With the novel coronavirus, it’s hardly an understatement to say that everything’s changed. From our time at home to how we work and interact with others, Covid-19 is making 2020 a year to remember, even if it’s zooming past as we’re largely stuck at home, not engaged in much of anything other than being on an endless stream of video chats. 

But when it comes to wedding venues in Nevada, there’s a lot of confusion. Ever since Nevada casinos opened on June 4, many people have flocked to the strip and elsewhere in the Las Vegas region to enjoy a drink, a card game or slots, and many of the casinos and local businesses have instituted safety precautions such as plastic barriers and mandatory mask rules that are intended to keep travelers, tourists and locals alike, safe. 

That said, many events and gatherings are still moving forward, albeit with social distancing and mask requirements in place, and wedding venues in Nevada are no exception. Sure, the coronavirus is still out there, but you can still have a wedding ceremony and reception at a local venue with your close friends and family. Actually, while some couples are deciding to postpone or otherwise reschedule their weddings, there’s actually more wedding venues than ever in Nevada that can host you and your loved ones with a small or reasonably sized guest list — all while acknowledging the reality of Covid-19.

Others are deciding to move forward with a smaller ceremony — some playfully refer to this as a minimony — while putting off the reception for a later date in 2021. This way, you kind of get the best of both worlds. Instead of a bunch of last-minute cancellations from those that are unable or unwilling to travel or attend, a smaller ceremony means you won’t have to worry about the health of your extended family, which may be coming in from other cities and states with smoldering hot spots, but then you’ll catch up next year when you can follow it up with a riotous celebration and reception with everyone in attendance. 

It’s really up to you and your partner and what you’re comfortable with. Most wedding venues in Nevada are adhering to state and national guidelines when it comes to guest safety, and masks are truly a staple of 2020 life. Whatever you decide to do, talk with your venue and vendors to see how they’re addressing Covid-19 concerns. Many have been shut down or out of work for months, and a lot of thought has gone into how to throw a socially distant and responsible wedding under Covid-19. You might be looking at reduced capacity or other safety requirements, but it’s all in place to protect you and your guests during this difficult time.

The good news is that most wedding venues in Nevada will work with you design the perfect wedding, and a coronavirus wedding doesn’t have to be some subdued, muted affair. Due to the novel coronavirus, 2020 weddings are shaping up to be some of the most unique weddings in years as couples, venues and vendors all work to see what’s possible. No matter the problem, there’s likely a solution that’s easier than you think, and even larger ceremonies and receptions are doable with the right venue partner and socially distant mindset. 

While most wedding planners recommend postponing until 2021 or beyond, we say they’re just thinking inside the box. As long as you take the necessary precautions and work with a reputable venue, a safe and fun wedding is possible in 2020 — and it doesn’t have to be a micro wedding of just a few people, either. Unless your venue is cramped with confined seating and reception areas, you’ll still be able to throw a reasonable celebration with your close friends and family. For anyone that’s unable to make it, consider livestreaming or otherwise sharing your union online with a strategically placed laptop or phone. 

If you’re thinking of postponing, know that you’ll need to leave a good few months between a decision and your wedding. Otherwise, flights and hotels may already be booked, and many attendees will have already decided on and purchased what they’ll be wearing on the big day. Doubling back could prove problematic when it comes to the new date, and attendees may not be able to line up time off from work at another time of year. 

It’s also important to get in touch with your venue. If they’re open, they’re likely knee-deep in talks around sanitizer and face masks, and limited capacities will also make it easier to adequately socially distance during any kind of ceremony or reception. It’s also a great opportunity to re-imagine your Nevada wedding, incorporating fun little nods to the reality of the times, which will go a long way towards making a coronavirus wedding memorable. If you’re looking for a unique angle or something to make your wedding more special — this is it. Black tie masks and hand sanitizer on every table is a great way to do wedding favors in 2020, and interesting masked and unmasked pictures will provide a unique dynamic, regardless of which wedding venue in Nevada you choose to go with.

But if you have your heart set on a 2020 wedding, just keep in mind that some things will have to change. Some attendees from out-of-state may not be able to attend based on travel restrictions, and elderly family and those with pre-existing conditions may do best to stay home and help you celebrate virtually online or in-person at a later date. Your 300-person extravaganza may also need to be pared back somewhat, and dancing, buffets and other group activities may need to be revisited and re-imagined to suit both your goals and what’s safe at this point in time.

If you really want a big, blow-out wedding, however, it may be best to wait. Weddings of this sort aren’t going to be possible at any wedding venues in Nevada for the foreseeable future. But as long as you’re up to the challenge and intrigue of a coronavirus wedding, there is a way forward, though postponing could prove problematic as you’ll be competing with all the 2020 cancellations in 2021, which already has pending weddings of its own. In a worst case scenario, a postponement can be akin to starting fresh if you can’t line up the same venue, vendors and guests, so be sure to talk to all the important players when it comes to this important decision.

On the other hand, with the right wedding venue in Nevada, you can throw a fun and safe wedding without risking the sanity and health of those involved. Be sure to discuss CDC coronavirus guidelines with all your vendors, and pay close attention to what you can and can’t do when it comes to the safety of your guests. After all, you don’t want to end up at the center of some controversy, and you definitely don’t want to send anyone home sick. While it hurts to trim a guest list, a smaller count will also allow you and your venue to adequately socially distance, and masks and other precautions will ensure that your wedding is a cause for celebration, not alarm. 

But keep in mind that vendors and wedding venues in Nevada are all dealing with the same issues that you are, and it may be difficult to line up certain things such as fresh flowers that may be sourced internationally. As long as you keep an open mind and are willing to work with whatever the day brings, your wedding will undoubtedly be a beautiful way to ring in your new union together, even if some specifics aren’t quite exactly what you had in mind. If nothing else, a coronavirus wedding has the makings of an unforgettable event. Even a worldwide pandemic can’t keep you and your partner apart, and years later you’ll look back and appreciate the time that you all shared during that weird 2020 year.

For more about wedding venues in Nevada, contact the experts at Occasions4.us. With the Aliante in North Las Vegas, The Legacy in Henderson, Mountain Falls in Pahrump, Primm Valley at the Nevada State Line, Spanish Trail in Las Vegas and Wildhorse in Henderson, we have countless opportunities in and around the Las Vegas area to tie the knot. We’re open and accepting reservations through the end of the year, and we’ll help you have a safe and beautiful wedding.