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Romance in the Desert

Find wedded bliss among the beauty of the Southwest

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FLOWERING CACTI, MAJESTIC RED ROCK FORMATIONS, locations to match every mood and taste—and cater to every caprice— a Southwestern destination wedding is the perfect match for the romance of your big day. Add an atmosphere that ensures pampering and relaxation with spectacular vistas and you have truly found an ideal oasis for nuptials.

With enchanting desert options such as Scottsdale, Palm Springs and Las Vegas each just a short drive or even shorter flight from San Diego, you will quickly be transported to this splendid natural scenery and the feeling of being in another world. From the lights and bustle of Las Vegas to the art and recreation communities of Scottsdale and Palm Springs, you’re sure to have your wedding wishes granted at any of these destinations.

The draw of the desert is only strengthened by the pleasantly dry and moderately warm climes, especially in the fall and winter. The consistent weather means that you’re unlikely to need to call on back-up plans for an indoor celebration. They also provide an ideal playground for you and your wedding guests—whether sports enthusiasts, nature lovers or those looking for a little pampering from a world-class spa.

LAS VEGAS

As Sin City has grown up, so has its taste. The desert oasis has done much to shed its former reputation and now offers world-class extravagance for just about any indulgence. Chefs from around the world are constantly lured to Vegas with the promise of creativity unfettered by a budget, as well as surroundings to match in opulence. Hotel casinos have become mini-cities unto themselves, with round-the-clock amenities and entertainment that make it virtually unnecessary to go outside.

But go outside you must, for while Vegas shows and over-the-top amusements have long stolen the spotlight, the area’s natural gems are well worth exploring. Red Rock Canyon’s glorious namesake formations are striking at sunset, while the pines of Mount Charlestonoffer a fragrant and cool escape from the desert floor. At Lake Mead, situated just above the Hoover Dam, a menu of water activities keeps bodies busy, and the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is but a short helicopter flight away.

Bellagio

Everything about this most posh of Vegas Strip casino-hotels is done on a grand but tasteful scale. Bellagio’s charm is subtle and the hotel exudes class, from the inside botanical gardens to a showcase of master works in the Gallery of Fine Art. Even the hotel’s Cirque du Soleil show goes a step beyond, taking acrobatic artistry underwater in O. Here, your choices for a rehearsal dinner abound, with six finedining establishments, including contemporary French restaurant Le Cirque, one of the hotel’s two AAA Five Diamond Award winners. After a four-course meal, head to one of the hotel’s several nightclubs to dance the night away. Or, for those who prefer a round of poker, the casino provides plenty of entertainment without having to wander far, while the rest of the Strip’s wonders await a mere walk away.

For the main event, two wedding chapels swathed in soft hues provide a graceful environment. For an alfresco affair, plan your gala on the Terrazza di Sogno, which overlooks the man-made Lago di Como and have the Bellagio’s legendary dancing fountains timed to soar into the air as you share your first kiss. 702.693.7111, bellagio.com.

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas

This is the spot to choose if your top wedding priority is beauty and relaxation. The Ritz-Carlton made the most of Lake Las Vegas, a 320-acre man-made lake just 17 miles from the bustle of the Vegas Strip, surrounded by the stark magnificence of desert mountains.

Here you and your guests will enjoy Tuscan-inspired architecture, manicured courtyards and cobblestone paths in the Florentine Garden. Offer guests a trip on yacht tours across the lake waters, or spend the day in the full-service salon and spa—ensuring your stay is as tranquil as can be. For guests who want to be a bit more active, the resort’s two world-renowned golf courses frequently make “best of” lists.

For your wedding, the white sand of the property’s lakefront can host receptions from casual beach parties to formal affairs that incorporate Italian gondolas. 702.567.4700, ritzcarlton.com.

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