El Cortez Elopement at the Jackie Gaughan Suite on Film & Super 8

There are Vegas elopements, and then there are Vegas elopements that feel like they were pulled straight out of another era in the coolest freaking way. This vintage El Cortez elopement started inside the Jackie Gaughan Suite, a true old Vegas time capsule with pink marble, gold swan faucets, vintage appliances, balconies, a bar, and so many rad little corners.

From there, Rebecca and Phil headed to Sure Thing Chapel to make it official with Lady Elvis and the vintage red convertible, then ended the night at the Plaza. Between the all-film photos, Super 8 video, heirloom signet rings, and a groom look featuring a David Bowie collection shirt, this day was romantic, nostalgic, playful, and totally badass!

Stick around ‘til the end of this blog to see their precious Super 8 Film!

Getting Ready at the Jackie Gaughan Suite at El Cortez

We started their 4-hour El Cortez elopement inside the coveted Jackie Gaughan Suite, and of course, we took full advantage of this space. Rebecca and Phil came all the way from England and truly treated themselves with this one, because this suite runs a pretty penny for very obvious reasons.

We started with photos in the bathroom and vanity area, then had Rebecca and Phil share champagne together in the pink bathtub because how could we not? From there, we moved to the vintage bar, the balcony, and the blue tiled kitchen, where they pulled their cake from Winston Marie Cakes (thanks to an add-on offered by yours truly, in collaboration with Winston Marie!) out of the fridge. Every corner of this suite had something to work with, and on film, it all felt even more nostalgic.

Their details were just as good. Phil wore a vintage groom’s suit with a shirt from the David Bowie collection by Phix Clothing, while Rebecca wore a Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress. They also brought the sweetest sentimental pieces, including Rebecca’s grandmother’s necklace and ring, Phil’s watch and cufflinks, and matching signet rings from Rebecca’s grandparents.

A Vintage Sure Thing Chapel Elopement on 35mm Film

After starting their El Cortez elopement inside the Jackie Gaughan Suite, Rebecca and Phil headed to Sure Thing Chapel to officially make it official. They walked down the aisle together, which I always love because it feels so sweet and intentional. Lady Elvis officiated their ceremony, which is always such a fun experience, and Maxime played the piano.

Afterward, we stepped outside for photos with the iconic red convertible parked in front of Travelers Lodge. Between the vintage car, Rebecca’s bouquet by Lucid Juliet, and the whole Sure Thing Chapel backdrop, it was such a fun little chapter of their day before heading back out into downtown Vegas.

Plaza Las Vegas Elopement Photos on Fremont Street

After their Sure Thing Chapel elopement, we made our way to Plaza Hotel and Carousel Bar on Fremont Street. One of the many reasons I love Sure Thing Chapel is how easy it is to keep the party going afterward, especially with so many rad downtown spots nearby.

Rebecca and Phil brought their champagne and cake along with them. They grabbed drinks, dug into cake, wandered around the Plaza, and let me photograph all the cute little in-between moments that made this part of the night feel so relaxed and fun.

Planning Your Own El Cortez Elopement at the Jackie Gaughan Suite

There are so many fun ways to make a Las Vegas elopement feel like your own. You can rent an iconic suite (like the Jackie Gaughan Suite), wander around downtown, bring cake and bubbly to the Plaza, book a chapel with a whole lot of personality, or build the day around the little details that make you light up.

If you’re looking for Las Vegas elopement photos captured on film, Super 8, or in a way that feels true to you as a couple, a little moody, and nostalgic in all the right ways, we might be a good fit! You can learn more about me on my about page, and if I sound like the Las Vegas elopement photographer for you, you can inquire with me here. In the meantime, you can see more Las Vegas weddings, elopements, and planning resources on the blog.

Love From Rebecca & Phil:

“We couldn’t recommend Cruz highly enough! From the first conversation Cruz was so friendly and made us feel totally at ease, the communication leading up to our wedding day was seamless and made us feel even more excited for the day. The questionnaires and little check ins leading up were so helpful and made organising the day so easy. Cruz captured our day perfectly, even better than we could have imagined and we are so happy with our final gallery. We felt so relaxed on the day and that’s down to the energy and vibe Cruz created!”

Cruz Valentin Photography | Las Vegas Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Vendors:

Photography: Cruz Valentin Photography | Florals: Lucid Juliet | Cake and Desert: Winston Marie Cakes | Venue: Sure Thing Chapel | Dress: The Loop | Groom's Shirt: Phix Clothing