You’ve seen it in movies and TV dozens of times and might even know people who have partaken themselves. Getting married in Vegas, it’s a concept that has long fascinated pop-culture, standing the test of time like few romantically-led acts of spontaneity could. It’s not the only thing the city is famed for, however, as so many aspects of the gambling capital of the world captivate and enthrall. But do these stand out so much in Vegas, and what are the most notable examples of them in action? It’s an interesting question, and one we aim to investigate.
What Happens in Vegas
Luck, fortune and love, all these components make up the old adage of “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. It’s a place to drop inhibitions, to try your hand to see what fate has in store. Both financially and romantically, tales of success within the entertainment capital are legendary, and in a way more relatable than most.
Source: Pexels
In terms of gambling, nothing represents this idea more than roulette. A simple game to play, roulette is a game that seems as much the result of luck as skill. This idea isn’t just confined to Vegas tables either, as those who play live roulette online are numerous. It’s an engaging experience, especially when involving a physical ball. The anticipation, the chance, and the excitement, all of these act as a microcosm of what makes Vegas popular.
Connecting us to this is the fact that Vegas isn’t some strict fantasy, it’s a real place that can be easily visited with some saving and planning. There’s a degree of realism here that helps aid its fantastic legacy on a level that few places can boast. It also doesn’t hurt that obtaining a marriage license in Vegas is notoriously easy, and only costs around $77.
In Entertainment
Combine the reality of Vegas with it’s larger than life atmosphere, and it’s perhaps no surprise that it makes such a great fit for filming both romance and other genres. With so much spent on light, for example, the stage around the strip is already set, it’s just a matter of taking advantage. In fact, the MGM Hotel alone costs around $100,000 a month to light, which few shows could justify in their budget.
Source: Pixabay
In movies, we have the comedy Hangover series and What Happens in Vegas, while in TV shows like Friends and The Simpsons take romantic avenues to place episodes around snap Vegas weddings. The obviously named Las Vegas television series is another example here, as is the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
As a city, Vegas rides a fine line between mystical and realistic, between otherworldly and approachable. It’s this combination that makes it so tantalizing in the public romantic and cultural consciousness. Even if only some aspects of the city end up living up to the hype, in the end, it doesn’t really matter. The legacy of Vegas is bigger than the sum of its parts, and much like love, the idea can be just as powerful as the execution.
