Las Vegas hotel hopping, Elvis and a quick trip to the Grand Canyon

3 Days in Las Vegas for a Wedding & Grand Canyon Adventure -

Las Vegas is a city that doesn’t need much of an introduction, but when you combine it with a beautiful wedding and a quick detour to the Grand Canyon, it makes for an unforgettable trip. We spent three days in Vegas for a wedding, and I’ll admit, I was excited about all the fun, but also about ticking off a few states on my travel list. I love trying to visit as many states as possible in one trip and what better way to do that than by driving to Arizona for a day trip to the Grand Canyon?

Day 1: Grand Canyon Adventure & Hakkasan Dinner

We rented a car and set out on our 4-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. A little bit of a trek? Yes. But worth every minute! Along the way, we made a stop at the iconic Hoover Dam. It was stunning to see this massive feat of engineering in person, and it set the stage for the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon.

When we arrived at the Grand Canyon, I was absolutely speechless. The views were spectacular those sweeping cliffs and the vastness of it all were even more impressive than I had imagined. I can now proudly check off another state on my list, and the Grand Canyon didn’t disappoint. After soaking in the beauty and taking a ton of photos, we made the 4-hour drive back to Vegas.

For dinner, we decided to eat at Hakkasan inside the MGM Grand, where we were staying. Let me tell you, the Peking duck and pancakes were out of this world. And for dessert, we had this amazing chocolate creation that you break open by pouring hot chocolate sauce over it. It was one of those "wow" moments that make dining in Vegas so special.

Day 2: Walking the Strip & Hotel Hopping

The next day, we decided to take it easy and walk the famous Las Vegas Strip. There’s a tram that runs from the MGM Grand to several places, we decided to start by taking the tram to the Wynn and then work our way back from there. Walking around and hopping from hotel to hotel is honestly one of the best ways to experience Vegas. Each one is a mini adventure on its own.

We started at Wynn and Encore, where the floral displays inside were absolutely breathtaking. They had a carousel made entirely of flowers that made me feel like I’d walked into a fairytale. Then we made our way to The Venetian, which transported me to Italy. The gondolas with singing gondoliers (I'm not sure what they’re called, but they made the experience magical) and the architecture really did feel like we were walking through a gallery in Italy or even the Sistine Chapel.

Next, we headed to Caesars Palace, where we made sure to check out the lobby for that iconic "Hangover" movie moment. Then it was on to the Bellagio, where the lobby ceiling, filled with blown glass flowers, was just as stunning as the floral displays inside the main area of the hotel.

We also stopped by The Cosmopolitan, which had these sparkling crystal chandeliers that lit up the whole space. By this point, we were getting a bit peckish, so we walked across the street to Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas for a delicious steak and frites. I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a relaxed meal with great views of the Strip.

That evening, we met up with the groom's party for some light bites and drinks in preparation for the wedding the next day.

Day 3: The Wedding & Neon Museum

The morning of the wedding arrived, once we were dressed, we headed to the ceremony venue. If you’re in Vegas, the Neon Museum is an absolute must-visit. This museum is home to the old neon signs from classic Las Vegas hotels and casinos that once lit up the city. The area where the ceremony took place is a separate part of the museum, used for private events. It was the perfect setting, nostalgic and quintessentially Vegas.

A tip: Make sure to bring plenty of water and some form of shade if you’re attending an outdoor event in Vegas. The heat can be intense, and unfortunately, two guests fainted due to the scorching temperatures, making for a very memorable moment. Thankfully, it happened after the ceremony, just as we were about to take photos.

After the ceremony, we headed to the celebration, and I can honestly say it was one for the books. Picture this: an art-deco-style mansion with Audrey Hepburn touches, a lady inside a champagne dress, and a ballerina wearing a dress covered with bubbles walking on pointe shoes over champagne bottles. Oh, and of course, there was an Elvis impersonator and a caricature artist. It was an over-the-top, whimsical celebration, just like something you’d expect in Vegas.

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All in all, this three-day trip to Vegas was one for the books. I personally don't need more time in Las Vegas, between the Grand Canyon adventure, exploring the Strip, and attending an unforgettable wedding, it was the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and celebration. Vegas never fails to surprise, and with each trip, I get closer to checking off more states on my list!