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How to Save Money on Your Vegas Wedding

Got an eye on the budget? You’re in luck—you can plan a cheap Las Vegas wedding that’s as low-cost as it is unique.

Just how much does a Las Vegas wedding cost? Here’s a look at the most basic of expenses:

$55 Las Vegas marriage license
$50 minimum chapel fee
$50 minister’s donation (varies from $40-$60)

$155 Total for the most basic “I do” ceremony

From that point, you can add on extras to your heart’s desire. Wedding chapels offer a full array of extras, from photography, videography, and webcasting to photos and flowers.

You can also opt for a wedding package, a one-price-pays-all option that includes your chapel fee, some photos, flowers for the bride and groom and other extras, even Elvis impersonators. (Many packages do not include the minister’s donation; be sure to ask.)

Money Saving Tips

Here are a few ways you can save money on your Vegas wedding:

• Schedule your wedding on a weekday. Some wedding chapels charge a surcharge for weekend weddings.
  
  
• Avoid holidays. Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve and even Halloween are nuptial peaks, times when chapels can charge more (and hotel rooms will be costlier as well.)
  
  
• Ask about a la carte arrangements rather than packages. If you don’t want the extras, avoid paying for them by paying the chapel fee then adding on extras you absolutely want.
  
  
• On the other hand, don’t assume you can save money by bringing flowers or bringing a friend to take photos. Some chapels don’t allow outside flowers and several don’t allow photography except by their professional photographers. Ask before booking.
  
  
• Remember that standalone chapels are generally less expensive than hotel weddings – but don’t rule out hotel chapels. For their elegance, they’re a real bargain compared with hotel weddings at home and will provide more assistance in terms of a professional wedding coordinator.
  
  
• Ask if your chapel can provide transportation to the marriage bureau to obtain your license.
  
  
• Ask if your chapel can provide limo pickup at your hotel. (If so, budget about $20 for the limo driver’s tip.)
  
  
• Consider renting a gown. Anything goes in terms of dress in Las Vegas but if you’d like to go traditional, think about renting. Several chapels have extensive rental centers with the latest styles.