Though there are no stats, I would guess that as many people get engaged in Vegas as get married here. Of course, there's no right or wrong way to do it -- well actually, having your proposal tattooed across the bare fannies of the gals in the Crazy Girls show might be the wrong way -- but here are some spots where the scenery may help sway your beloved in the "yes" direction.
Up high: Propose on the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower or the Stratosphere. The top of Vegas' Eiffel Tower is fenced in, and the Stratosphere also has a safety guard. Of the two, you'll get more of a close-up view of the Strip from the Eiffel Tower, as it's right in the center of it and significantly lower than the Stratosphere. Problem is, you'll also get a close up view of that guy in the Bermuda shorts next to you, as the observation area is pretty cozy. If you want a bit more privacy, head to the spacious Stratosphere. And if she says "yes," you can celebrate with a stomach-churning ride on the Big Shot, the highest amusement park ride in the world.
Party couples who enjoy good views should consider the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio Hotel, which takes in the shimmering lights from a romantic distance. You can tell her you love her as hip-hop thumps in the background and then join the crowd for a celebratory dance.
Take her to the waters: There's something almost biblical about seeing huge sprays of water out in the middle of the desert. So maybe sights such as the Fountains at the Bellagio, the canals at the Venetian, or Lake Las Vegas will convince your intended to take seriously that injunction from Ecclesiastes, "Two are better than one." If you decide to go with the fountains, snag a spot on one of the Bellagio's balconies (much less crowded than the sidewalk right in front of the fountains). Shows take place on the half-hour between 3pm and 8pm on weekdays, noon to 8pm on weekends, and every 15 minutes thereon until midnight. The Venetian gondola route is pricier, but if you want to propose in a splashy manner (sorry!) here, you can do it in front of all the people who line the canals, as your gondolier croons "That's Amore." This is not the option if you're shy. For that, go the quieter gondolier route on Lake Las Vegas about a half-hour's drive south of the Strip. Though the lake's a fake, it's still lovely and you can ask that important question in peace and quiet, either in a boat or simply standing atop the Pontevecchio bridge.
Head into the desert: The twinkling lights of the Strip can be pretty, but they pale next to the majesty of Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire. Grab a bottle of wine, 2 gallons of water (always recommended when going out into the desert), and head out of the city. Red Rock Canyon is about a 30-minute drive from the Strip (depending on traffic); at the end of the "Icebox" trail is a lovely little waterfall. If you have shoes with good treads, you could probably get down on one knee in front of it without sliding into the water. Or do the deed at one of the many scenic overlooks facing those famous red rocks (the best ones are actually closest to the visitor's center as you enter the park). At the Valley of Fire (about an hour's drive from the Strip), I'd recommend a hike along the Mouse's Tank trail, which leads into a canyon festooned with ancient petroglyphs; perhaps one of them means "would you be my wife?"
Garden of love: Fabulous photo ops at the Bellagio Conservatory Gardens, the Wynn Gardens, or the tropical gardens behind the Flamingo Hotel make them another top proposal spot. After she consents, you can whip out your camera phone and send off a photo to all your waiting family and friends. Go early or late in the day if you want to avoid crowds, though quite honestly these are popular spots, and it's unlikely you'll be alone in the first two-even at 2am.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers in our Nevada Forum today.
This article is an excerpt from Pauline Frommer's Las Vegas, 2nd Edition, available in our online bookstore now.
Find out more about the Pauline Frommer Travel Guide series, read articles by Pauline, and listen to Podcasts at Pauline's page on Frommers.com.
