So I thought I'd post some comments on my Vegas Wedding trip after spending the a few nights there whilst on a work trip to the US.
For some background, I'm the groom to be from England. We are looking to get married next September at a Outdoor location for around 10 people - considerations were Ceasers Palace, Mandalay Bay ot the Flamingos for dinner main options were Maggianos or Joe's.
Mandalay Bay - Valley of FallsThe Mandalay Bay is without doubt my favourite hotel in Vegas that I never spend time at. I've been a few times and it's always to south for me, when I headed to the MB I found it impressive the decor and style really fits with a group of late 20's/early 30's that our party is and its a great vibe.
The hotel itself looks super with a excellent pool scence and all the extras you could want.
The indoor chapels are amazing and very modern unlike others which I liken to funeral homes (no offence people!), the service was good and the attendants were a great help.
The Valley of the Falls - It's a LONG walk from the chapel area, although on the day you meet near the VOF. By the time we got to the VOF I had already decided it wasn't for me, mainly due to the lack of a dressing/waiting area for the bride and the walk from the entrance to the VOF through the car drop off point etc... The actual VOF itself are very pretty although the waterfalls makes more noise than I anticipated and the microphones would be needed.
Overall I thought this was a reasonable choice but not enough of a destination to make people fly from the UK as it seemed like I would be getting married in part of the entrance as opposed to a destination.
The VOF would be my second choice, the factors which rules it out for me was the fact it wasnt specifc to weddings and I didnt feel it was huge value for money.
Ceasers PalaceJuno GardenYou initally walk through the swimming pool area which I thought to be slightly strange but its short enough that it will be ok.
The Juno Garden is set back from the pool and when I visited at 2pm there was quite a lot of noise from the pool. I understand the pool closes at 5pm and we will be getting married at 5/6 so this isn't a issue. The Juno Gardens has a nice waiting room for the bride and is a lot more rectangular than the pictures give it credit for, I was intially concerened our group would be too small but after viewing thought it would be fine.
After watching I was sold on it - first choice.
Venus Garden
This was really pretty and just next to the pool area - I particualry like the pond next to it and figure it would make some great pictures. It felt slightly darker than the Juno Gardens and I think for daytime weddings the pool noise could be a issue.
The waiting area for the bride was a massive let down after viewing the Juno Garden as its a bit tatty and grim in my opinon.
This was a nice location but personally I prefer the overall feel of Juno.
The indoor chapels were not my thing although the area around them was very grand, my preference was the chapel with a piano in it.
FlamingoWe were considering a small wedding next to the waterfall area although when viewing it was clear this was less of a destination and more of a feature than any of the above so I quickly ruled it out.
The Gazibo was a lot nicer than the pictures do it credit for and I thought it would provide a great value for money solution considering the options which go with it inlcuding outside vendors for $150.
OverallI would have been happy with the Flamingo but the Mrs wants something slightly more 'upscale' and exclusive as I had the impression they do a lot of weddings at the Flamingo. The distance for our guests played a factor.
Location - Juno Garden
We decided on the Juno Garden as it provides a specific wedding destination feel that we want to have and want our guests to feel. It also provides a fantastic backdrop for pictures and is well located on the strip - the downside is the cost is higher than many other locations with less services.
Joe's Boardroom
I loved the look of Joes menu and location (being part of cp) the restaurant itself is lovely and the larger rooms would be perfect for a wedding party.
We want a private room for dining and the only option avaliable was the boardroomn however it felt very dark and welll like a... boardroom so I didnt think it was right for a wedding.
Maggianos
I wasn't hugely confident about this one before going but when I saw the wedding rooms I was blown away.
There are several private rooms and the smallest would be suitable for our party with no minimum spend just a $200 service charge - The room would be ideal and it was a instant winner.
If we have more guests we will move to the next size room which does have a minimum spend this will give us more space and has the added benefit of a large window to the outside. I was concerened we wouldnt hit the minimum spend and aksed if I could make it up and was told it wouldnt be a issue and they would make it up with good cognac etc...
The menu was fantastic and I really dont know how they can provide the options they do for the cost! It really is amazing!!!
On top of this they went out of the way to make me feel special and were the only place I visited to offer me a drink, I took a beer
So overall wedding Juno Garden - CP, Dinner Maggianos in a private room!Happy to help with any questions!