A Colorful Modern Shoot with Fun, Florals & How to Plan the Perfect Confetti Photoshoot!
We Love This Speakeasy Elopement at Durango Resort, Styled by Top Wedding Planners in Las Vegas
The moment we laid eyes on this styled shoot at Durango Resort in Las Vegas, we knew it had to be featured on Bespoke Bride. So, we caught up with Whitney, the owner of XO Event Co.—one of the top wedding planners in Las Vegas—to get the inside scoop. Stick around until the end for expert tips on choosing the best wedding planners in Las Vegas and planning your dream wedding at Durango Resort!
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
“Set entirely within the stunning new Durango Resort completed less than a year ago, this shoot captures the beauty and intimacy that Vegas can offer beyond the Strip, while still delivering all of its signature allure.
From the bold choice of runway-style seating at Durango Resort—an inventive take that made the ceremony feel more like a fashion-forward event than a traditional wedding, complete with an aisle adorned in red rose petals, evoking the romantic and playful flair of a honeymoon suite—this shoot embraced creativity at every turn.
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
The reception was set at Mijo, a coastal Mexican-style restaurant, creating an intimate and personal dining experience with custom menus and sangria, further reflecting individuality. To add to the coastal flair, the bride carried a beautiful floral fan in place of a traditional bouquet, a unique and vibrant touch that perfectly complemented the setting.
The cake and champagne toast at Bel Aire Lounge showcase a relaxed mingling opportunity with their guests, breaking the mold of a formal, sit-down dessert moment.
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Finally, the after-party at Wax Rabbit, a speakeasy, provides the ultimate alternative wedding vibe. The sultry red room, paired with a ruffled veil, sets the scene for a night of dancing and celebration in true Vegas fashion, but with a private, intimate twist.”
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
Kristen Joy Photography
The Vendor List
Photography: Kristen Joy Photo @kristenjoyphoto
Planning & Design: XO Event Co @xoevent.co
Ceremony Venue: Durango Resort, @durangoresort
Reception Space Management: Clique Hospitality @cliquehospitality
Dinner Venue: Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant @mijomexican
Cake and Cocktails: Bel-Aire Lounge @belaireloungelv
After Party Venue: Wax Rabbit @waxrabbitlv
Models: Max & Halle @maxandhallemodel_ut
Hair & Makeup: Amelia & Co @ameliacandco
Suit: Friar Tux @friartux
Dresses & Veils: Grace and Ivory @graceandivoryofficial
Floral: Amy Wong Events @a_wong_events
Stationery: Lively Letter Co. @livelyletterco
Cake: Caked Las Vegas @cakedlasvegas
Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Planners in Las Vegas
Choosing the right wedding planner in Las Vegas is a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes. You need style, comfort, and the ability to dance all night without regretting your choices. With the sheer number of wedding planners in Las Vegas, it can feel like sifting through a sea of sequins—dazzling, but overwhelming. Here’s how to make sure you’re picking the best one for your big day.
1. Know Your Wedding Style (and Theirs)
Las Vegas weddings come in every flavor imaginable—from elegant ballroom affairs to neon-lit elopements on The Strip. Your wedding planner should not only respect your vision but enhance it. Some planners specialize in luxury, while others excel at intimate micro-weddings. A great planner will have a portfolio that reflects the type of wedding you’re dreaming of, whether it’s a sleek rooftop soirée at The Cosmopolitan or a romantic desert ceremony at Red Rock Canyon.
Pro Tip: Ask to see full galleries of past weddings, not just Instagram highlights. You want to know they can deliver the whole package, not just picture-perfect moments.
2. Understand Their Vendor Network
A solid planner should have a deep Rolodex (or, let’s be honest, a killer Google Drive) of trusted vendors. The best wedding planners in Las Vegas know the top florists, photographers, and caterers and have strong relationships that can sometimes score you upgrades or discounts. But here’s the catch—some planners take commissions from vendors, which means they might push services that aren’t necessarily the best fit for you.
Pro Tip: Ask if they receive commissions from vendors. Transparency is key. You want recommendations based on quality, not kickbacks.
Check out this reel of the stunning styled elopement above:
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3. Pricing: The Devil’s in the Details
Wedding planning fees vary wildly in Las Vegas. Some planners charge a flat fee, while others work on a percentage of your total budget. There are also à la carte services if you just need help with logistics rather than full planning. Make sure you understand what’s included in their pricing structure—does it cover venue scouting, vendor coordination, day-of execution?
Warning: If a planner’s pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of hidden fees, and always get everything in writing.
4. Personality Match: Can You Survive the Planning Process Together?
You’ll be working closely with your planner for months, so their personality matters. Are they responsive? Do they listen more than they talk? Do they get your humor? If you feel uneasy in the first meeting, it won’t get better later.
Real Talk: The best wedding planners in Las Vegas don’t just organize events—they diffuse stress, problem-solve on the fly, and sometimes even act as therapists when family drama erupts.
5. Check Their Crisis Management Skills
Weddings never go 100% according to plan. Ever. The right planner will have contingency strategies for everything—weather issues, vendor no-shows, timeline hiccups. Ask them about a time something went wrong and how they fixed it. If they get flustered answering that question, that’s a red flag.
