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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.
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