-speed adventure.
    Price: Around $25 per person.
    📍New York-New York

    The Neon Museum
    A trip back in time to see vintage neon signs from old Vegas, the Neon Museum is a nostalgic and Instagram-worthy experience. Open daily 2pm-10pm.
    Price: General admission is $25 for a daytime ticket
    📍 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States

  • Vegas is famous for its residencies for big ticket names like Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Cher. Currently we don’t know who will be performing in Vegas during the wedding week but we will update this page when we do. For now, check out some of these other world famous shows that have become a permanent part of the Vegas experience.

    RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE
    Based on the Emmy Award-winning competition reality drag show. Join RuPaul's “showgirls" as they journey through a sickening season of Drag Race serving Las Vegas realness.
    📍 Flamingo

    David Copperfield
    The world’s most famous illusionist continues to amaze with mind-bending magic and illusions.
    📍 MGM Grand

    Blue Man Group
    A high-energy performance combining music, technology, and absurdity, perfect for all ages.
    📍 Luxor

    Cirque du Soleil
    Multiple shows under the Cirque du Soleil name:

    • Kà: A visually spectacular tale of two warring siblings, blending martial arts, acrobatics, and immersive storytelling.
      📍 MGM Grand

    • “O”: A stunning aquatic Cirque show blending synchronized swimming, acrobatics, and breathtaking visuals in a mesmerizing setting.
      📍 Bellagio

    • Mystère: A vibrant, whimsical spectacle featuring daring acrobatics, comical characters, and imaginative set designs for all ages.
      📍 Treasure Island

    • Michael Jackson ONE: A high-energy tribute to Michael Jackson, blending his iconic music with mesmerizing acrobatics and stunning visuals.
      📍 Mandalay Bay

    Not a Vegas staple but the pop-punk festival When We Were Young is happening on Saturday 18th October with headliners including Blink 182, Panic at the Disco, The Offspring and Avril Lavigne.

  • Bellagio Fountains
    One of the most famous sights on The Strip, the Bellagio fountain show is a Vegas must-see. Catch the show every 15 minutes from 8:00pm onwards until midnight. Check live times here.

    The best spots to view the show are:

    • Along the edge of the lake outside the Bellagio 

    • Across the street from the steps outside Paris, or from the porch of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant

    • From the sky bridge that runs outside of Bally’s/Paris across The Strip to the Bellagio 

    Explore the Vegas hotels
    While you might only choose to stay at one hotel, Vegas is built around these larger than life hotels and casinos, and most people will spend their days wandering between them, exploring everything Vegas has to offer. Don’t miss the replica of Venice at The Venetian - including actual gondola rides!

  • If you’re not into gambling and want to make the most of the Mojave desert weather, you might want to spend some of your time chilling by the pool. According to the internet, these are the best pools in Vegas to visit. Again, we’ll update closer to the time.

    Encore Beach Club

    • Location: Encore at Wynn

    • Vibe: Exclusive, high-energy pool party with DJ sets and a luxury vibe.

    • Day Pass: Available through online booking.

    • Why Go: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful pools, and stunning setting, Encore Beach Club is one of the hottest day clubs in Vegas.

    The Venetian Pool Deck

    • Location: The Venetian Resort

    • Vibe: Elegant and relaxing, with stunning views and lush surroundings.

    • Day Pass: Available for purchase.

    • Why Go: A more relaxed vibe with multiple pools, including a pool overlooking the Strip.

    MGM Grand Pool Complex

    • Location: MGM Grand

    • Vibe: Massive pool complex with 6 pools and a lazy river.

    • Day Pass: Available, but tends to be more affordable during off-peak times.

    • Why Go: Known for its sprawling pool complex and family-friendly options, it's perfect for a chill day in the sun.

    The Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool

    • Location: The Cosmopolitan

    • Vibe: Trendy, Instagram-worthy pool with incredible views of the Strip.

    • Day Pass: Available for purchase, typically during off-peak times.

    • Why Go: It offers a unique, vibrant atmosphere with panoramic views and a stylish edge.

    Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis

    • Location: Caesars Palace

    • Vibe: A luxurious and sprawling pool complex with Roman-inspired architecture and a high-end feel.

    • Day Pass: Available for purchase.

    • Why Go: Known for its opulence, variety of pools, and the opportunity to relax in true Roman-style luxury.

    The Flamingo Pool

    • Location: Flamingo Las Vegas

    • Vibe: Fun and tropical, with lush surroundings and vibrant atmosphere.

    • Day Pass: Available via purchase.

    • Why Go: Located in the heart of the Strip, this pool features a laid-back, tropical vibe with private cabanas and a family-friendly vibe.

    WET Republic

    • Location: MGM Grand

    • Vibe: Ultra-chic pool party scene with world-class DJs and a lively crowd.

    • Day Pass: Available, typically on weekends.

    • Why Go: One of the most famous day clubs in Vegas, offering a lively party atmosphere, poolside bars, and a chic crowd.

    The Palms Pool & Dayclub

    • Location: Palms Casino Resort

    • Vibe: Stylish day club with a laid-back yet trendy atmosphere.

    • Day Pass: Available for purchase.

    • Why Go: With a variety of pools and an inviting, upscale vibe, it’s a great spot for both relaxation and socializing.

    Tip: Most of these pools are open to non-hotel guests, but be sure to check availability and prices before you go, as some may require reservations or have seasonal hours. Also, many pools operate as day clubs during the summer months with party vibes, so if you're seeking a quieter experience, it's best to visit during off-peak hours or seasons.

  • Hoover Dam
    Just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel on the Colorado River, offering impressive views and fascinating history. Tours take you inside the dam and to observation decks.

    • Logistics: Tours range from self-guided to 30-minute guided tours. Expect a drive of about 45 minutes from the Strip.

    • Price: Entry fees for the Dam’s visitor center are around $10. Guided tours cost $30–$50 per person, depending on the tour package.

    The Grand Canyon
    The Grand Canyon’s South Rim, about a 4-hour drive from Vegas, offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. For a quicker experience, consider a helicopter tour that provides an unforgettable aerial view.

    • Logistics: Driving to the Grand Canyon takes roughly 4–5 hours. Alternatively, a helicopter tour from Vegas can take about 4 hours, including the flight.

    • Price: A self-guided tour to the South Rim costs $35 per person for park entry. Helicopter tours from Vegas start around $300–$500 per person.

    Both destinations are accessible via guided tours, which can be booked in advance, often including transportation and meals, starting around $100–$200 per person. For a more relaxed experience, renting a car is a great option.

Practical
Info

Weather

The average temperature in Vegas during the day ranges from 20-28°. It drops colder first thing in the morning and at night, so pack layers.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is annoyingly expected in the US. Expect to tip around 15-20% on dinner bills $1-$2 per drink in a bar, or $2-$3 per bag for a bellhop.

Resort Fees

Las Vegas hotels charge a daily resort fee (around $30–$50), covering amenities like Wi-Fi and local calls. This is mostly payable at the hotel but check in advance. booking.com reservations include resort fees.

Time Zone

Las Vegas is in the Pacific Time Zone which is 8 hours behind the UK and Portugal, and 9 hours behind Switzerland.

Gambling

Vegas was literally built on gambling. Unless you’re a high roller, the most common advice is to set yourself a daily gambling budget and stick to it. Just so you don’t lose it all on red.

Taxes

The state of Nevada impose a 8.375% sales tax. Remember when shopping the price on the ticket is not what you will pay, and tax is added at the till.

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If you’ve been to Vegas before, please do share any tips, hacks, tricks, advice, recommendations, reviews - and we’ll update this page for everyone else to see!