Weddings, Vegas Style
In 2004, 5.5% of all weddings in the United States were performed in Las Vegas. The style of a Las Vegas wedding is limited only by a couple's imagination and budget -- you don't even have to get out of your car.
Valentine's Day is always a big day for Las Vegas wedding chapels, but the peak occurred on August 26, 1965, when 171 weddings were performed in the three hours just before midnight. It was the last day to get a draft deferment for being married during the Vietnam War.
Once married, couples are already in a great location for a honeymoon. But they should be careful. Supercasino author Pete Earley tells the story of one couple who got carried away gambling and quickly lost the $4,000 received from generous well-wishers
Browse this selection of Las Vegas wedding images, many from photographer Lauren Klain Carton's Vegas Valentines project.
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The Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau is open seven days a week, 8am to midnight on weekdays and around the clock on weekends and holidays. Some Las Vegas wedding chapels will marry couples at any time.
Credit: Burt Glinn / Magnum Photos -
There are more than 100 wedding chapels in Las Vegas, breeding competition. The Mon Bel Ami wedding chapel makes its pitch.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel performed 129 themed and traditional weddings on Valentine's Day, 2004.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
Couples line up to obtain marriage licenses at the Clark County Court House. There are no blood tests or waiting periods required, and the fee is $55 (cash only).
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
Cakes at Freed's Bakery of Las Vegas on Valentine's Day weekend. Freed's makes over 60 wedding cakes every Valentine's Day.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
A bride waits outside the main chapel at Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. Wedding souvenirs are available at the gift shop behind her.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
Private First Class Chance Hensley poses with his wife, Edcy Hensley, February 14, 2004. Valentine's Day is the annual peak for the Las Vegas wedding business.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
"Elvis" Eddie Powers stands with a pink Cadillac in front of the "Say I Do" Drive Thru Wedding Chapel. Although originally a train depot, Las Vegas is a driver's city and drive-thru wedding chapels for the motoring population.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
A belly dancer and Elvis impersonator wait between weddings at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton -
Alan Parker and Alyson Lucas from Surrey, England, pose with Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel's "Alvis" Allen D. Hoover after their gangster-themed ceremony. Thousands of miles from Graceland, Elvis' final performances fixed him in Las Vegas in the public imagination.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton
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A newly married couple takes their chances on the slot machines.
Credit: Robert Van Der Hilst/Corbis -
Many of Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel's packages include courtesy limousine service to and from the chapel.
Credit: Lauren Klain Carton
