Wedding at El Cortez | Vintage Las Vegas Wedding

The El Cortez Hotel is an icon in Las Vegas, so when Alex and Shelby told me they had chosen this historic space for their wedding, I was elated! They chose the Jackie Gaughan suite, which belonged to former owner Jackie and his wife, who handpicked many of the design and decoration elements of the penthouse apartment. What a cool spot to say your vows!

With two massive bedrooms and a spacious living room full of vintage Vegas flair, there was plenty of room to make the day special for both brides. They chose to get ready separately, then meet for their first look just outside the suite doors. The looks on both of their faces? Talk about truly, madly, deeply in love! I still swoon when I see those pictures!

After their lovely ceremony and the sweetest vows (and an awesome Arctic Monkeys cover of Baby I’m Yours as they walked down the aisle), I snuck the brides away for some portraits under the famous Vegas neon signs. If you have larger ceremony, complete with portraits with many arrangements of friends and family, you can bet we’re going to steal away for a few minutes alone while I take portraits of just the two of you. It gives you a chance to breathe, recenter, and soak in the fact that OMG — you’re freakin’ married now!

Alex and Shelby made the most of their time with lots of laughing, dancing, smooching, and just being with each other. Once they were ready to head back (and I had enough pictures to fill a whole album because I’m OBSESSED with them), we met everyone back in the Jackie Gaughan Suite for toasts, cake, and the first dance; and, finally, one of my favorite parts of the whole night: matching tattoos!! Ahhh!

Now normally matching tattoos late at night and after some *influential substances* is a horrible idea, but if there’s a worthy exception to this rule, these two are IT. Their good friend is a tattoo artist and brought everything she would need to tattoo Alex and Shelby with the El Cortez logo and their wedding date. And Shelby feeding Alex a slice of pizza during hers? So freaking sweet.

Alex and Shelby, you’ve both become so special to me. Thank you a million times for choosing me to photograph your wedding! It was everything.

Have you considered a unique venue like the El Cortez Hotel? I have tons of ideas if you want some inspiration!

Amber is a Las Vegas Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.

Photography: Amber Garrett Photography
Videography: Cydne Robinson Films
Venue: El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Florals: Roots Flowers & Events
Officiant: Wanda’s Weddings
Cake: Sons of Cakery
Bridal Suit: OK SEW Co.