A Chapel Built for the Frontier
The Little Church of the West was built in 1942 as part of the Last Frontier Hotel (later the New Frontier). Designed to resemble a pioneer mining town chapel, the small wooden building with its steeply pitched roof and rustic charm became the go-to spot for celebrity weddings almost immediately. It was designed in the Early Frontier style to complement the Last Frontier's Wild West theme, with rough-hewn timber, a modest bell tower, and an intimate interior that could seat about 30 guests.
From the beginning, the chapel offered something Las Vegas's glitzy showrooms couldn't — genuine intimacy. While the casinos grew ever larger and more extravagant, the Little Church remained a pocket of simplicity on the Strip. Its old-fashioned charm attracted celebrities and everyday couples alike, becoming one of the most recognizable buildings in Las Vegas.
Three Moves, One Chapel
As the Strip evolved, the Little Church was physically moved three times: first from the Last Frontier site when the hotel was remodeled, then to the Hacienda Hotel grounds, and finally to its current location at 4617 Las Vegas Blvd S near Mandalay Bay. Each time, the entire wooden structure was carefully transported along Las Vegas Boulevard — a remarkable feat of preservation in a city famous for demolishing its past.
Despite being relocated repeatedly, the structure is original and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Celebrity weddings at the chapel include Judy Garland & Mickey Deans (1969), Zsa Zsa Gabor & Jack Ryan, Cindy Crawford & Richard Gere (1991), and Angelina Jolie & Billy Bob Thornton (2000). The chapel has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status as one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas.
Key Facts
Oldest Structure
Built in 1942, it is the oldest surviving building on the Las Vegas Strip. In a city that regularly demolishes its history, the chapel has endured for over 80 years.
Three Moves
The chapel has been physically relocated three times along the Strip — from the Last Frontier to the Hacienda to its current location near Mandalay Bay.
Celebrity Weddings
Judy Garland, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and countless other celebrities have exchanged vows inside its rustic walls.
National Register
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the chapel is one of the few Las Vegas Strip structures recognized for its historical significance.
What's There Now
Visiting the Little Church of the West
Address: 4617 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV (near Mandalay Bay)
Status: Still operating as a wedding chapel.
What to See: The chapel is open for tours and weddings. The original wooden structure, steeply pitched roof, and rustic interior are all intact. It's one of the most authentic old-Vegas experiences still available on the Strip.
Nearby: Mandalay Bay, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, and the south end of the Strip are all within walking distance.
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