Hi All! We just got back from a whirlwind 2 1/2 day scouting trip! I'm not sure when I'll have a chance to get a planning bio together (I work at a university, and the semester is about to start), so I wanted to share info on my favorites.
Platinum Hotel--Thanks Natrasha for suggesting this! Initially, I wasn't considering this venue since I wanted a reception on the strip...but really, it's pretty close, and the view of the strip is amazing! I think it would be so much fun to have a rooftop wedding. Nicole seems like she would be very easy to work with. I told her that the menu prices were a bit more than we wanted to spend, and she said she could be flexible with menus, prices, room minimums, etc. I really like that the ceremony is included too. She also mentioned that she's working on an "all inclusive" wedding package with dj, photog, flowers, video, etc. Anyway, if you're trying to stick to a budget, I wouldn't rule out the Platinum. They seem eager to book more weddings and are willing to work with you.
Grand Lux Palazzo--Thanks Tinalv for this suggestion! The private room is amazing. Rich was very straightforward, no BS, and I really appreciated that. Initially, I was concerned that if we went with appetizers only, there would not be enough food for our guests...he reminded me that Grand Lux is basically the same thing as cheesecake factory...so the appetizers are huge. He assured me that appetizers would be plenty of food for our guests. Their cocktail reception is $34 pp and their bar packages are pretty reasonable too (beer & wine, 3 hours, $28 pp). The only drawback (for me), is that there are not any windows or a patio. I was really hoping to see some vegas lights at the reception. I asked Rich if they ever do ceremonies in the room and he said that he's done them 2 or 3 times....He didn't seem too enthusiastic about it, but he said if we keep it simple, it can be done.
Although I think the chapels in the casinos are amazing, I'm really having a hard time getting over the sticker shock for a 30 minute ceremony. So the fact that Platinum and Grand Lux could include the ceremony...I think that's really appealing to my practical side.
Chelsea Nicole--We made some cuts in other areas of the budget so we could splurge on photos. :-) I was so excited that Chelsea was willing to get together with us at the very last minute to do engagement photos. She was so much fun and so sweet. I felt pretty dorky the whole time (c'mon, it's kinda awkward giving eskimo kisses on freemont street while someone takes pictures) ... but I'm hoping she made us look glamorous!
Other places we saw:
Mandalay Bay: chapels, VofF, Vista Suite, Media Suite, E suite (at THE hotel)
Caesar's: Venus garden (couldn't find Juno, but apparently it was just on the other side of the pool, LOL)
Wynn: chapels and courtyard
Planet Hollywood: chapel, panorama suite
Firefly: we ate downtown and took a quick peek at the private room.
If you have any questions on these places, fire away!