Las Vegas is renowned for its wedding chapels, which offer a convenient and stress-free alternative to traditional ceremonies. Recently, due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in demand for both destination and intimate weddings, with many couples seeking scaled-back elopement options.
While there are many locations for elopements, Las Vegas has become synonymous with effortless vow exchanges. With over 50 wedding chapels in the city, there is no shortage of options for couples seeking to get married quickly.
The Drive-Thru Tunnel of Vows
One of the most famous chapels is A Little White Wedding Chapel, which has hosted many celebrity weddings over the decades. Notable personalities such as Michael Jordan, Judy Garland, Demi Moore and Britney Spears have all exchanged vows at this iconic location, which first opened its doors in 1951. The chapel is also famous for its Drive-Thru Tunnel of Vows, where couples can get married without leaving their cars.
Despite the chapel’s reputation for speed, not every wedding is over in a flash. Roxanne Brown, a web designer who was married at A Little White Wedding Chapel in 1996, was hoping for a drive-through wedding. However, she was turned away because she and her partner did not have a Las Vegas marriage license. Roxanne and her partner eventually settled for an indoor ceremony.
For those seeking a more modern twist on the traditional wedding chapel, pop-up wedding services are becoming increasingly popular in Las Vegas. These services allow couples to get married almost anywhere in the city.
Louisa Levison, a travel public relations representative who lives in upstate New York, says it was the first place that came to mind when she and her husband, Tom, decided to elope in November 2020—and to bring a group of friends along for the ride.
Analog photobooth in a Las Vegas wedding chapel
If finding an Instagram-worthy and female-owned setting is on your list, Sure Thing Chapel, owned by the duo Victoria Hogan and Amy Lee, fits the bill. It promises an in-house showgirl “Surely,” who officiates the retro ceremonies, and is the only female Elvis impersonator in the Vegas chapel circuit. An analog photo booth delivers keepsakes that are equal parts cheesy and romantic, and pets are welcome on the property if you’re hoping to bring your dog as a witness.
The first chapel in the world to conduct an Elvis-themed wedding ceremony:
The oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas; The Graceland Chapel, dates back to 1939 and is famous for conducting the first Elvis-themed wedding ceremony in 1977. The chapel has seen many famous musicians, including Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Ray Cyrus, tie the knot here.
Pop-Up Services
The wedding chapel scene in Las Vegas is constantly evolving, with pop-up services such as Flora Pop’s mobile chapel trailer providing couples with unique elopement ceremonies and receptions held in various locations around the Vegas area, including national parks and Vegas Strip rooftops. The pop-up services offer a range of wedding packages, including flowers, photography, and personalized vows, making it easy for couples to plan their dream wedding.
