Looking for a chapel for August wedding

[LindainCT]

Hi. We'll be in Vegas in August to get married and I'm looking at different chapels on the Internet. I'm down to two: Little White Wedding Chapel or A Chapel by the Courthouse. Has anyone been married there or been to a wedding there? Any comments? I really need some help!! Thanks.

Linda

[HoyaHeel]

I haven't been in either, but there is a (not so wonderful) review of the Little White Chapel in this thread.

http://www.travel2vegas.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=000013

[Coaster Kikky]

While I have not seen the inside, I saw the outside of the Chapel by the Courthouse and made the comment "how sad looking is THAT place??". To me, the outside at least looked gloomy.

Kitty

[HoyaHeel]

We need golfntravel to finish his book about Vegas weddings, don't we!! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ken2v]

Originally posted by HoyaHeel:
We need golfntravel to finish his book about Vegas weddings, don't we!! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif The manuscript is due in two months so you can bet it really has my attention now. In fact, I'm getting darn close to quitting screwing around so much. LOL

But I guess there's no harm in a giving out a few more freebies since there isn't anything to buy yet.

Smart cat ... the Chapel by the Courthouse isn't much to look at, inside or out. I refer to it as the pocket chapel because that's about how big it is inside. However, the place does serve a valuable function: it's close, it's cheap and it's quick. And some people don't want more than that.

Little White (same owner) is a Vegas institution, as is the proprietor. Weddings churn through there like cars off an assembly line. There are multiple chapels, drive-thru, gazebo and all manner of off-site possiblities. The limo fleet would put the Secret Service to shame. And you can get on-site everything from a tux and gown to a 'do to flowers to a photo lab.

There are two things to remember about Vegas weddings. One is that lousy neighbors and intrusions are de riguer for the bulk of stand-alone chapels. Gas stations, winos, bondsmen, adult bookstores, tattoo parlors, by-the-hour motels ... you name it, most chapels have at least one next door or across the street. And even without bad zoning allowances, chapels need to be accessible. There's cachet to being on "The Strip," though by definition the only ones on the Strip, as opposed to Las Vegas Blvd., are the Little Chapel of the West and Candlelight (I'm just pulling from the top of my head). Setbacks are minimal, cars and crowds pour by, gawking. However muted it might be inside, thousands of couples' first steps as wife/husband are pretty close to Naked City.

Second, no matter how many times the fawning, breathy (or bitchy) coordinator and/or the officiate assures you that yours is the most important ceremony ever performed, that's only true to you -- and that's all that matters. A Las Vegas wedding is an experience and a story to be told. The numbers prove that the formula works.

Now for my faves ... sorry, for that you'll have to buy the book.

A note for Linda -- despite a drop in 2003, for which I've found no good explanation -- August is nearly as popular of a month for weddings as any. And with no big holidays -- people flock to LV for holiday weddings -- the daily average of 400+ weddings will be rather uniformly spread across the month, with peaks on weekends.

[ February 05, 2004, 10:03 AM: Message edited by: golfntravel ]

[weddingkidz]

I really think you should check out some of the packages the strip hotels offer.

We are getting married in April at the Flamigo's Graden Chapel. We checked it out last august and it's beautiful. If you are planning to get married outdoors in August my only suggestion is to get married early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the scorching heat.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[Coaster Kikky]

Originally posted by golfntravel:
despite a drop in 2003, for which I've found no good explanation -- August is nearly as popular of a month for weddings as any. That's interesting. I wonder if it was unbearable hot or something?

[HoyaHeel]

Kitty--in Vegas does a difference between the average high of 110 and "exceptional" high of 115 really make a difference? :D

Sounds like a great dissertation topic....Too bad my research isn't in a field I could use that for!!

[Coaster Kikky]

Originally posted by HoyaHeel:
Kitty--in Vegas does a difference between the average high of 110 and "exceptional" high of 115 really make a difference? :D
LOL! You're talking to a native Vermonter here, so any temperature with three digits is too damned hot!

However, I'd gladly take some of those excess degrees right about now. It's 35 today, and that's a heat wave of sorts. Maybe Vegas in August could spare about 25 degrees... 60 sounds very tolerable after this winter!

