Whether you’re looking to dodge the stress of a 200-person guest list or you just have a soft spot for neon lights and desert magic, eloping in Vegas is having a major moment. But if you’re worried about it feeling like a cliché, take a page out of Teri Bocko’s book.

Teri is a pro wedding photographer (the talent behind Teri B Photography), so when she and her husband, Dan, decided to head to Sin City to tie the knot, she knew exactly how to make it feel intentional, stylish, and anything but “cheap.”

Grab a drink and settle in, because we’re chatting with Teri about how she pulled off the ultimate pro elopement.

Why Vegas? (It’s Not Just About Elvis!)

For Teri, the decision was actually super personal. “We’ve always enjoyed Vegas,” she shares. “Growing up, Dan and I both have fond memories of visiting the Strip as kids, back when the city felt like more of a theme park: free attractions, rides, and even a real pirate show in the 90s.”

Since they were already planning a big international wedding later on, they decided to turn their legal ceremony into its own “whirlwind chapter.” “A couple of mine encouraged the idea too, saying it’s genuinely fun to make your wedding a two-part experience,” Teri says. “And now that I’ve done it myself, I have to agree.”

The “Pro” Secret: The Mini First Look

You might think an elopement means skipping the traditions, but Teri found a way to keep the magic without the fuss. They stayed at the Encore and did a “mini first look” right at the valet.

“It was unrushed and not overly contrived or overproduced,” she explains. “It started the day with the best energy, right there with our parents, plus a whole cast of valet staff and hotel guests drifting in and out around us.” Talk about a vibe!

The Dream Location: The Neon Museum

Teri is a self-proclaimed “Vegas history nerd.” So, the Neon Museum was the only choice for their photos. They booked an appointment in the “Boneyard,” the famous spot where vintage signs are saved and preserved.

“Doug at the museum was genuinely one of the most wonderful, helpful people we met all weekend,” Teri raves. “He was generous with his time during our shoot… and he helped me with scheduling even though I was pulling things together fairly last minute”.

The Look: Ditching the Traditional White

Can we talk about the fashion? Since this was “Chapter One” of their wedding story, Teri opted for a stunning dusty blue wedding dress instead of traditional white. It was the perfect nod to the desert landscape and the retro-glam feel of the Neon Museum.

Photography Tips from a Pro

When you’re a photographer getting married, who do you hire? Teri brought in the amazing Hanna Walkowaik to capture the day, but she couldn’t help herself; she brought along her own film cameras too!

Her advice for brides thinking about Vegas? Keep it authentic. Whether it’s shooting on 35mm film for that “grain and nostalgia” feel or just letting the moments happen naturally, don’t feel like you have to follow a script.

The Takeaway

“I’ve long admired this strange, ever-changing city in the desert,” Teri says. Her elopement proved that Vegas can be whatever you want it to be: a historical treasure hunt, a quiet family moment, or just a really fun excuse to wear a blue dress and celebrate love.

So, if you’re on the fence, take it from a pro: make your wedding a two-part experience. You won’t regret it.