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romance
I do — with a view
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Getting hitched? Give your vows a wow at these heart-fluttering, jaw-dropping wedding spots By Megan Edwards
Whether it’s for a drive-thru quickie or a lavish extravaganza, Las Vegas draws lovebirds from across the land to its endless array of wedding venues. This embarrassment of riches translates into a unique challenge for locals. With so many possibilities and such amazing variety, how to pick just one? Culled from the long, long list of awesome places to swap “I dos,” the 12 venues below offer romance to suit every taste and style.
The heig hts o f lov e The views are terrific from a thousand feet, so why not take the plunge at the Stratosphere Tower? For a traditional ceremony with sweeping valley views, choose between two charmingly appointed wedding chapels on the 103rd floor. Move up a few levels for alfresco possibilities on two observation decks and a private balcony. Thrill ride ceremonies are also available, if your definition of romance includes the word “adrenaline.” (chapelintheclouds.com) Queen o f the d e s er t Far more than a place to buy saguaros and Joshua trees, Cactus Joe’s Blue Diamond
22 | Desert
Companion | February 2013
Bright future: The Neon Museum
Nursery is a garden of desert delights on Blue Diamond Road. Nestled among native trees and outdoor art on the western edge of the property stands a rustic wooden wedding chapel topped with a peak-roofed cupola. Inside, a large window provides a striking view of Red Rock Canyon. (cactusjoeslasvegas.com) Vows a m o ng v i ews Sunset Gardens, a verdant oasis on Sunset Road at Annie Oakley, boasts a lavish resort setting for weddings and receptions. The candle-lit wedding chapel has views of the garden, as do three banquet rooms. Planning a fabulous wedding is made even easier by the on-site floral shop, beauty salon, day spa, tuxedo and bridal boutique and photography studio. Custom cakes, invitations and accessories are also available. The finishing romantic touch sure to get your heart hammering: thousands of twinkling lights in the trees. (sunsetgardens.com) T he k i ng o f a l l we ddi n gs Louis the 14th meets Elvis at one-ofa-kind Hartland Mansion, which served as a location in the film “Casino.” Once two sepa-