Till Death Valley Do Us Part
As destination weddings continue to surge in popularity, couples are increasingly looking for novel places to get hitched. According to a 2016 study by The Knot, a wedding news and planning website, destination weddings make up roughly 20 percent of all nuptials. Las Vegas, of course, remains a popular spot for saying “I do.” But for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration, skip the Elvis impersonators and slot machines, and say your vows at The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly known as Furnace Creek Resort) instead.
Death Valley is a perfect location for anyone willing to trade the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas for the glories of wide-open desert spaces and sparkling, star-filled skies that put the bright lights of The Strip to shame. Just two hours from Vegas, couples and their guests can enjoy a unique wedding experience, says Amber Shields, the resort’s catering and events sales manager.
“It’s this little oasis right outside the big city, and a whole different world,” she says. “People can come here for a relaxing, hassle-free wedding in a beautiful location. You often see people getting married in mountains and in other natural areas. But Death Valley is something very different. Here you’re in this green, gorgeous spot surrounded by stark, yet beautiful mountains.”
Despite Death Valley’s foreboding reputation, the betrothed and their guests will hardly have to rough it. That’s especially true after a host of recent improvements at the resort. The addition of 11 two-room casitas will let newlyweds spend their honeymoon in style. Savor a lavish dinner and valley views from the inn’s beautifully renovated dining room, an elegant spot both for rehearsal and wedding meals. And the Mission Gardens, the new wedding and events venue at the four-diamond The Inn at Death Valley, brings together the romance of Old California and the valley’s natural beauty.
The brand new Mission Gardens, adjacent to The Inn
Open to the desert skies and surrounding mountains, the gardens are enclosed by Spanish-style, white-washed adobe walls that feature decorative details crafted from Mojave Desert stones. Blooming bougainvillea growing along trellises add a splash of brilliant color, while a seasonal creek and towering palm trees rustling with the breeze are reminders that The Oasis at Death Valley is, in fact, a genuine oasis.
The ceremony, of course, is the main event for any wedding, but the entire party will quickly discover that The Oasis at Death Valley makes for a perfect getaway. A new wellness center gives couples the option of easing their pre-wedding jitters with a vigorous workout, followed by a soothing massage. Or for total relaxation, just settle into a cabana by the spring-fed pool. And for any bride or groom who still needs a bit more help chilling out, there’s also a poolside bar.
You can also escape into Death Valley’s dramatic landscapes. Go out for a romantic evening carriage ride (just try to do that in Vegas!), or explore the desert by horseback with Furnace Creek Stables. Then wake up early and head out to Zabriskie Point, where the inspiring sunrise will spectacularly herald the arrival of your wedding day.
Add it all up and The Oasis at Death Valley makes for an unforgettable destination wedding. Still need proof? Just take a look at this review from Weddingwire.com:
“I wanted a hassle free destination wedding and that is just what they gave me. They took care of everything and even added in a few nice touches that made the whole experience excellent. The room they gave us was just perfect also. I’m so glad we were married there so we can return to such a wonderful place year after year and remember a beautiful wedding. What a special place!”
How to Explore
The Oasis at Death Valley in Furnace Creek is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park — just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The resort encompasses two hotels — the historic AAA Four Diamond, 66-room Inn at Death Valley and the family-oriented, 224-room Ranch at Death Valley. The entire resort is undergoing a complete renaissance with an extensive renovation to be completed in the spring of 2018. The resort includes natural spring-fed pools, an 18-hole golf course, horse and carriage rides, world-renowned stargazing, and is surrounded by Death Valley National Park’s main attractions. For information and reservations, visit The Oasis at Death Valley or call 800-236-7916.
For more travel experiences to Beautiful Places on Earth™ available from Xanterra Parks & Resorts and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/explore.
Written by: Matt Jaffe
Specializing in California, the Southwest, and Hawaii, Matt Jaffe is an award-winning former senior writer at Sunset magazine and contributes to a variety of publications, including Los Angeles, Arizona Highways, and Westways. His books include The Santa Monica Mountains: Range on the Edge and Oaxaca: The Spirit of Mexico.