‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada’ is an iconic sign that’s nearly as famous as Sin City itself and is a very popular destination for Las Vegas weddings! It’s something every couple driving into the city for a Las Vegas wedding sees, and if considering saying “I do” Vegas-style, check out a few excellent facts about the sign. Its history is pretty darn nifty:

Fact #1: The Sign Was Designed By A Woman

Commercial artist and Nevada native Betty Willis was the woman behind the famous sign. Her creation was gifted to the city in 1959. Willis was brought up outside of Sin City and attended school in Los Angeles before working for Western Neon in 1952. Other signs created by Willis include the Moulin Rouge Hotel, the Buxom Motel Blue Angel, and the Stardust Casino. The gifted designer died in April of 2015 at the age of 91.

“We thought the town was fabulous, so we added the word,” she once remarked.

Fact #2: The Sign Isn’t Actually Located In Vegas

Ironically, the so-fabulous welcome sign isn’t within the city’s limits. The official address is 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, which is located in the neighboring town of Paradise. A small parking lot is found next to the sign for visitors to get out and snap photos.

Fact #3: The Shape Is Unique

The sign’s diamond shape and style is unique in regards to signs created before and after it. The diamond shape pays homage to Nevada’s nickname as “The Silver State,” while the word “Welcome” is backed by seven “silver dollars” (one for each letter).

Another interesting design fact about the sign is that it was created in the Googie architecture style. “Googie” was a popular design trend in the ‘40s and ‘50s that blended futurism with the atomic age.

These are merely some of the fascinating facts surrounding the classic sign!

Learn about Las Vegas wedding venues and packages by contacting Las Vegas Strip Weddings today.

The words “Las Vegas wedding” generally brings to mind images of Elvis impersonator officiants and little white chapels. Yet there’s much more to Vegas nuptials than quickie ceremonies where both the bride and groom are heavily intoxicated! Sin City offers a number of fabulous locations for saying “I do,” including stunning outdoor options. Let’s review a few to inspire ideas for your upcoming Big Day:

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is approximately 30 minutes from the famous Vegas strip and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country. It’s surrounded by glorious mountain vistas and features plenty of golden photo opportunities. If bluest-blue water, rock formations, colorful soils, and mountain ranges are the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony, consider the gorgeous Lake Mead.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a mere 20 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip and allows you to enter a beautiful, mystical desert world complete with red rock vistas sure to make your wedding photographer dance and sing. Spectacular rock formations are a fantastic backdrop for any wedding ceremony.

Valley Of Fire

The magical Valley of Fire is found one hour north of the Vegas strip. It’s unsurprisingly a very popular Las Vegas wedding venue due to its dazzling red rocks made of Aztec sandstone. The sandstone formed when hulking sand dunes shifted as dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Valley of Fire is also Nevada’s oldest state park, and a gorgeous location for your wedding.

Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson Ghost Town/Eldorado Canyon is yet another fabulous Las Vegas wedding venue. It was used as a location for the Elvis-inspired film 3000 Miles to Graceland and features remnants from the shoot, including the remains of a plane crash. If visiting ghost towns is a favorite pastime or you’re simply looking for an untraditional wedding, this location is ideal.

Country Club Golf

Country Club Golf Club is an elegant and private venue laden with flowing Willow trees, lovely arches, and lush greenery. It’s the perfect option if wanting to marry in Vegas but desiring an intimate setting with breathtaking views.

Whether yours is a Valley of Fire wedding or another spectacular option, work with the amazing team at Las Vegas Strip Weddings and bring your Big Day dreams to brilliant life.