Where Should I Elope NYC or Vegas?

The ultimate showdown | NYC vs Vegas as an elopement destination

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and elope!? Vegas has been the big name associated with eloping, but today NYC is here to battle it out in regards to flexibility, fun, and creativity when it comes to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Las Vegas and New York City are two iconic destinations offering very different experiences for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement. In this elopement heavyweight fight, get ready to explore the glitz and glamour of Vegas versus the undeniable vibrancy, diversity and charm of New York City. Spoiler alert: NYC might steal your heart (and your vows)!

Round 1: The Wedding Chapels vs. NYC Streets

In the red corner, we have Las Vegas, home to the infamous wedding chapels that have witnessed more “I do’s” than Elvis sightings. There’s something undeniably kitsch and rebellious about getting hitched in Sin City. I have visited a few of the famous Vegas chapels, and it’s precisely what you would expect. 

And in the blue corner, NYC, style, sophistication, history, glamour. Our wedding chapels are the streets of  NYC, where the city will be invited to your love story. NYC offers million-dollar backdrops for free: The Brooklyn Bridge, the NYC skyline at night, strolling down poets’ walk in Central Park, or vows the steps of The New York Public Library. Eloping in NYC can sometimes feel like you are in an idyllic movie set because chances are, you might be. 

Round 2: Sin City vs City of Dreams

On one hand, we have the Casinos, nightlife, neon, and even Brittany, which almost has me sold. At its core, Vegas is all about over the top extravagance and from the moment your feet hit the ground in Vegas you will be lured into a million and one ways to part ways with your hard earned cash. FYI, a word of warning Vegas is legit expensive. Want a late nite bag of Doritos on the strip $15, slice of pizza $10. I mean I am from NYC so if you hear me talking about things being expensive it must be bad.   At least we have bodegas every corner where you can get a BEC (bacon egg cheese for 5$)

NYC is the city of dreams. When you get married in NYC you inherit some of our DNA, our grit, our grace, our style and our joy de vivre. NYC is all about following your dreams. Vegas is where dreams go to die while inhaling 2nd hand smoke and losing your paycheck to a rigged slot machine. 

Round 3: Neon lights vs. City lights

Las Vegas is a neon wonderland with flashy lights and extravagant displays at every turn. But have you ever walked the strip? It is packed, overstimulating, and loud, and there is no escape from the onslaught of stimuli. And the outskirts where all the chapels are is legit sketchy. No the kind of cute quint place where you can stroll around and take cute pics. 

The twinkling lights from NYC’s skyline and the turn-of-the-century lamp gas-lit posts guarantee a level of chill and class. And If you want to go for over-the-top lights we always have Times Square.

Round 4: Vegas upsells vs straight talking NY-ers

Vegas’s promises of a fun, easy, affordable elopement don’t match its reality. That $500 Elvis wedding you saw advertised, doesn’t actaully come with Elvis, that will be an extra $300, If you want guests or even to take PHOTOS, extra extra extra. Vegas is like the low-cost airline equivalent of elopements, they charge for every little thing imaginable. 

NYC gives it to you straight. Simple, to the point and no-nonsense. We don’t like getting messed around and we don’t mess our people about. No extra fees, hidden charges, pushy sales people. And a permit to get married in central park is $35, you cannot beat that. 

Round 5: Elvis vs. Eloping is Fun officiant

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be upstaged by Elvis on my wedding day. I mean I’d much rather be upstaged by Rev Love or Bushwick Freddy. Opt for NYC, and you can choose a officiant who fits your style as a couple and ensures your ceremony and vows are personal and unique. Trust me Elvis does not get to know you and your love story. He reads from his Elvis script and maybe sings a song. 

After 5 well-fought rounds in the battle of Vegas versus NYC, the winner is…

…New York City for the ultimate elopement destination. While Vegas may offer a wild and gimmicky experience, nothing quite compares to the timeless elegance, cultural richness, gritty cool, and undeniable charm that the New York City brings. So, if you’re ready to elope make your way to NYC, where love is always in fashion, and the city becomes the backdrop to your happily ever after in a New York State of Mind!