Bellagio Wedding Photographer: Photographing a Wedding at Bellagio Las Vegas

Bellagio is the wedding venue most couples picture when they imagine getting married on the Las Vegas Strip: the lake and fountains, the conservatory, the Tuscan arches and a wedding chapel that photographs like a European church. As a Las Vegas wedding photographer who has photographed weddings at Bellagio for more than a decade, here is what we tell couples before their day there.

The Bellagio wedding chapels and the terrace

Bellagio has two wedding chapels, the South Chapel and the larger East Chapel, both with warm wood, stained glass and soft, even light that flatters every skin tone. Ceremonies are usually short, so we cover them with two photographers: one on the aisle for the processional and the vows, one at the side for the parents' reactions and the ring exchange. Couples who want an outdoor ceremony choose the Terrazza di Sogno, the terrace above the lake with the fountains behind the couple. Late afternoon light on the terrace is spectacular; noon light is not, so we ask couples to book the latest ceremony slot they can.

Where we photograph on the Bellagio property

The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens change with the seasons and give every wedding a different backdrop, from spring florals to the winter display. The lobby with its Chihuly glass ceiling works beautifully for a couple portrait as long as we move quickly and respect hotel guests. The Via Bellagio shops have marble floors, arches and mirrors that make elegant getting-ready and first-look portraits. Outside, the walkways along the lake give us the fountains, the Eiffel Tower across the street and, after dark, the whole Strip glowing behind the couple. We plan the day so the family formals happen indoors, and the couple portraits happen when the light is best.

The fountain portraits: timing is everything

The Fountains of Bellagio run every thirty minutes in the afternoon and every fifteen minutes in the evening, and each show lasts three to five minutes. We know the schedule and position the couple before the water starts, so we get the wide shot with the full fountain, the close portrait with the spray lit behind them and a few candid frames as the music ends. After sunset the fountains are lit from below and the hotel facade turns gold; this is the single most requested Las Vegas wedding photo, and it takes about twenty minutes to do it well. We include it in every Bellagio wedding timeline.

Bellagio photography rules to know

Bellagio, like every MGM Resorts property, has rules for professional photography. Wedding photography is welcome for couples celebrating at the resort, but tripods, large lighting stands and blocking walkways are not. Inside the casino floor, photography is restricted, so we route portraits through the lobby, the conservatory and the outdoor areas instead. If your ceremony is elsewhere and you only want portraits at Bellagio, tell us in advance so we can plan a short, discreet session that keeps you and your guests welcome on property.

A sample Bellagio wedding photography timeline

For a 5 pm chapel ceremony: getting-ready photos in the suite from 2:30, a first look in the Via Bellagio at 3:45, family portraits right after the ceremony in the chapel, couple portraits on the terrace and at the lake from 6:00 to 6:40 as the sun drops, then the reception. Around 8:30 we step out for fifteen minutes of fountain portraits under the lights. If you are adding a wedding film, our photographers and videographers work as one team on this timeline; see our Las Vegas wedding films for examples.

Booking a Bellagio wedding photographer

MamanPRO photographs weddings at Bellagio and across the Strip, from Catholic, Hindu and Jewish ceremonies on the terrace to intimate chapel weddings for two. Browse our Las Vegas wedding photographer portfolio, compare Bellagio with other venues in our guide to the best Las Vegas wedding venues for photos, and then send us your date. Bellagio Saturdays in spring and fall book months ahead, so the earlier you reach out, the better.