How to Elope in Nelson's Ghost Town in Las Vegas, NV
If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding day that feels like stepping into a cinematic love story, Nelson’s Ghost Town in Nevada might just be the perfect place for your elopement. Tucked away in the desert about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, this quirky, historic location is filled with vintage cars, rustic barns, colorful signage, and sun-soaked desert landscapes. It’s where adventure meets romance, and where couples who want something truly unforgettable can say “I do.”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eloping at Nelson’s Ghost Town—from permits and logistics to photography tips and how to design an experience that feels uniquely yours.
Index
Why choose Nelson’s Ghost Town for your Elopement
Do you need a permit to elope at Nelson’s Ghost Town?
When is the best time to elope at Nelson’s Ghost Town?
How to get to Nelson’s Ghost Town
Planning your elopement experience
Photography tips for Nelson’s Ghost Town
What to do after your ceremony
Our Nelson’s Ghost Town elopement packages
Final Thoughts
Why Choose Nelson’s Ghost Town for Your Elopement?
Unlike the traditional Las Vegas Strip chapel wedding, Nelson’s Ghost Town offers:
Unique vintage vibes – Think antique cars, giant signs, weathered barns, crashed planes, and old movie set remnants.
Desert beauty – Rugged landscapes and glowing sunsets give you those epic, wide-open shots. It’s right in the middle of a canyon filled with cholla cactus and so much desert beauty.
Privacy and exclusivity – You can rent the space, ensuring your elopement feels intimate and personal.
Close to Las Vegas – A quick drive means you get the best of both worlds: desert adventure and city fun.
For couples who love luxury mixed with grit, romance with a little rebellion, this location is a dream backdrop. And if you don’t want to elope there, the surrounding desert or Colorado River are excellent alternatives with this as a photography stop.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Nelson’s Ghost Town?
Yes—Nelson’s Ghost Town is privately owned, which means you’ll need to book the property for your wedding or elopement (but if you hire us, we take care of it all for you.).
Hourly rates: Expect to pay a site fee (usually charged by the hour) to access the property for your ceremony and photos (included in our services.)
What’s included: Use of the grounds, props like vintage cars and barns, and access to their wild desert surroundings.
Why it’s worth it: The exclusivity ensures no random tourists or passersby during your vows.
Tip: Book as early as possible, especially for weekends or golden hour slots, as it’s a popular location for photographers, film shoots, and weddings.
When Is the Best Time to Elope at Nelson’s Ghost Town?
The Nevada desert has dramatic weather swings, so timing is key.
Spring (March–May): Warm, comfortable weather and wild desert blooms.
Fall (September–November): Golden, sunny days without the summer heat.
Winter (December–February): Crisp air and fewer crowds—just bring a stylish jacket or wrap.
Summer (June–August): Beautiful sunsets but often very hot during the day (think 100°F+). Evening ceremonies are best.
For the most flattering light and dreamy photos, I recommend booking your ceremony around sunrise or sunset.
How to Get to Nelson’s Ghost Town
Located about 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, you’ll drive through desert highways to reach the old mining town of Nelson.
Closest airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
Best way to get there: Rent a car—it gives you freedom to explore the desert before or after your ceremony.
Nearby attractions: Hoover Dam, Nelson’s Landing, Dry Lake Bed, Willow Beach, and the Las Vegas Strip, of course.
Planning Your Elopement Experience
Eloping at Nelson’s Ghost Town is more than just saying vows—it’s about creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. Here’s what to think about:
Ceremony: This can happen anywhere on the property – the barns, vintage trucks, and wide-open desert provide multiple ceremony spot options.
Officiant & Photography: Many couples book an all-in-one team (like us at Light Preserves) who can both officiate and capture every moment.
Celebration: After your vows, pop champagne, have a picnic under the desert sky, or head back to Las Vegas for dinner and neon adventures, or have a bonfire on the water with wedding tacos.
Photography Tips for Nelson’s Ghost Town
As an elopement photographer who’s worked here, I can tell you: this place photographs like a dream.
Golden Hour Glow: The rusty cars and old wood barns catch the sunset in the most cinematic way.
Playful Backdrops: From gas pumps to broken-down buses, you’ll have endless options for creative shots.
Adventure Vibes: Step just outside the town for rugged desert scenery, wide skies, and epic mountain views.
Candid Moments: The best photos here happen when you lean into the fun—dance in the dirt, explore the barns, or climb into a vintage truck.
What to Do After Your Ceremony
You’ve got plenty of choices on what to do after your ceremony even though Nelson’s Ghost Town might be in the middle of nowhere. Here’s a few of our faves:
Head out to Nelson’s Landing for a beach bonfire or some cliff jumping.
There you can have a private chef provide a BBQ dinner for you and your guests, or have something simple like some West Coast tacos.
Head back to Fremont Street and party the night away.
From Nelson’s Ghost Town, your elopement can be the outdoorsy time of your life or a wild party under neon lights.
Our Nelson's Ghost Town Elopement Packages
Full Las Vegas elopement planning.
Personalized Las Vegas guide.
Permit and Nelson’s fees included.
Questionnaires, vendor recommendations, permitting, and client portal access.
Unlimited planning and access to your elopement team.
We’ll be your defacto tour guides for all things Las Vegas.
Ceremony Services
Officiant services by Pop Andrini.
Marriage license guidance.
Custom ceremony.
Photography
From 4-16 hours of professional photography coverage by Mari Andrini.
Drone footage (location and weather permitting).
Sneak peeks within 48 hours.
All Light Preserves on a secure online gallery.
Ranges from $4000-$8000
Final Thoughts: Is Nelson’s Ghost Town Right for You?
If you’re a couple who craves something bold, unique, and off the beaten path, eloping at Nelson’s Ghost Town offers the perfect mix of history, grit, and romance. It’s not your cookie-cutter wedding venue—it’s an experience, a backdrop, and a story all wrapped into one.
Imagine saying your vows surrounded by desert mountains, rusted trucks, and the glow of golden hour, then celebrating with champagne under the Nevada sky. That’s the kind of wedding day you’ll carry with you forever.
