How to Build the Ultimate Las Vegas Elopement Timeline (Without Breaking a Sweat)
- Mackenna Dugan
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
When it comes to designing your dream Las Vegas elopement timeline, let me be the first to say: we’re not doing chaos. We’re doing intention! We’re doing ease. We’re doing a day that feels like you, from that first mimosa in your hotel suite to running through downtown lights, married and thriving. Vegas is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of city, and your timeline should reflect that. Want city grit, desert glow, neon nostalgia, AND a low-stress vibe? Let’s map it out hour by hour, so you can actually enjoy the day without wondering what comes next. Here's how to build a Las Vegas elopement timeline that flows like a dream (and still makes room for tacos and a sunset champagne pop)!
Start Slow & Sexy: Getting Ready in Your Hotel
The day kicks off right where you are, in your hotel suite, surrounded by glam, your inner circle, and a whole lotta excitement. This is the part where the playlist is bumpin’, the robe shots are cute, and you get to sip something bubbly while soaking it all in. Photos during this time? Yes, please. This is when we capture the lashes going on, your partner adjusting their collar, handwritten vows, perfume spritzes, all the good stuff. Plus, earlier in the day = cooler temps, so your makeup stays on your face and not on your collar. Win-win!
Cake, Cameras, Casino Magic (Before You Even Say “I Do”)
Here’s a hot take: don’t wait until post-ceremony for all your portraits. Before you head to the chapel, we’ll snag those vibey hotel shots, think moody elevator moments, casino floor sparkle, and that fresh-off-the-cart cake you want in photos before it starts melting. And yes, you get those cake pics without having to carry it through half of downtown later. Bless.
Time to Make It Official: Ceremony & Chapel Fun
Now for the main event. Whether you’re tying the knot at THAT Chapel Downtown, the Little White Wedding Chapel, or somewhere else fabulous, give yourself space to actually feel this moment. Most ceremonies are short and sweet, but I always recommend building in a little buffer. Between arriving, checking in, signing papers, saying your vows, and grabbing photos on the chapel property, an hour-ish is usually just right! You’ll want that extra time to breathe (and maybe shed a happy tear or two).
Post-Vows, Big Vibes: Head to Downtown Vegas
You’re officially married, let’s go make some magic. This is where the Las Vegas elopement timeline shifts into full-blown photo adventure mode. Downtown is just 5–20 minutes away from most hotels and chapels on the Strip, and it’s packed with photo ops that don’t feel overdone! Grab a drink at a dive bar, eat pizza at a funky restaurant, hit a rooftop for a skyline kiss, whatever fits your vibe. This part of the day is so fun because it’s just you two, living it up and soaking it all in. Neon lights, vintage signs, murals, and wild little corners that scream “Only in Vegas.”
Wanna Add Some Nature? Let’s Desert It Up
If you’ve been dreaming of red rocks, desert light, or mountain views, yes, we can do that too. It just takes a little timeline finesse. I always recommend chatting with your photographer (hi, that’s me!) about the best time of day for desert lighting, especially if you want that golden hour glow. Depending on where we’re going (Red Rock Canyon, Seven Magic Mountains, dry lake beds…), we’ll work it into the day in a way that makes sense, either early before the chapel or later after downtown.
Pro tip: desert spots shine best at sunrise or golden hour, so plan accordingly if you want the light to be chef’s kiss!
Keep the Party Going (Or Call It a Night, Your Cal!l)
Here’s the beauty of a well-paced Las Vegas elopement timeline: by the time you’ve said “I do,” taken epic portraits, and celebrated a little, you still have options. You could head to a dinner reservation, pop into a speakeasy, or hit your hotel’s rooftop bar for a private last dance. OR, change into something comfy, order room service, and soak in that just-married feeling from your suite. There’s no wrong answer. Just a timeline that leaves room for whatever feels right.
Final Tips for Your Las Vegas Elopement Timeline:
Tell your photographer your priorities upfront: If you’re dead-set on downtown and desert, we’ll build around that!
Leave space for breathing: Trust me, you don’t want to feel rushed between glam, vows, and portraits.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Vegas is dry and hot, even when it’s not summer.
Bring comfy shoes: Your feet will thank you later!
Have fun with it: Your timeline should feel like you, not like a wedding factory schedule!
Ready For Your Own Las Vegas Elopement? Let’s Chat!
Now that you've got the inside scoop on how to build the perfect Las Vegas elopement timeline, all that’s left is bringing it to life, and that’s where I come in. Whether you're dreaming of champagne-in-the-suite moments, golden hour desert portraits, or a full-blown downtown Vegas photo adventure, I’m here to help you map it all out without the stress!
You don’t need to have every detail figured out just a vibe, a date, and a little excitement. I’ll help with the rest! Let’s chat about all the ideas you have! Head to my website by clicking here and deep dive to see if we are the best fit for each other!
If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
