United States | Crying in the chapel

The decline of Las Vegas weddings

A much-mythologised institution hits the skids

It’s now or never

“GET ‘MARRIED’ to your best friend for life, your longtime partner, your cellphone, anything really!” reads the brochure for The Little Vegas Chapel. Its pretend wedding package ($199) promises all the thrill of a wedding without the lifetime obligation. Many Las Vegas chapels now offer a range of non-binding ceremonies to pad out thinning wedding schedules. Vow-renewals account for much of their business, alongside friendship affirmations and business-partner commitments.

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Crying in the chapel”

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