Shelby and Alex’s Las Vegas destination wedding in the Jackie Gaughan Suite at the iconic El Cortez Hotel & Casino played out like a retro love letter to “Old Vegas.” With only 30 guests, it may have been small, but it burst with style, charm, and unforgettable moments in “Sin City.”

Shelby and Alex picked Las Vegas for its lively, carefree vibe—a place where their loved ones could let loose. Affordable, accessible, and packed with fun, it was a no-brainer for their dream destination wedding. Selecting the venue came easy after the couple did some research and fell in love with the history of the Jackie Gaughan Suite. Alex specifically loved the quirky vintage details: “Golden goose faucets, pink fabric walls, jungle carpet—it’s Old Vegas at its best!”

The weekend kicked off with a party bus chauffeuring guests from the airport in style. A pool party with rented cabanas at Circa and some October football added to the memorable weekend. The couple snagged Insta-worthy photos under the legendary Fremont Street sign and turned their suite—complete with a pink marble tub, emerald bar, and Hollywood glamour galore—into a party HQ.

Thanks to recommendations from their photographer, Amber Garrett, Shelby and Alex kept their vendor list small and fabulous. Dreamy florals by Roots Flowers, a show-stopping cake by Sons of Cakery, and flawless glam by Makeup in the 702 made their day shine. 

The cherry on top? Matching tattoos of the El Cortez logo and their wedding date, inked right there in their suite by their friend (and tattoo artist) Miranda Chislom. Shelby and Alex blocked off rooms at the El Cortez to ensure affordable accommodations for guests, even at the last minute. Since the hotel is 21+, parents got a mini-vacation from their kids—win-win!

Alex offers budgeting wisdom: “Figure out your budget, then add 33%. That’s your real budget.” They also didn’t sweat the small stuff. “People won’t remember the tiny details, so focus on fun and delegate as much as possible.”

The couple’s priority was making guests feel at home. “We wanted everyone to feel at ease and like they could be themselves,” Shelby explains. With pizza, cake, champagne, and heartfelt vows reflecting their values as a queer couple, the vibe was both laid-back and meaningful.

Looking back, Alex advises other couples to “Plan ahead, delegate what you can, and when the big day comes, just let go and enjoy it.” She adds, “We were thankful we hired Wanda’s Weddings because she made sure we understood the marriage license process and walked through every step, so we knew to go a few days ahead of time – no one wants to wait in line on their wedding day.”

If a small Vegas wedding is on your radar, take a page out of Shelby and Alex’s book. A little planning, a killer vendor team, and a focus on what truly matters will make your celebration unforgettable. Viva Las Vegas, baby!

Vendors: Photographer: Amber Garrett Photography; Venue: El Cortez; Florist: Roots Flowers; Cake: Sons of Cakery; Hair & Makeup: Makeup in the 702; Clothing: OK SEW Co.; Tattoo Artist: Miranda Chislom; Officiant: Wanda’s Weddings