Kitty (who expects to be warm again in 20 days)

[LindainCT]

Now I'm even more confused!!! I've seen some of the chapels also (last year) and thought 'oh my goodness!'. That's why I don't know which too choose. The websites make them look so nice. (like the Chapel by the Courthouse) Well, I found another one A Las Vegas Garden of Love Chapel near the Sahara. A great deal for $99 - includes pic's, limo & minister. I called them and the kid sounded like he could've cared less about my questions, but he answered them anyway. I might go with them - unless anyone has any opinions on them!! :confused:

[HoyaHeel]

Linda--I don't know much about Vegas wedding chapels (mainly just what I read online--I'm the moderator because I didn't want anyone to feel unloved in this forum--at least I might be able to direct people to another helpful source :D ) but--can you book a place & cancel at the last minute or are the penalties too much? Can you do something last minute? How many days are you planning to spend in Vegas--can you arrive Monday, look at chapels & then get married a couple days later? Or do the nicest places book up too far in advance?

Have you read back the posts in this forum over the past year? Other brides & potential brides have posted some reviews--I couldn't find that last chapel you listed. Gayle's review is a good place to start:

http://www.travel2vegas.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=000017

In case you don't see many threads in this forum, change the "posts displayed" box in the upper right corner to read "all posts" or "posts from the last year" instead of the past 20 days, which I think is the default. This is sort of a slow board so you don't see much in a 20 day period, but there have been some very helpful posts during the past year.

[ February 05, 2004, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: HoyaHeel ]

[ken2v]

To Linda: Some of the depictions on websites are out-and-out misrepresentations. I visited one spot I wouldn't let a dog get married at, if dogs married, though it didn't look half-bad on the web. Another has removed from print and web advertising photos some ugly looking stuff in the background, making it look like you walk up and see this nice building and blue sky beyond. I'm serious.

There are some very nice chapels in Las Vegas. There are some pigs. As a rule, I've found the hotel-based chapels to be cleaner, less rundown and less tacky. That, however, is not always the case. Go to www.nevadamagazine.com, (http://www.nevadamagazine.com,) find the mag's phone number and request a copy of the current issue and (if available) the one from last February. I wrote the cover stories for both and they pertain to weddings. You won't find recommendations but you will learn of the experiences of a number of couples I interviewed.

HoyaHeel had a great suggestion: Except for big holidays and big weekends, chapels don't book solid. If you have two days, heck, even one, between arrival and wedding, take another look around and then grab what you like. (Obviously this tactic could limit your options at some of the tonier places.)

I can't tell you yes or no on a chapel; that's solely your call. But if you have specific questions please use the link and send me an e-mail.

[LindainCT]

You guys have been so great! Thanks for the opinions and advice. I don't think we actually have enough time to "look around" while we are there (Mon-Thur). I don't want to spend all our time looking around, ya know? The prices for hotel chapels are much more $$ than the street chapels. We really are doing this 'no frills' - no gown or suit or anything. Very casual, so we want to keep it as low cost as possible. (Reception at home is gonna cost us enough as it is) I am leaning toward A Las Vegas Garden of Love, but I will go to that magazine website as advised and do a bit more research. You do lose your retainer if you cancel (about $50). And the Garden of Love is booked through June (what the guy told me). Well, I'll keep everyone's advice in mind and hopefully I'll make a good choice! (What do I really expect for $99?) I'll post my decision and any other advice from other Vegas brides is much welcome!! Thank you.

[ken2v]

Booked through June? Was that the same guy who seemed rather disinterested when you walked in?

Again, I'd be happy to answer specific questions offline. Activate your private message function if you are worried about giving out your e-mail.

[vegasbound]

Hi and Congratulations! I understand how difficult it can be trying to choose a chapel, especially when relying on pictures on websites. I personally am only familiar with hotel chapels, but there are many vegas brides on wedding message board that have tons of info on the free standing chapels. Many have been married at Little chapel of flowers, Special memory, Little church of the west, Little white wedding chapel,etc. Click here (http://www.weddingchat.com/showthread.php?threadid=172698) for listing of chapels for each bride and pictures of some chapels.

