Las Vegas invokes images of bright lights, slot machines, Elvis, and showgirls. Some of us never imagined how romantic Vegas really is. Where else can you visit The Eiffel Tower, The Statue of Liberty, and the Pyramids, all in the same day? Wedding dresses are in high fashion in this city of lights.

Most hotels offer onsite chapels for vow renewals or the actual wedding ceremony. If you plan on getting married in Las Vegas, you will first need to visit the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (702/455-4415). The cost is $50 and more than 123,000 couples tie the knot in Sin City each year.

After getting hitched, you may want to have a romantic dinner. Las Vegas has become one of the hottest restaurant markets around. Commander’s Palace (702/892-8272) is located at the Aladdin Casino. It is managed by the Brennan family of New Orleans, inventors of such wonderful dishes as Eggs Benedict and Bananas Foster. The most romantic view for dinner can be found at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant (702/948-6937). This 11-story high establishment offers a view of the Bellagio’s fountains, which shows every 15 minutes from 8-11pm. For those who are looking for a wonderful Sunday brunch, Le Village Buffet (702/946-7000) at Paris offers the best buffet in Vegas. At $24.95 plus tax, it is worth the wait in line.

So where do you want to stay? We all like a great bargain, but the old saying, “You get what you pay for” really is true. The top three romantic hotels in Las Vegas are:

Number 3 – Mandalay Bay (877/632-7400) offers separate tub and showers in bathroom. This hotel features a beach complete with wave pool and lazy river. You can sometimes find a special from $79/night.

Number 2 – The Bellagio (888/987-6667) offers its nightly fountain concert that is romance itself. You may want to check around for specials that are hard to find at this Steve Wynn development.

Number 1 – The Venetian (888/283-6423) offers the largest and plushest rooms on the strip. This all-suite hotel even has a Bella Suite (you gotta love it!). The marble bathrooms are 300 sq ft and have separate tub and showers. Each room has a sunken den. The gondola rides are a must even if you are not a guest of the hotel. I was informed by hotel management that there is an average of three proposals per day on the Grande Canal.

The newest show in Las Vegas that is sexy and sensual is Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity. This show is not for the faint of heart and offers a look into the art of love and loving. Each show is a sellout and the velvet lines theatre itself is located at New York New York Hotel & Casino.

Whether you are visiting Las Vegas as newlyweds or long-time lovers, you are sure to find something that ignites the romance in your hearts.