The Other Las Vegas: Unique Las Vegas Wedding Venues

Photo left: Adriano Fagundes

Find the sparkle off the Strip, where a glistening lake reflects a European vibe and the midnight skies are lit by stars instead of neon.

Las Vegas Boulevard ignites images of over-the-top shows, bright blinking lights and endless wedding chapels. But we decided to go off the Strip and discover what else this desert city might be hiding. Our destination: Lake Las Vegas, a resort community located in Henderson, Nevada, about 17 miles from the city center. The region boasts two hotels and a mini-village with shops, restaurants and a casino, all surrounding a 320-acre man-made lake. We loved the Mediterranean-inspired architecture, acres of golfing greens (a great photo backdrop) and serene lake views -- a perfect alternative for brides who want their Vegas wedding with a side of serenity.


Lovely lake views at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort.	Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort Sitting across the lake from the Italian-inspired MonteLago Village, this 493-room resort takes its cues from Morocco, with vibrant wall tapestries, elaborate chandeliers and painted marble floors. The open-air lobby leads to the patio lounge where oversized cushions, chaise lounges and outdoor fireplaces invite you to enjoy the panorama in style. The rooms come with all the luxe amenities too -- fluffy, pillow-laden beds, flat-screen TVs and marble baths. Bonus: The hotel is pet-friendly, with dog-walking routes and grooming services, making us wish we had brought ours from home. Two heated pools, a sports court, pedal boats and a white-sand beach (yes, in the middle of the desert) will keep any guest entertained; plus, two acclaimed golf courses are minutes away.
Talented onsite coordinator James Flitz can help with everything from picking out invites to customizing a five-course menu. Shuttles run continually between the hotel and MonteLago Village; the resort also offers twice-daily runs to the Strip. For airport transfers and group outings, we recommend Celebrity Coaches, which offers plush buses and limos with entertaining drivers (ours had tons of juicy Vegas gossip).

The resort community's prime location in the foothills puts you at the doorstep of desert high-country, accessible via hiking and biking trails through the hills and around the lake. For a day on the water, head out to scenic Lake Mead. Just a 15-minute drive away, the 233-square-mile lake offers wakeboarding, boating, waterskiing and swimming. Or, stay closer to home and play on Lake Las Vegas; Gondola Adventures offers gondola champagne cruises (best at sunset, when the desert sun emits a magical glow), while the 80-foot yacht, La Contessa, can be reserved for sunset cruises, rehearsal dinners or other festivities. For guests wanting to get their gamble on, Casino MonteLago is the place, with 12 live table games, 560 slot machines and two restaurants.

Sunset excursions on La Contessa

The Tuna Cocktail at Sushi Marssa

Sushi MarssaWe loved this sleek Pacific Rim-style restaurant, located at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort. Master sushi chef Osamu Fujita's creations were as gorgeous as they were delicious, with exotic dishes that surprised even our most fanatic sushi lovers. The white-truffle edamame dumplings and the tropical salmon roll, with a pleasant touch of mango, were hands-down hits.
Mira Lago Lakeside Mediterranean Cafe This upscale eatery, located at Reflection Bay Golf Club, has an outdoor balcony overlooking the lake and makes a great setting for a rehearsal dinner or bridesmaid luncheon. We couldn't stop raving about the lobster wraps.
Vineyard Restaurant For our final dinner, we sat at a long wooden table at The Falls Golf Club. With its great stone walls and vaulted ceilings, it felt more like we were in a centuries-old castle than a clubhouse. While fresh seafood pasta was a favorite, nothing could compare to the dessert experience afterward: a chocolate-fondue fete by the outdoor fire pit, accompanied by chocolate martinis and a view of the Strip far off in the distance. It's a perfect party venue.

*****

Related Articles:

Destination Spotlight: Loving Las Vegas: Vegas used to divide: You loved it or you hated it. Now the morphing desert destination appeals to travelers from highbrow on down.

101 Top Planning Tips: We've compiled 101 pieces of advice to help you every step of the way, from deciding on a destination to showing your guests a good time.

Over The Top: There's nothing quite like an overwater bungalow. Here are six unique resorts for the ultimate honeymoon.

Easy, Breezy New Orleans: Historic architecture, Creole eateries, storied drinking establishments and colorful casts of street performers combine to make one of the country's most festive honeymoon backdrops.

Romantic Ranches: We've rounded up four great places to horse around on your honeymoon!