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Elvis weddings have been a popular way to get married in Las Vegas since 1977. The ceremonies are performed by licensed wedding officiants who are also Elvis tribute artists. While some chapels have been ordered to stop using Elvis' likeness, other chapels are still advertising Elvis-themed weddings and vow renewals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Elvis weddings in Las Vegas | Still popular |
| Year | Since 1977 |
| Number of chapels | Many to choose from |
| Chapel names | A Little White Chapel, Sure Thing Chapel, Graceland Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel, The Little Vegas Chapel |
| Chapel rating | 5-star |
| Chapel license | Licensed and approved |
| Chapel packages | Vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, traditional ceremonies |
| Chapel services | Photography, bouquet, boutonniere, serenade |
| Chapel prices | Start at $329-$349 |
| Elvis impersonator | Chad Collins, Brendan Paul |
| Elvis impersonator characteristics | Charisma, magnetic personality, singing ability, knowledge of Elvis songs |
| Cease and desist | Sent by Authentic Brands Group in May 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Elvis weddings in Vegas: still a thing?
Elvis weddings have been a fun way to tie the knot in Las Vegas as far back as 1977, after the death of Elvis Aaron Presley. They are still popular today, with many chapels offering Elvis-themed weddings.
In 2022, the Authentic Brands Group, which controls the name and image of Elvis Presley, sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple chapels, ordering them to stop using Elvis in themed ceremonies. This caused concern among chapel operators, with some suggesting it could decimate their businesses. However, it seems that Elvis weddings are still taking place in Vegas, with the Little Vegas Chapel advertising officially licensed Elvis ceremonies by Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2025.
The Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel also advertises Elvis weddings and vow renewals for 2025, although it is unclear whether they are officially licensed. They describe their ceremonies as being performed by a licensed wedding officiant who is also an Elvis tribute artist, commonly referred to as Elvis ministers.
The Little White Chapel and Sure Thing Chapel are also mentioned as popular choices for Elvis weddings in Vegas, although it is unclear whether these chapels still offer Elvis-themed weddings following the cease-and-desist letters.
Elvis weddings make up a significant portion of the 80,000 weddings that take place in Las Vegas each year. With Elvis so closely tied to the city's wedding industry, it seems that Elvis-themed weddings are here to stay, whether officially licensed or not.
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The best chapels for Elvis weddings
Elvis weddings in Las Vegas have been a fun way to tie the knot since 1977, and they are still popular today. However, in 2022, a licensing company that controls the name and image of Elvis Presley ordered Sin City chapel operators to stop using Elvis in themed ceremonies. It is unclear whether Elvis weddings are still available in Vegas, but here are some of the best chapels that offered Elvis weddings in the past.
The Little Vegas Chapel is a top-rated wedding venue in the Arts District of Las Vegas, offering weddings, vow renewals, and Elvis ceremonies. The staff are professional and friendly, and the ceremonies are lighthearted and fun. The venue also has a pink car outside that is great for pictures.
The Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel is a licensed and approved 5-star-rated chapel.
The Viva Las Vegas Chapel is another great option for Elvis weddings and vow renewals. While this chapel is known for its excellent customer service, it is important to note that it is a "broker", which means there is a risk of confusion when booking.
Love Story Wedding Chapel offers 30-minute Elvis-themed weddings for $399, including photos. This chapel seems to offer a great deal, as many other places up-charge for everything.
A Little White Chapel and Sure Thing Chapel are also popular options for Elvis weddings.
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Elvis wedding packages
Elvis weddings in Las Vegas have been a popular way to tie the knot since 1977, following the death of Elvis Aaron Presley. While there have been reports of a licensing company attempting to stop chapels from using Elvis' likeness, some venues continue to offer Elvis wedding packages. Here are some details on a few of them:
Graceland Chapel
Graceland Chapel, which performs 6,400 Elvis-themed weddings per year, offers a variety of packages. Their basic package includes an officiant's fee of $60, a suggested photographer's tip of $20, and a suggested limo driver's tip of $40. You can choose between two different Elvis impersonators, representing two different stages of Elvis' career: the Gold lame young Elvis and the flashy sequined 70s Elvis.
The Little Vegas Chapel
The Little Vegas Chapel offers an affordable Elvis package that includes a rose bouquet, a rose boutonniere, and a limousine ride to the chapel. Elvis will escort you down the aisle and conduct the ceremony, giving you a true Vegas experience. Their package also includes a professional photographer who will capture your special day. You can expect between 100 and 175 images, which will be uploaded to an online photo gallery.
Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel
The Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel is a licensed and approved venue, offering both weddings and vow renewals. Their ceremonies are performed by licensed wedding officiants who are also Elvis tribute artists, commonly known as Elvis ministers. These ministers will often sing a song or two, pose for photographs, and even file marriage certificates.
While the tradition of Elvis weddings in Las Vegas may be facing some challenges due to licensing issues, these chapels continue to offer unique and fun experiences for couples looking to tie the knot in true Vegas style.
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Elvis impersonators: what to expect
Elvis weddings in Las Vegas have been a fun way to tie the knot since 1977, the year of Elvis Aaron Presley's death. They are still popular today, with many chapels offering Elvis-themed weddings. However, in 2022, a licensing company that controls the name and image of Elvis Presley ordered Sin City chapel operators to stop using Elvis in themed ceremonies. It is unclear whether Elvis-themed weddings are still available in Las Vegas as a result of this order.
Assuming that Elvis-themed weddings are still available, here is what you can expect from an Elvis impersonator at your wedding:
- Appearance and attire: Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas vary in appearance, from older to younger, thin to heavy, and different races and nationalities. They dress up in costumes representing different ages and stages of Elvis' life, such as Young Elvis, Hawaii Elvis, and Lounge Lizard Elvis. The typical attire includes aviator sunglasses, high-collared sequined jumpsuits, and jet-black hair. Some impersonators may even arrive in a pink Cadillac, adding to the overall experience.
- Musical performance: Many Elvis impersonators can sing and perform Elvis Presley's songs. They may serenade the couple and guests with popular Elvis tunes, creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere. Some impersonators are more musically inclined than others, so it is worth checking their musical capabilities beforehand if this aspect is important to you.
- Personalisation: Elvis impersonators often meet with the couple before the ceremony to discuss song preferences, relationship details, and any special requests. They can customise the vows to make them unique and memorable. For example, they might include light-hearted promises, such as never stepping on their partner's "blue suede shoes."
- Flexibility: Elvis impersonators can cater to various wedding formats, including traditional ceremonies, vow renewals, and themed weddings. They can also perform at other events, such as birthday parties, corporate functions, and family reunions, bringing the spirit of Elvis to any celebration.
- Cost: The cost of hiring an Elvis impersonator for a wedding can vary significantly. Basic packages may start at around $149, while more elaborate experiences, including limo services, multiple songs, and fresh flower bouquets, can reach up to $1,600 or more.
When choosing an Elvis impersonator, it is advisable to research their reputation, check references, and view their performance videos to ensure they align with your expectations.
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The history of Elvis weddings in Vegas
Elvis weddings have been a popular way to tie the knot in Las Vegas since 1977, a year after Elvis Aaron Presley's death. The Graceland Wedding Chapel, established in 1939, was the first chapel to host an Elvis-themed wedding ceremony and has been a cornerstone of Las Vegas weddings ever since. The chapel is conveniently located in downtown Las Vegas on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
The story goes that one night in 1967, Ollie McKee, the chapel's first owner, was paid a visit by Elvis himself, who was looking for a wedding venue for him and Priscilla. Although the real Elvis never officiated a wedding, he inadvertently planted the seed for an entire industry. Elvis-themed weddings became popular in the 1990s, with Graceland Wedding Chapel performing 6,400 of them per year.
In 2022, the Authentic Brands Group, which controls the name and image of Elvis, sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple chapels, ordering them to stop using Elvis in themed ceremonies. The company stated it would halt the unauthorised use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice, image, and other elements of Elvis Presley's persona in advertisements, merchandise and otherwise". Many believed this would decimate the wedding businesses in Las Vegas, as Elvis is closely tied to the city's wedding industry.
Despite this, it appears that Elvis weddings are still taking place in Las Vegas, with the Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel advertising Elvis weddings and vow renewals for 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Elvis weddings in Vegas are still a fun way of tying the knot.
There are several chapels in Las Vegas that offer Elvis-themed weddings, including the Las Vegas Elvis Wedding Chapel, Graceland Wedding Chapel, and The Little Vegas Chapel.
Elvis wedding packages can start as low as $329 and go up to $349 or more, depending on the chapel and the services included.
Elvis weddings in Vegas are known for being fun and entertaining, with the Elvis Tribute Artist often serenading the couple and adding a unique twist to the traditional ceremony. Your vows will still be your own, but you can expect a lively performance from the Elvis impersonator.
Yes, many chapels in Las Vegas offer Elvis-themed vow renewals for couples looking to celebrate their marriage once again with a fun and memorable experience.