True Story: One Las Vegas planner once had to find a backup Elvis officiant 30 minutes before a wedding because the original one got food poisoning. Crisis averted, vows exchanged, and the couple never knew a thing.
6. Read the Reviews, but Trust Your Gut
Online reviews give insight, but nothing beats an in-person (or Zoom) conversation. A five-star rating is great, but do the reviews mention things that matter to you? Were they good at communication? Did they stick to the budget? Did they go above and beyond?
Pro Tip: Don’t just read the glowing reviews—check the 3-star ones. They often reveal small, but important, details that can help you decide if this planner is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right wedding planner in Las Vegas is like finding the perfect blackjack table—you need the right energy, the right people, and someone who knows when to take charge and when to let the magic happen. Do your homework, ask the tough questions, and choose someone who makes you feel confident about your wedding day. After all, if they can handle the chaos of a Vegas wedding, they can handle anything.
Relevant Sources:
- The Knot’s Guide to Hiring a Wedding Planner
- Brides: What to Look for in a Wedding Planner
- Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority: Wedding Planning Resources
Tips for Planning a Wedding at Durango Resort in Las Vegas
When I first heard about Durango Resort in Las Vegas as a wedding venue, I imagined the usual Vegas glitz—neon lights, Elvis impersonators, and a blackjack table doubling as a reception space. But this place? It’s a whole different story. Picture sleek modern design, a warm desert breeze, and a setting that feels both high-end and effortlessly cool. If you’re considering saying “I do” here, buckle up—I’ve got the inside scoop on making it unforgettable (and avoiding rookie mistakes).
1. Lock Down Your Date (Before It’s Gone)
Durango Resort in Las Vegas is one of those venues that quietly became a hot ticket. The word is out, and couples are snapping up dates faster than a Vegas buffet line. If you have your heart set on a specific season, book at least a year in advance. Spring and fall are prime time—summer weddings here can be like getting married inside a hairdryer. If you’re leaning toward a winter wedding, you’ll enjoy cooler temps and slightly better availability. Just avoid the madness of New Year’s Eve unless you love competing with a city-wide party for attention.
2. Embrace the Vegas Vibe Without Going Full Cliché
Vegas weddings have a reputation, but Durango Resort in Las Vegas leans more chic than kitsch. Think upscale cocktail lounges, refined dining, and a polished aesthetic that still feels relaxed. Instead of leaning into the overdone casino-themed decor, pull inspiration from the resort’s sleek architecture and natural desert surroundings. Warm terracotta, deep emerald, and muted golds work beautifully here. And let’s be real—no one needs another wedding with oversized dice centerpieces.
3. Plan for the Heat—Even in Cooler Months
Yes, it’s the desert. Yes, it cools down at night. But you know what doesn’t care about your wedding timeline? The blazing afternoon sun. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, opt for a later start time. Sunset weddings here? Absolute perfection. Plus, golden hour at Durango Resort in Las Vegas makes every photo look like a high-end magazine spread. Pro tip: Offer guests chic sunglasses or parasols—it’s a stylish touch that also keeps Aunt Linda from melting in the front row.
4. Think Beyond the Standard Vegas Catering
One of the biggest perks of Durango Resort in Las Vegas? The food. Skip the typical banquet menu and lean into the resort’s elevated dining options. Think curated small plates, interactive food stations, and cocktails that aren’t just thrown together with whatever’s behind the bar. Consider a speakeasy-style reception with craft cocktails and late-night bites—it fits the resort’s aesthetic like a glove and keeps the party going without feeling forced.
5. Make the Most of the Resort Experience
If you’re getting married at a resort, take advantage of it. Instead of cramming everything into one day, turn it into a weekend experience. Welcome drinks at one of the resort’s lounges? Yes. A post-wedding brunch? Absolutely. And if your guests are making the trip to Vegas, they’ll appreciate having a full itinerary of things to do (without feeling like they need to escape to the Strip for entertainment). Bonus tip: Book a spa day the morning after your wedding. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
6. Budget for the Unexpected (Because…Vegas)
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but Vegas weddings have a sneaky way of adding extra costs. Resort fees, last-minute floral upgrades, and “just one more” round of signature cocktails can add up fast. Have a buffer in your budget, and don’t be afraid to negotiate—especially if you’re booking a full wedding package. Resorts are used to big spenders, but they also know how to sweeten a deal if you ask.
7. Capture the Moment (Without Overdoing It)
The lighting at Durango Resort in Las Vegas is a photographer’s dream, but don’t fall into the trap of turning your wedding into an all-day photoshoot. Yes, get the dreamy golden hour shots, but also leave time to actually enjoy the day. Some of the best wedding moments aren’t staged—they’re the spontaneous, joy-filled ones that happen when you’re not staring down a camera lens.
The Verdict? Worth Every Penny—With the Right Planning
Durango Resort in Las Vegas is proof that a Vegas wedding can be stylish, intimate, and wildly fun without falling into the usual touristy tropes. With thoughtful planning (and a solid understanding of how to beat the desert heat), it’s one of the best spots to say “I do” in a way that feels both effortless and unforgettable. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go convince my husband that we should renew our vows here—strictly for research purposes, of course.
Sources:
- Visit Las Vegas – Best Times to Get Married
- The Knot – Wedding Budget Tips
- Durango Resort Official Website
