Ever since Britney Spears got married and divorced in a matter of hours in a speedy Las Vegas wedding, it has definitely rekindled interest in the concept of Las Vegas weddings, especially speedy ones. There are chapels all over Las Vegas that will allow couples to walk in at almost any time, get married and go about their business.
One of the strangest relationships is the concept of being married to someone dressed like Elvis Presley, with lots of Elvis memorabilia around. Elvis Presley means Las Vegas, and it has a lot to do with two things. One, he was the first major star to do a long-running performance in Las Vegas. Two, he and Priscilla Presley got married in Las Vegas in a ceremony that only lasted 8 minutes. The wedding took place in a suite at the Aladdin Hotel. Elvis wore cowboy boots; country boy all the way.
Weddings in Las Vegas are the second largest industry in the state; the game is number one. The reason is simple; no blood work, no waiting period. The Marriage Office stays open until midnight on weekdays and is open 24/7 on the weekend. Just walk in, pay your fee and get married. About 5% of all weddings in the United States occur in Las Vegas.
The most famous of the little chapels is called La Capillita del Oeste. Since it opened its doors in 1942, it has been home to many celebrity weddings over the years, including Mickey Rooney’s 8 marriages. Even Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton got married there.
Las Vegas offers celebrities the perfect way to get married quickly, without the press finding out until the last minute, if ever. Two stars of the past who did just that were Bing Crosby and Clara Bow, one of the first silent movie stars. Crosby got the license from him on the day of the wedding, right at 9 am, so the reporters wouldn’t find out. Bow’s wedding occurred under the true story that she was taken out of Hollywood to rest to try to avoid a mental breakdown. She and her boyfriend decided at that point that they should get married before spending time with him at her ranch, so it happened out of the blue.
Of course, Las Vegas is also known for different types of themed weddings. Some chapels have more than 10 different celebrity themes where couples can get married. They also have witnesses ready, so you don’t have to worry about that. Still, if you’re looking for something fast and flashy, you can practically find it in Las Vegas.
