Thousands of couples come to Las Vegas yearly, looking for a fun wedding ceremony in one of our iconic chapels. Though often quick in time, the ceremony is the most important aspect of a wedding, and the images from that time are often the only tangible memories you’ll take from such a special moment.
There are plenty of chapels to choose from in Las Vegas, but they aren’t all created equal when it comes to photography and what is allowed. While this might not be important to some, there are plenty of reasons why you would want to bring an outside photographer to your chapel ceremony.
For one, chapel photographers are often restricted to the chapel they are booked through. So if you want any offsite pictures like getting ready photos, portraits at a secondary location, or plan to have a reception afterward, you’re probably going to be hiring another photographer anyway.
Style might be another concern. While chapel photographers are great in their own right, you might not be able to pick the photographer for your ceremony or see samples of their specific work prior to the wedding.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite chapels in town that allow for outside photographers with no fees and no strings:
Arguably the most iconic Vegas chapel, Little White has been the backdrop for hundreds of thousands of weddings since 1951 including plenty of famous couples such as Bruce Willis & Demi Moore, Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner, and Sarah Michelle Gellar & Freddie Prince Jr.
The property has a collection of wedding chapels to fit your aesthetic and guest count. Of course there’s the famous Little White chapel that is shockingly white top to bottom and seats about 20. Chapel Amore’s red velvet love seats and forest mural wall throw you right into the heart of Vintage Vegas and can fit up to 60 guests. The lesser known Gazebo can be found behind the white panel structure just next to the tunnel of love and under the Little White Chapel sign. Don’t forget to book a post-ceremony time slot at theTunnel of Love to get pictures with classic pink Cadillac and stunning ceiling mosaic.
Little White has the option to book in-house photo and video but doesn’t charge fees if you want to bring in your own team. You’ll want to let the chapel know prior to the wedding day that you plan to bring your own photographer and have the photographer show up with enough time to fill out the chapel’s waiver.
Sure Thing Chapel has taken over and redefined Vegas Kitsch with not one, but two locations in the heart of vintage Las Vegas on iconic Fremont Street. With “only in Vegas” officiants like Surely the Showgirl and Hellvis, Sure Things puts a modern twist on classic Vegas for a one of a kind wedding experience.
The big difference between the chapels is the color palette and size. Sure Thing is strikingly pink and can fit up to 43 guests while Sure Thing Too is more intimate at 24 guests max and features a stunning powder blue backdrop. With fun surprises like the vintage photobooth at Sure Thing or the pink velvet bathroom at Sure Thing Too, you will be blown away by the attention to detail that went into creating these two masterpieces.
Sure Thing allows for outside photographers at no cost. They don’t have an in-house team but can assist in securing a photographer from their preferred list.
New to the scene, That Chapel Downtown is a stunning venue located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas. By itself, the space is stunning – with modern clean lines, and white textured flooring and walls.
The chapel can accommodate up to 70 and can flexibly be used for ceremonies as well as receptions. Half and full day rental options. All packages come with standard items but That Chapel also offers ceremony set packages to add customization and interest to the space.
Some packages offer photography from their all-inclusive list of photographers but they also allow for you to bring your own photographer with no extra fees. Outside photographers must provide a certificate of insurance to shoot on property.
Located just off of Las Vegas Boulevard and within Chapel Row, Love Story Wedding Chapel has two options that each blend traditional wedding elements with a touch of modern simplicity, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming space for exchanging vows.
You + Me chapel is the smaller of the two holding up to 16 guests. Its sketch painted walls give simplistic charm and a unique backdrop for your I Do’s. Their newer chapel, Chandelier, can hold up to 50 guests and can also double as a reception space. The focal point of the room is the draped wall with suspended chandeliers that create an opulently romantic atmosphere. They also have a bridal suite that can be used up to an hour before the ceremony and is great for capturing those last minute getting ready moments.
There are plenty of chapels that allow outside photography with special packages or a fee. Even some that will allow an outside photographer but only if they are seated with the rest of the guests.
And even if chapels do require you to use their in-house photography as part of their package, oftentimes that comes with additional costs to purchase prints or the rights to digital images. In any case, it’s important to understand a chapel’s photography rules before signing on the dotted line.
Listen to the full episode here –
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zffOmIVfpKsSCDMhQsp4J?si=hHR45V-cSWKcqr5Nz1BHBg
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/vegas-wedding-planning-chapels-that-allow-outside-photographers/id1765793232?i=1000720917051
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