Going to the Chapel

They say the most popular times to get married are Valentine's Day or any time in the month of June, but ask Linda Freeman, executive director for Vegas Wedding Chapels, and she will tell you that every day of the year is a good time and has planned enough weddings over her 20 years in the business to know that's a truism.

Her company has hosted weddings from the weird to the wonderful and Freeman says every one of them have been fun and exciting for every couple. "You're talking about two people who want to get married, or married couples who want to recommit to their marriage. It's a very special day for them and we do everything we can to meet their expectations. I think that's why I love the business so much -- to see the joy on their faces."

With its new 9,000-square-foot chapel at 555 S. Third St. downtown, Vegas Weddings has become a world-class facility and one, says Freeman, that can accommodate any type of wedding, something she has to be prepared for in Las Vegas.

"Many people who come to Las Vegas to get married want something different, something unique that only our city can provide. For instance, we recently held a wedding out at the racetrack. The couple were avid race fans and their dream was to get married at a NASCAR track. With the cooperation of the good folks at the track, we were able to make the arrangements and they were able to realize their dream. It was a great day."

Of course, Vegas wouldn't be Vegas without Elvis being involved. Freeman says a wedding performed by a lookalike Elvis is still "very popular, particularly with those couples who are renewing their vows. It's great fun and they are able to have pictures taken to show their kids and even grandkids. Very exciting for them."

Then there are the Trekkies, whose ideal marriage must take place at the Star Trek Experience. "We've hosted many of those and the wonderful thing is wherever a couple wants to get married, the people there are so cooperative with us, as we've managed over the years to form close relationships with the hotels and different sites that appeal to couples. So if it's at one of our hotels, or an outdoor site like Red Rock or Valley of Fire, we can arrange everything for the couple without any problems."

Freement says, "You have to be ready for anything today, as couples have become very creative and know what they want and aren't afraid to go with it. So we are here to accommodate those wishes and dreams, whether they be outside the norm, or a traditional wedding with lots of romance and elegance."

Freeman says she's always impressed when couples do unique things. "We recently held a beautiful traditional wedding out at the Paiute Golf Course with the lake as a backdrop. Very beautiful. But instead of a guest list, the couple had each guest sign their name on a ceramic bowl, which they later had glazed as a memento of the event. Very creative."

As this is Vegas, there are couples who come here without wedding plans in mind, but while here decide to get hitched. Not a problem, says Freeman. "We can help the couple from start to finish, right from wedding dress and tux to decorations, dinner, music, whatever they need. A lot of brides in that position don't want to buy a dress so we work with companies that do dress and tux rentals, so that saves them from buying something they may never wear again. Rentals can be as little as $250 for tux and gown depending on the gown she selects, but the range for both runs from $250 to $400, which is quite reasonable."

Freeman says she doesn't see any real trends in weddings other than Vegas weddings tend to lean toward the unique when it comes to people coming here to get married, whereas locals prefer more traditional weddings.

I could go on, but suffice it to say that after seeing the facility and the operation and listening to Linda Freeman, I don't think you'd go far wrong by putting your wedding in her capable hands. For more info call 702-W-E-D-D-I-N-G (702-933-3464) or 800-823-4095. Hours of operation: seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight.

If you haven't already seen it, check out the all new Show in the Sky at the Rio. This used to be known as Masquerade Show in the Sky, but the resort wanted to make it edgier, sexier, and they have. It features Brazilian-themed stage action while performers dance on sky fantasy floats. The dancers are stunning and the costumes even more so. The Latin costume styles have been created by top-name designers such as Victoria Secret, DKNY and bebe, so we're talking top of the line here.

Three different shows are offered. The bedroom-style performance will feature a 17 foot-long bed with high-energy performers of seduction. The bath/spa style performance will encompass a glamorous stage with sexy girls in towels. The modern-day club performance brings the feeling of old Hollywood glamour meets classic burlesque with accents of rhinestones and feathers throughout. There is also some very edgy music playing, with songs such as "Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna, "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake and 'Buttons" by Pussycat Dolls. This is a hot and sexy show. This is not a family outing gang, so leave little Johnny and Jennifer in the video arcade while you strain your neck and your eyes taking in all the action high above you.

Show in the Sky performs at the Rio in the Masquerade Village Thursday through Sunday on the hour from 7 p.m. to midnight and is free and open to the public.

Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com. If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylasvegas@gmail.com Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.