If you and a loved one want to take vows (or renew them), Las Vegas is the right place to be. The city has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations for those wishing to get married.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Clark County Marriage License Bureau issues more than 100,000 licenses a year on average.
There are literally hundreds of ceremony options. Independent and hotel-based wedding chapels offer a variety of themes, and most offer inclusive packages, with limousine service, flowers, gown rentals, photography, and even reception and honeymoon packages.
Here are a few interesting choices. (But before you go, be sure to get a license at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, 201 Clark Ave.; 702.671.0600.)
A Elvis Chapel
This chapel offers a variety of Elvis-related packages, which include being married — and serenaded — by professional Elvis impersonators. (One package even includes Marilyn Monroe.) Elvis will walk the bride down the aisle, if desired, and there are even special Elvis Vows available. A Elvis Chapel also features traditional wedding packages. (elvischapel.com)
Chapel of the Bells
This chapel has been the wedding home to celebrities, athletes and military personnel for more than 50 years. Past star marriages that have been held at the chapel include those of Mickey Rooney, Ernest Borgnine, South American soccer champion Pele, Kelly Ripa and Beverly DeAngelo. According to the chapel, a record number of soldiers were married there right before Operation Desert Storm. (chapelofthebellslasvegas.com )
Cupid’s Wedding Chapel & Reception Facility
This chapel offers a host of wedding and reception packages, including some one-of-a-kind ceremonies with Elvis and James Brown. Each couple receives a personal wedding coordinator. You can even archive your wedding or vow renewal on the Internet. (cupidswedding.com )
Graceland Chapel
The Graceland Chapel has been part of the Las Vegas Strip for more than 50 years. It’s been featured in films such as “When Fools Rush In” with Selma Hayek and Matthew Parry and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” starring Johnny Depp. (gracelandchapel.com )
Las Vegas Strip Weddings
This chapel specializes in outdoor weddings. Weddings and vow renewals can be done in several settings: in an Enchanted Garden, in the Wedding Chapel, on the Strip, or at the natural settings of Lake Mead, Red Rock and the Valley of Fire. (lasvegasstripweddings.com )
The Wee Kirk o’ the Heather
This chapel is Las Vegas’ oldest continually operating wedding chapel, open since 1940. The cozy kirk (Scottish for “church”) features traditional weddings, vow renewals, destination weddings and, of course, Elvis-themed ceremonies. (weekirk.com )
