12 Months Out
Start With Your Vision and Secure a Venue
You’ve just gotten engaged, and your wedding is about a year away. With a target date in early 2027, now is the right time to begin making your most important decisions. One of the first and most impactful steps in your wedding plans is selecting the venue.
Las Vegas offers a range of ceremony and reception settings suited to different styles, group sizes, and seasonal preferences. If you’re planning a January or February wedding, you may want to consider venues that offer both indoor and outdoor flexibility. The Lakeview Chapel is a year-round favorite with serene waterfront views and enclosed comfort.
Popular dates book quickly, especially at locations that include full wedding venue packages with coordination and décor. Booking early ensures your preferred venue and date are secured without added pressure later. Booking early ensures your preferred venue and date are secured without added pressure later.
Couples often begin their planning process by researching ceremony options and narrowing down venues that align with their vision for a meaningful event. Some couples base their decisions on recommendations they discover while exploring options around Las Vegas, especially when planning from out of state.
11 Months Out
Choose a Planning Style and Begin Vendor Research
This month is about establishing the style and tone of your event. A winter wedding in Las Vegas offers opportunities for elegant seasonal décor, rich color palettes, and cooler weather ideal for formalwear.
Begin researching photographers, entertainment, florists, and planners. Many couples opt for vendors familiar with wedding venues in Nevada, as these professionals understand venue layouts and seasonal light patterns.
If you’re working with a full-service team like Always and Forever, some vendor services may already be included within your Las Vegas wedding and reception packages, simplifying your planning process. Many couples also choose to pair their ceremony with on-site receptions at one of several banquet halls in Las Vegas, and the Grand Atrium is a well-suited space for larger winter gatherings.
Location, guest capacity, and overall atmosphere are just a few of the venue details that couples typically consider early on.
10 Months Out
Outline Ceremony Details and Book Reception Plans
Start planning the flow of your day, including the ceremony structure and how you want to celebrate afterward. Consider locations that reflect your wedding style and can accommodate your guest count.
The Heritage Garden offers a beautiful outdoor space with structured hedges and a floral-lined aisle, even during winter months. For the reception, the Swan Banquet offers an adaptable indoor setting ideal for formal dinners or relaxed celebrations.
It’s helpful to understand how accessible the venue is from major hotels or transportation hubs, especially for out-of-town guests.
This is also a good time to think about your ceremony music, procession order, and any personal touches you want to incorporate.
9 Months Out
Attire and Seasonal Design Choices
Now is the time to begin shopping for your wedding dress or suit. Winter weddings in Las Vegas allow for formal styles and rich textures that pair well with both indoor and outdoor settings. If you’re planning to get married in the Grand Garden, choose attire that feels comfortable and photographs well in natural light.
Consider colors and florals that reflect the time of year. Deep tones, metallic accents, and candles or soft lighting work well in venues like the Waterfall Garden, where the sound of cascading water creates a calm, romantic environment.
For couples planning events with multiple components, having flexible event space options can simplify the day-of logistics.
8 Months Out
Focus on Guest Experience and Travel
Winter weddings in Las Vegas give guests a reason to enjoy a destination-style event without the summer heat. Now is the time to reserve hotel blocks, confirm group rates, and help guests begin planning their travel.
Always and Forever venues are located just minutes from the Strip, providing a balance of accessibility and privacy. For guests staying nearby, arrange for group transportation or provide detailed maps and schedules in your invitations or on your wedding website.
Those organizing destination weddings often prioritize location recommendations that balance setting and convenience.
7 Months Out
Plan Catering, Cake, and Reception Details
Begin finalizing your menu preferences and book any tastings offered by your venue or caterer. Whether you’re planning a formal sit-down dinner or a relaxed buffet, the Swan Garden provides a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor ceremonies with easy access to the Swan Banquet for indoor dining.
If you’re ordering a custom Las Vegas wedding cake, schedule consultations now. Popular bakeries fill up quickly, especially for holiday-season weddings.
Browsing through different wedding venue listings is a common first step when comparing what’s available in Las Vegas.
6 Months Out
Send Invitations and Finalize Décor Elements
Design and order your wedding invitations. Begin finalizing florals, tablescapes, and ceremony arrangements. Many couples marrying in the Lakeview Chapel or Heritage Garden choose minimal enhancements, letting the natural setting speak for itself.
