How To Plan An Elvis Wedding

Las Vegas, swanky and exaggerated, is a haven if you're in a pinch and need to get married quick, get inspired while you're there or really want to have Captain Kirk, Elvis and Priscilla at your wedding. You can decide from a whole slew of theme weddings at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. Theme characters perform weddings while a minister witnesses and formally pronounces the wedding after the ceremony.

Nowadays, getting married by Elvis is as much a part of Las Vegas custom as blackjack and neon. The Graceland Wedding Chapel started this grand tradition, and it is still the first choice for many couples. Luminous white, the Graceland Chapel is as picturesque as any countryside vicarage. Inside, you may have to vow never to treat your spouse like a hound dog, but you get to dance off the altar as your officiate sings "Viva Las Vegas."

Elvis will walk the bride down the aisle upon request, give her away, and provide musical entertainment for the couple and guests to enjoy. Elvis can also perform your ceremony if you are renewing your vows, giving you the opportunity to exchange the infamous Elvis Vows. Reservations are recommended so you can have access to as many Elvis wedding options as possible.

Another popular chapel where the King holds sway is "A Elvis Chapel," where a gold lamé version of the swivel-hipped songster is present at the ceremonies of Las Vegas lovebirds who have found their own "hunka hunka burning love." Elvis Chapel's wedding coordinator takes the King's slogan Taking Care of Business to heart, tending to the details of the site's most elaborate package, "Viva Las Vegas," which offers a bouquet and boutonnière for the bride and groom, and a total of 48 photos of the nuptials and post-wedding festivities which can be displayed next to a copy of Elvis and Priscilla's 1967 marriage certificate.

If you can't make it to Las Vegas, you can plan your own Elvis wedding:

• Play lots of Elvis music
  
  
• Create theme-centered names for the menu, such as Graceland Gumbo or Vegas Veal
  
  
• Create miniature game tables using black and white dice and use flashy red and gold ribbons
  
  
• Give out decks of cards or miniature Elvis key chains as favors