Established in 1939,Graceland Wedding Chapel holds the distinction of being the oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Globally recognized as the first chapel to host an Elvis-themed wedding ceremony, which began in 1977, it has become a cornerstone of Las Vegas weddings. This charming venue has been a beloved destination for nearly 90 years, offering both traditional wedding packages and the now-iconic Elvis-themed weddings, Elvis vow renewals, and non-legal Elvis commitment ceremonies. As the original Elvis chapel in Las Vegas, Graceland Wedding Chapel proudly stands by its motto, “Often Imitated, Never Duplicated!”
An older woman approaches.“Evening, you two. I’m Vera. Looking to get hitched?”
“Yes,” we blurt, laughing like a couple of lovestruck teenagers.
“So you want the Top-of-the-Line Elvis Experience?”
I blink once before turning to Grace. Because there’s no way I’m answering for her. Whispering in her direction, I snicker. “Was there any doubt?”
She giggles. “Yes,” Grace answers. “We absolutely do.”
“We have the Viva Las Vegas package, the Loving You package, or I’m thinking you two look like the Can’t Help Falling in Love type of couple.”
“Is that one the best?” I ask.
“Well, the best thing you’re going to get around here,” she drawls. This woman’s voice is hoarse, like she needs us to get a move on already because she’s overdue for her smoke break.
“What do you say, Gracie?”
She simply nods enthusiastically.
“Okay, we’ll take it.”
“Do you have your marriage license?”
My face turns ashen as we both look at one another. How did I not think of that?Um, because this was nowhere on your radar an hour ago, smart guy.I lift my arm to check the time. 10:00 p.m.Shit.
“Don’t panic, young man. It’ll be tight, but something tells me you can make it fit.”
My eyes spring wide.What exactly is she talking about here?
She waves her hand in front of me. “Pull it out.”
“Excuse me?”
“Your phone. Pull it out. You can take care of filling everything out online and then go pick it up. You don’t need any blood tests or anything. They’re open ‘til midnight, but I walk out these doors at 11:00 p.m. on the dot. So you better get moving.” She claps.
I glance back at Grace. “What do you say? It’ll be like an episode of the Amazing Race.” I chuckle.
“Yes.” She beams. “And at the end, I’ll win a hot husband.”
“You think I’m hot?”
Vera clears her throat. “You lovebirds can do all that on your honeymoon.” She taps her watch. “Clock’s ticking.”
“Oh, yeah.” I grab Grace’s hand and we dash toward the door. “We’ll fill out the form in the car on the way to the Marriage License Bureau.” I attempt to type in all of the information on the way, but it takes longer than I expected given the two of us keep getting distracted, laughing and kissing in the back seat of this Uber.
“We’re here,” the driver announces.
“Already? That took like five minutes.” My eyes spring up to meet his in the rearview mirror. He doesn’t even attempt to hide his deadpan stare. I’m sure the novelty of this got old years ago. “Give me a sec to finish this and then we’ll run inside. I promise to tip you well.”
That at least garners a nod.
Within forty minutes, we’re back in front of the Graceland Wedding Chapel. “You ready?” I ask.
“Ready,” she exclaims with a broad smile.
I cup her face and kiss her.Because how could I not?
