When it comes to planning a wedding, couples often feel the pressure of tradition, expectations, and an endless to-do list. But for this couple, the decision to elope in Las Vegas was rooted in their desire for simplicity, intimacy, and a focus on what truly matters—their love for each other. Having met during the early days of college and bonding over a shared sense of humor and love for adventure, they knew that their wedding day needed to reflect who they are at their core. With a deep appreciation for the city’s mountain views and reliable weather, Las Vegas felt like the perfect place to start the next chapter of their journey together.

In this heartfelt interview, they open up about their experiences navigating the planning process, the unexpected challenges they faced, and the personal moments that made their elopement truly unforgettable. They also share thoughtful advice for other couples considering a similar path, including budget-saving tips, the importance of staying true to your vision, and how to embrace spontaneity when things don’t go exactly as planned. From the stunning desert backdrop of the El Dorado Dry Lake Bed to a celebratory dinner with loved ones at a local cantina, their story showcases the magic of a wedding day that’s all about the couple.

Whether you’re considering an elopement in Las Vegas or simply looking for inspiration to make your wedding more personal, this couple’s story is a reminder that the most meaningful weddings are the ones that reflect your love, your values, and your unique journey together. Read on to see how they turned their vision into reality, and discover tips and insights that could help you craft your own unforgettable celebration.

General Elopement Experience:

Can you share your love story and what led you to choose elopement in Las Vegas?

My wife and I met during the first few weeks of our freshman year in college and became inseparable right away. We bonded over our shared sense of humor and love for adventure, quickly becoming best friends. As time passed, our connection deepened, and on October 5, 2018, we officially started dating. Since then, life has been a wonderful adventure. We love traveling together, creating content, and sharing our love with the world.

In 2022, we reached several milestones—graduating college, moving into our first apartment, and getting engaged. Jada proposed to me during our first cruise together, and I returned the gesture with a romantic setup at home. We chose to elope in Las Vegas after visiting for Jada’s birthday the year before. We fell in love with the mountain views and appreciated the reliable weather, which made it the perfect backdrop for our special day.

Eloping felt right for us because we wanted the focus to be entirely on our relationship. With limited family support for our union, we found comfort in keeping the day intimate and surrounding ourselves with only those closest to us.

What made you decide to work with our elopement planning services?

We discovered Elopement Las Vegas through social media and were immediately drawn to the stunning ceremony setups. We loved that your services offered the perfect blend of elegance and flexibility, allowing us to incorporate traditional elements like cake cutting while still keeping the intimate feel we wanted for our day.

Describe the overall experience of planning your elopement with us. Was it what you expected?

We loved our experience with Elopement Las Vegas. The planning process was very simple and we had peace of mind that everything would run smoothly. The company went above and beyond to make our day memorable and comfortable. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming. We felt completely comfortable with everyone.

Venue and Location:

Tell us about your choice of venue or location for the elopement. What drew you to that particular spot?

We chose the El Dorado Dry Lake Bed because of its incredible creative potential and affordability. The wide, open space felt like a beautiful blank canvas, especially during sunset when the scenery becomes truly breathtaking. The location also offered the perfect blend of privacy, serenity, and peacefulness, which made it ideal for our intimate ceremony

Budget and Cost Savings:

Many couples choose elopement for budget reasons. How did eloping in Las Vegas impact your wedding budget?

The all-inclusive elopement packages allowed us to save more money overall and was more convenient than booking with vendors individually.

Were there any cost-saving strategies or tips that you found particularly helpful?

Booking our hotel and flights months in advance was a big money-saver. We also used Google Sheets to track our budget, which helped us stay on top of our expenses. Setting a clear budget early on and sticking to it was key. We found great deals by shopping smart—thrifting, DIY projects, and using affordable options like Temu, Dollar Tree, and SHEIN. One important tip is to avoid last-minute purchases whenever possible. Additionally, reaching out to local businesses or companies for PR gifts or sponsorships for small wedding events and bachelorette celebrations can also help cut costs.

Family and Friends:

Did you choose to invite any family or friends to your elopement? If so, what was their reaction to your decision?

Initially, we planned to elope without any guests, but after much thought and consideration, we decided to invite a few of our closest friends and family members to our elopement ceremony to share our special day with us. Most of them were excited to celebrate us in Vegas and be part of such a special and unforgettable experience.

Post-Elopement Celebrations:

Did you have any post-elopement celebrations or plans to celebrate with loved ones afterward?

After our ceremony, we had a delicious dinner at El Dorado Cantina in Tivoli Village with our wedding guests. The next morning, we had a departing brunch with a few of our guests before heading back home. We also wore matching t-shirts and took lots of fun pictures!

How did you feel about your choice to have an intimate elopement instead of a traditional wedding after the fact?

Having an intimate elopement was the best decision we could have made! Having our closest friends and family helped us to feel more relaxed and confident on our special day. We dont feel like we missed out on not having a traditional wedding ceremony.

Advice for Future Couples:

What advice would you give to other couples considering eloping in Las Vegas or planning an intimate ceremony?

Take the time to research different options and companies that align with your needs. Selecting the right venue is crucial, as it can save you money in the long run. Pay attention to the time of day and its impact on the weather, and create a detailed timeline for your wedding day early in the planning process. Utilize recommended vendors included in your welcome packets.

All-inclusive packages can provide great value, but keep in mind that even an intimate ceremony can become expensive. Start planning early and determine your budget as soon as possible. If you choose to invite guests, think carefully about group dynamics and invite only those you feel most comfortable with. Lastly, be prepared for unexpected situations, as things may not always go as planned. Remember that it is your special day and to have fun! 🙂

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently or any additional tips you’d like to share with couples considering a similar path?

Looking back, we wish we had prioritized our happiness over worrying about others’ opinions early on. Remember, your special day is about you and your partner, so focus on what brings you joy. Stay true to your interests—whether it’s your favorite foods, scenery, or traditions. Envision what your perfect day looks like, and don’t feel pressured to conform to cultural norms if they don’t resonate with you. For example, if you want to get ready together and enter the ceremony side by side instead of doing a first look, go for it! Try to focus less on the logistics, like photo shot lists, and more on being present in the moment. Don’t forget to have fun, smile, and truly enjoy your special day.

VENDORS

Officiant: Peachy Keen Unions Photographer : Kristen Joy Photography Florist: A Wong Events Musician: Premiere Wedding Music

If you are interested in hearing more about eloping in Las Vegas, contact our team!