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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 1981)
page 6 wedding supplement to the daily nebraskan thursday, january 29, 1981 Las Vegas wedding no gamble saves money By Sue Sayed To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death us do part. To say those words, in a decorated church filled with 300 guests, a professional photographer, professional florist, an experienced organist, ten attendants in formal dresses and tuxedos, and to know that there will be at least one piece of wedding cake, and two glasses of punch for every guest, would cost a small fortune, many experts say. Not only does it require money, but it requires at least 30 hours a day and more patience than the majority of fun-loving Americans can tolerate. For many, the preparations are the epitome of excite ment. But consider a second option. Fast food weddings In Las Vegas, an anxious bride and groom can go to the courthouse and get a marriage license (no blood tests or parental permission required unless they are under 18) in live minutes. They may then be taxied to a small "Little White Chaper where they will encounter a predecorated church, with velvet-covered seating for 20, entirely lit by candle light, and complete with the music of their choice. Also on hand will be a minister with the denomination of the couples' choice, a professional florist, a professional photographer and attendants if the couple did not bring their own. Since the "Little White Chapel," is open 24 hours a day, the bride and groom can be married at 3 a.m. if they wish. After the vows are spoken and the minister (or priest, rabbi, or judge) gives his blessing-a simple 10 to 15 minute ceremony-the couple will be taxied back to the motel of their choice. The difference? The entire event, from getting the marriage license to checking into the motel can be accomplished for under $50. Quickies popular For obvious reasons, the quickie wedding is popular in Las Vegas. There are more than 20 wedding chapels in the city, with names like the Candlelight Wedding Chapel, the Cupid Wedding Chapel and more. And they aien't fly-by-night businesses, said one employee of the Little White Chapel. The chapel has been the wedding site for many couples since the early 1900s. Virginia Detless said. Detless said that holidays are the busiest times of the year and if a couple wants to get married on Valentine's day, Christmas, or New Year's Five, they should reserve their time at a chapel. nles iust walk in off the street," IT! KJOV W 1 niv v I J Detless said, "but on holidays and some weekends, we see more than 30 weddings a day." Weddings, she said, are usually booked every half hour on busy days, "but if a couple wants more time, they can have it." "We try to accommodate everyone on their special day," Detless said. "We will take candid pictures or use our professional photographer--we make flower arrange ments of any kind, and we even provide a canopy if the couple is Jewish." Romantic but cheaper "All in all, it's just like a regular church wedding," she said. "Very romantic, but much less expensive." Detless said that although a few couples come in wear ing jeans, about one-fourth of the couples wear complete wedding attire, including long, formal gowns and tuxedos. She said Las Vegas weddings are popular because re strictions are fewer than in other states. There is no wait ing for the license and no legal papers, blood tests or proof of marital status are required, she said. For Nebraskans, however, although the wedding would be inexpensive, the travel expenses could make up the difference. According to Alencia Moore, of Lincoln's United Air lines, the least expensive flight to Las Vegas would cost $237 one-person round trip, if a supersaver ticket is pur chased two weeks to 30 days in advance. NO OTHER DIAMOND In the entire world will ever he as beautiful to your lady as her engagement diamond We have many to choose from in a wide range of prices. 14K gold 1342 "O" Street Phone 475-2474 nnaMMMHUimliliiiN Visa, Master Card, Easy Lay A Way, 90 Days Same as Cash FRED WILSON JEWELERS $ HOUSE of FLOWERS (Formcr,y Hiltners) JX (fcO) DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ffi J ygy 476-2775 W f WEDDINGS 4 ALL OCCASIONS - k LAWN AND GARDEN CENTER A" 'T K KiCMDi Kjr DKAINUtlo rAKMNO LUI WE a .. mm WEDDINGS & ALL OCCASIONS LAWN AND GARDEN CENTER Bob & Sandy Semerena :ast OF BRANDEIS PARKING lot we 226 So. 11th DELIVER J FREE Wedding Consultations fit YOUR Convenience Well Work With Your Budget! DINERS CARTE BLANCHE AMERICAN EXPRESS Make every meal as Mllb memorable as your first picnic. With beautiful table nettings A Touch of Bras ill; k Complete Your Special Day With fTlerle Norman Cosmetics Start your free lessons now A Touch of Brass 1200 N. St. Atrium Gutcwuy-Ben Sinion'i msiore ror you m Sky walk Level 475-6164