If you’re looking for a wedding venue that has all the excitement of Las Vegas with the theme of tropical elegance, Mandalay Bay may be the destination for you.

Mandalay Bay is one of the newer hotels/casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Located at the southern end of the strip, closest to the airport, the Mandalay Bay’s theme is the tropical waters of the South Pacific. Its major attraction, Shark Reef, is a testament to its water-based amenities that include a wave pool, man-made beach, three recreation pools, and a “lazy river” tube ride. Palm trees surround the pool area and give you the feeling that you’re sleeping off that hangover or relaxing on a tropical island rather than hanging out in the middle of “Sin City.” But make no mistake, you are in Las Vegas and casinos and endless choices for entertainment abound.

Nestled in the south end of the hotel complex is The Wedding Chapel. Colleen Kestel, manager, says that The Wedding Chapel is the most elegant choice for a Las Vegas-style wedding. Kestel explained that many couples choose Las Vegas for their weddings because they are looking for simplicity. They just don’t want to deal with the time consuming details and emotional stress of having a larger, more formal wedding.

At The Wedding Chapel, the couple does not have to sacrifice the elegance that they may desire on their wedding day. As the manager, it’s Kestel’s job to see that all of the details are taken care of to the satisfaction of her clients. All of their packages include flowers, photographs, champagne, and a pianist. Pricier packages also include a champagne dinner for two, a night in the honeymoon suite, breakfast in bed for two, and a spa facial at Spa Mandalay.

If you find that you’re in need of some pampering and relaxation before your big day (and who wouldn’t!), Spa Mandalay is a great choice for soothing those frayed nerves. If you’re wiling to splurge before your ceremony, Spa Mandalay, a warmly decorated spa with a tropical ambiance, offers Couples Massage on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Couples can choose from Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, or Hot Stone Massage. If you don’t opt for the full body massage together, you can choose individual spa treatments from their vast menu, or simply enjoy the 4-temperature zone Jacuzzi, eucalyptus steam room and scented showers. For the bride, Cassie Di Iorio, Spa Mandalay supervisor, recommends the combination chosen by Nicole Kidman prior to her nuptials to Keith Urban – a Swedish Massage for full body relaxation, a Soothing Facial to reduce redness or skin irritation, and a French manicure and pedicure.

Michelle D. Morancie, Ph.D.