Confirm design needs with your planner or florist and make sure your vision aligns with the venue’s layout and guidelines. Your Always and Forever planning team can assist with item placement and timing coordination.
5 Months Out
Entertainment and Personal Touches
Book your entertainment if you haven’t already. Whether it’s a DJ, a live musician, or curated playlists, music helps shape the energy of your reception. Additional features such as photo booths or welcome stations and DIY decor can add a personalized element for guests.
If you’re celebrating in the Grand Atrium, take advantage of its clean, architectural backdrop for custom lighting and décor. Subtle winter accents such as soft white florals or silver tones can create a seasonal atmosphere without going over the top.
Some venues include multiple dedicated spaces for ceremonies and receptions, allowing a seamless transition from vows to celebration.
4 Months Out
Manage Legal Requirements and Logistics
At this point, it’s time to review the official side of your wedding plans. You’ll need to apply for a Nevada marriage license, which is available through the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. There’s no waiting period, and licenses are valid immediately upon issue.
Finalize your vows if you’re writing them yourself. Share ceremony plans with your officiant and confirm your timeline with your planning team to support a smooth wedding rehearsal and ceremony flow. If you’re using Always and Forever’s wedding services las vegas, many of these logistics will already be outlined for you.
3 Months Out
Confirm Guest Count and Vendor Details
Send out reminders for any outstanding RSVPs. Provide your final guest count to your caterer and review contract details with vendors. Confirm delivery windows, setup times, and any special instructions related to your ceremony or reception.
If your ceremony will take place in the Waterfall Garden with a reception to follow in the Swan Banquet, ensure your vendor team is aware of the layout and transitions between each space.
2 Months Out
Final Fittings and Timeline Review
Schedule final dress or suit fittings. Confirm appointments for hair, makeup, and any pre-wedding grooming or spa services. Draft your wedding day timeline, from arrival through departure, and share it with your vendors and wedding party.
Always and Forever offers a planning template for couples using their wedding venue packages, helping you map out the details of your event with confidence.
1 Month Out
Pack, Prepare, and Review
Pick up final wardrobe items, break in your shoes, and assemble wedding-day essentials. Reconfirm details with all vendors and submit your final seating plan, song lists, and event order to your venue.
For winter ceremonies in the Swan Garden or Grand Garden, consider offering guest blankets or setting up warm beverage stations. While Las Vegas winters are generally mild, it’s helpful to prepare for cooler temperatures as the sun sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Nevada resident to get married in Las Vegas?
No. Anyone can get married in Las Vegas with a valid government-issued ID. You’ll need to apply for a marriage license in person from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau. The process is quick, and there is no waiting period.
When should I book a venue for an early 2027 wedding?
Book 12 to 14 months in advance. Venues like the Lakeview Chapel, Swan Garden, and Grand Garden are in high demand for winter weddings and may fill up quickly during peak weekends.
Are both indoor and outdoor options available in winter?
Yes. Always and Forever offers indoor chapels like Lakeview Chapel and the Grand Atrium, as well as outdoor venues like Swan Garden and Waterfall Garden, all of which operate year-round.
Can I hold both my ceremony and reception at the same location?
Yes. Many couples choose to host their ceremony and reception in one location for convenience. Popular combinations include the Heritage Garden with the Swan Banquet, or the Swan Garden followed by the Grand Atrium.
What are the best months for a winter Las Vegas wedding?
January and February are ideal for couples who prefer cooler weather and lighter tourist traffic. December is also a popular choice for holiday-themed weddings or festive events.
Is winter weather a concern for outdoor weddings in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas winters are typically dry and cool. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for outdoor ceremonies. Evening receptions can be held indoors or supplemented with heaters if needed.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding a year in advance allows you to make thoughtful decisions, secure the best vendors, and create an event that reflects your vision. Whether you choose a garden ceremony, a lakefront chapel, or a ballroom reception, Always and Forever offers venues and services designed to support every style.
With ceremony locations like the Heritage Garden, Grand Garden, Swan Garden, Waterfall Garden, and the Lakeview Chapel, and reception spaces such as the Grand Atrium and the Swan Banquet, you’ll have everything you need to bring your 2027 wedding to life.
Let this countdown be your guide as you begin planning your Las Vegas wedding with confidence, clarity, and the right team by your side.