[Ohio Bino]

My son got married last Aug. at Chapal of the Bells. It didn,t look like much outside and the inside was just ok. The only problem was the lady justice or minister kept calling my son {Greg}
Craig. We laugh about it now but then it wasn't so funny. They tried to charge for video we didn't want and my new daughter in law went off on them. Glad she wasn't pissed at me. Although later I went to hug her good bye and pulled her veil off. It wasn't pretty. Good Luck.
Ohio Bino graemlins/beerchug.gif

[LindainCT]

golfntravel- thanks for all your input. I don't know how to do the e-mail link! ANyway, I did pick the chapel. A Las Vegas Garden of Love. I hope I made a good choice!

[HoyaHeel]

Congrats Linda!!

FYI, to email someone on this board--when you look at anyone's post, there are a number of small icons above the box where the post is located. One of these icons is a little envelope--this is the email link. Click on it, and if your internet is set up properly, it should open the program you use for your email on that computer, with the person's email address in the "To" address line of the email.

Not everyone has this envelope--only the people who have specified in their profiles here to show their email to the board. If you want to contact someone who does NOT have the email icon, you can send them a private message. This is a different icon on top of the post. If you slowly move your cursor over the icons, you should get a little pop-up box that will tell you what that icon does (email, private message, profile, etc.) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[LindainCT]

hoyaheel- thanks for your help. everyone is so nice on this board! smile.gif

[ken2v]

Linda ... the two most important things about a Vegas wedding, like any wedding, is you and your guy. Congrats and have a vibrant, fulfilling life together.

[LindainCT]

Thanks! :D

[ken2v]

Linda ... below is an e-addy where you can reach me. If you'd like to share your experiences when you're done, drop me a line.

vegasweddings@sbcglobal.net

[LindainCT]

golfntravel - it is not until August 31, but I definately will e-mail you and I will post my 'wedding chapel experience' also! :eek:

[vegas peachy]

Hi Linda, I'm getting married in August as well. I believe I'm going to book the Little Chapel of the Flowers as they have internet access so that my friends and family that can't go with us, can still feel a part of everything. The packages that they offer are also reasonably priced.

[LindainCT]

Hi Vegas Peachy! Glad to hear you are getting married in August also. Our date is August 31. The time is set for 10 a.m., before it gets too HOT!! Good luck to you!

graemlins/beerchug.gif

Linda

[LVLady]

Linda,

I know you said you chose, but I just got to this thread, and I wanted to mention Little Church of the West. They did a great job, they were very helpful, and the chapel was very cute. Nothing tacky or run down about it. I think our package cost $175.00 and included pictures. I did get my flowers elsewhere though. They minister we had was wonderful and all around it was a great experience. I would do it over again at the same place. We got married at Dusk, so the trees outside of the chapel had little lights in them that made for great candids later on. Good luck with your wedding you will have a blast!!!If you are having guests try to find a nice lounge or something to go to afterwards. We had a dinner for our guests then went out for drinks. We had a great time!!

[ken2v]

Linda, me again ...

One thing to be mindful of: when you go downtown to get your license you'll likely be swarmed by shilocks working on behalf of some of the chapels. They can get rather aggressive at time, though typically toward the other chapels' personnel. They are their to convince couples that Chapel A (their chapel) is like Eden and the competitors' chapels are run by Satan, or at least Joey Buttafuco.

It has gotten better of late owing to all the bad press, a TRO or two and law enforcement finally paying some attention. Now it's actually kinda fun to watch ... in a sharks v. lawyers/Friday night at the local USAC track kind of way.

Happy nuptials!

Ken

[LindainCT]

golfntravel-

thanks for the warning!

this will definately be an adventure! ;)

LVLady- Thanks for your story on your LV wedding. It sounds like you had a really nice time. I hope mine goes just as good!

Linda

[ March 12, 2004, 06:26 AM: Message edited by: LindainCT ]

[anne]

hi Linda ,I am also from Ct. & getting married in Vegas on March 24th I picked Little White Wedding Chapel after some internet browsing& picked out one of their packages which includes limo transportation ,they pick you up at your hotel,take you to the license place , on to the chapel & back to your hotel,I thought this is great cause we wont have a car till end of our stay.I too ,hope i made the right choice!!!!!Good luck to you >I will write a very extensive trip report when we get back!!!anni graemlins/angel.gif

[LindainCT]

Hi Anne. March 24th?? That's next week!! Good luck to you and let us know how everything went! :D

My package includes the limo also. I'm a little confused about tipping though... I guess you have to tip the minister and the limo driver, but not sure how much. :confused:

Best of luck to you and have a great time!

