Wedding Review: Valley of Fire - Las Vegas

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I recently attended my girlfriend's wedding at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. She booked it through Las Vegas Weddings (Valley of Fire Weddings) She eloped and this company was able to put it together for her with relatively short notice.

 

We stayed at the MGM Grand, really really big hotel but nice. The room had 2 showers which was a bonus when DH and I were getting ready. I recommend the MGM for one main reason - airport check-in. At the Vegas airport we were able to check in to our room while waiting for our luggage to arrive on the carousel. When our luggage came we got it, went to the hotel, and went straight to our room. No standing in line or waiting around when we got there....it was the best part about the MGM to me!

 

A few room pics:

 

 

The limo arrived at the hotel at 3:45 p.m. for a 4:00 pickup. The bride was running a little late so we didn't leave until about 4:15. The driver was really nice and took all kinds of back streets to avoid rush hour traffic as best he could. We ended up on the 15 North for about 1/2 hour, then when we got off the drive was at least as long. It was a 2 lane road, some parts really windy, and nothing for miles. We were joking about all the bodies buried there and how we felt like we were being taken to get wacked...lol The drive seemed a lot longer than any of us thought it would be and if I were driving myself I would have thought I was lost.

 

The scenery when we got off the freeway started out looking like this:

 

 

Then this:

 

Then this:

 

Then we reached the entrance to the park and drove another 5-10 minutes to the site.

 

The ceremony was supposed to start at 5 p.m. but we didn't get there until about 5:45. When we pulled up in the limo the minister (who has been at it in Vegas for 40 years) was there waiting with the photographer. The wedding was small so all of the guests rode in the limo with the bride and groom. We got there and made the introductions, then went straight to the ceremony spot to get it started while there was still good sun.

 

The minister briefed the couple on what would happen, the photographer set up a video camera on tripod, then it started. Start to finish the ceremony was 5 minutes, tops. They chose not to do vows or anything extra. They used the standard photographer that came with the package and he was snapping away during the ceremony.

 

It was absolutely silent so all you could hear was the echo of the minister bouncing through the canyons. Valley of Fire is beautiful...pictures don't do it justice. The colors of the rocks and foliage, combined with the vast open spaces and utter silence, was breathtaking. Anything but your traditional Vegas wedding and we may as well have been in Utah for as far removed from the strip as we felt.

 

Afterwards he took formal pictures of them, and some of the guests (all 4 of us!). I haven't seen his pictures yet so I can't comment but he was a nice enough guy.

 

My advice:

 

Find out what time the next wedding is. The minister, photographer, and limo driver all had to be at the LV airport for a helicopter wedding at 8 p.m. The minister left immediately but the photog. & driver had to be there for the pictures. They were given ample time for photos but the driver was flying on the way back because he was on a deadline. I'm talking 100+ mph...in the limo. He was a surprisingly safe driver at those speeds so I guess he does it often...haha We were ready to get back to the city so we didn't mind rushing, but someone else might.

 

Heels are tough to walk in here. There are no steps, just paths. This company uses a spot where there is a small incline going up to and down from the site. The ground is dirt and rocks. The bride, myself, and the other female guest were in heels and it was no small task to tip-toe through there without falling or twisting an ankle. Consider your shoes carefully or bring a pair of comfortable shoes to get up there and then switch. I meant to do that but forgot. Overall I think that this is an excellent site for a Vegas wedding.

 

There was no reception since the group was small. Instead we went out to dinner at a restaurant located in Planet Hollywood Hotel called Pampas. It is a Brazilian churrascaria and was quite tasty and reasonably priced.

 

Any questions, feel free to ask )

 

Some more pics:

 

 

 

 

[~Melissa~]

Thanks Jamy! One of my co-workers leaves next month for her wedding at the Valley of Fire. i just passed along your review. Looks gorgeous!!!! She said thanks for the tip in regards to heels.

[DreamsTulumBride]

Wow ! nice room ! HUGE !

[Christine]

love the MGM and of course I love the valley of fire because that's where I got engaged! Its a beautiful spot and it sounds like it turned out really well for being a little last minute and behind schedule.

[~Melissa~]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christine love the MGM and of course I love the valley of fire because that's where I got engaged! Its a beautiful spot and it sounds like it turned out really well for being a little last minute and behind schedule.

I didn't know that's where he popped the question! I saw the photos but I guess it never clicked...

[Yari]

Very nice!! I had no idea this place even existed.

[NABUMBAH]

Those are beautiful! My H proposed in the Valley of Fire.

[Karen]

Great Review Jamy! Valley of Fire looks beautiful!

[SDEMMI]

Informative review - I have never heard of Valley of Fire either being on the other side of the US ..lol

[cheese_diva]

Great Review Jamy..nice to know you can have a different type of Vegas wedding. Did the bride's dress get really dirty from all the dirt/red?