Linda

[HoyaHeel]

Sonya has an article here on tipping:

http://www.travel2vegas.com/tipping.html

There are lots of good articles if you go to the tab marked "Articles" at the top of the website!

I disagree on tip--I usually tip closer to $10 for an hour than $5, but as with all tipping it will depend on your personal budget & tipping preferences, as well as the overall price and quality of the service you're receiving.

As for the minister/person performing the ceremony--even at my own (non-Vegas) wedding, I left that to hubby so I don't know what to recommend!

[anne]

HI AGAIN LINDA, YES 5 DAYS & COUNTING!!! AS FAR AS TIPPING GOES IT WAS RECCOMMENDED TO US BY THE CHAPEL:MINISTERS FEE IS$55.00 SO TIP SHOULD BE 15%,LIMO DRIVER TIP IS UP TO YOU,BUT BEING IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY I USUALLY TIP BETWEEN 15-20 % FOR GOOD SERVICE,FRIENDLINESS ETC. I PLAN ON $25-$30.00 FOR THE LIMO DRIVER. HOPE THIS HELPS. ;)

[babydollbetty]

When we got married at Little Chapel of the Flowers in September, we tipped as follows:

Minister - $50
Limo Driver - $35
Hairdresser - 15%
reception at restaurant - mandatory tip included in bill was 20%
Gondola driver at Venetian - $10

HTH

[LindainCT]

Thanks for the tipping info. I think $35 - $40 for the limo and minister will be ok then. The chapel offered to send the limo the day before to take us for the license because sometimes the wait is so long, but does that mean I have to tip the limo twice? :eek: We just might take a cab and hang around Fremont Street since the court house is over that way.

Let us know how it went, Anne! smile.gif

[babydollbetty]

Linda...
We took a cab to the courthouse for our licence and took the bus back. Cab fare was $20 bus was around $2.

If you do have the limo take you to the courthouse, I think that you will be expected to tip the driver for the trip.

[LindainCT]

hmmm... so I have to tip the driver to take me to get the license the day before the wedding and again the day of the wedding? :mad:

Funny how they didn't tell me that the limo would pick us up the day before to get the license until after I booked. I thought it was all in one trip... Oh well. Anyway, we'll take the bus or cab downtown and hang out to see the Fremont Street Experience.

[Gold Member]

Why do you have to tip the minister? Sounds very strange, or is it just me?

We are getting married outside at the Topicana (most likely). We want a dusk wedding in May. Anyone have comments about the Trop?

Can anyone recommend a good/fair priced tuxedo rental place? Or should I bring one with me?

[HoyaHeel]

Most wedding etiquette guides mention "tipping" the minister and/or making a donation to the church, so I don't see why Vegas--especially Vegas!!--would be any different. Tipping is optional--unless specifically stated that it's included--and that means that you don't HAVE to do it. However, I don't see anything unusual in tipping a minister or other wedding celebrant.

[ken2v]

I think the tradition stems back to that of toking ministers for "special" services that fell w/i the scope of their missions if not the day-to-day work. And it was another way to help a bit in the light of the lousy pay. Also, some chapels don't "charge" for the minister -- nod, nod, wink, wink -- so it makes it more like an old-style, real-church gig. Finally, it's Vegas, and most every palm is upturned.

I love the Island Chapel at Trop. It's a little worn here/there but it's about as "Vegas" as it gets; think Tiki Room w/o the irritating birds. And now they've added the outside ceremony venue ... so cool to look up and see the NY skyline.

[ March 19, 2004, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: golfntravel ]

[goldil]

Gold Member, don't rent a tux and take it with you. You can get fitted at a local tux store and send the measurements to Mens Wearhouse in Las Vegas, then pick up your tux when you get in town. MUCH cheaper than renting it at home and hauling it with you.

[vegasbride2003]

hey linda~

i think i told you in our pms but not sure.. they did have a set price for tipping

i think it was like 45 for the minister and 35 for the limo driver. we did tip him more because he waited for an hour for us at another hotel..

we dropped by the chapel the day before and they took us in the limo to get our licenses.. and we tried to tip him then and he said no... we were shocked lol

hope that helps some