The History
A Little White Wedding Chapel opened its doors in 1951 on Las Vegas Boulevard, just as the city was transforming from a dusty desert outpost into the entertainment capital of the world. Founded by Charolette Richards, the chapel quickly became a fixture of the Strip, offering round-the-clock weddings to couples who wanted to skip the waiting periods and blood tests required in other states. Nevada's famously lax marriage laws made Las Vegas the elopement capital of America, and no chapel leaned into that reputation harder than the Little White.
Over the decades, the chapel evolved from a simple storefront into a full-service wedding destination, adding the now-iconic "Tunnel of Love" — a drive-through window where couples could exchange vows without ever leaving their car. The concept was quintessentially Vegas: fast, theatrical, and utterly unforgettable. What started as a convenience became a cultural landmark, drawing everyone from spontaneous lovebirds to A-list celebrities looking for a wedding with a story.
What Made It Famous
The chapel's celebrity guest book reads like a Hollywood hall of fame. In 1966, Frank Sinatra married Mia Farrow here — a union that shocked the entertainment world given their 30-year age gap. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward exchanged vows at the chapel, beginning one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages. Michael Jordan brought Juanita Vanoy here, choosing the chapel's intimate setting over a lavish ceremony.
But nothing brought more attention to the Little White Wedding Chapel than the early morning of January 3, 2004. At approximately 5:30 AM, Britney Spears — then the biggest pop star on the planet — walked in with childhood friend Jason Alexander. Wearing ripped jeans and a baseball cap, Spears married Alexander in a ceremony that lasted all of five minutes. Fifty-five hours later, the marriage was annulled. The story dominated headlines worldwide and cemented the chapel's reputation as the place where anything could happen, and often did.
The chapel has performed over 800,000 weddings since its founding, making it one of the busiest wedding venues in human history. On peak nights, ceremonies happen every fifteen minutes. The Tunnel of Love drive-through has married couples on motorcycles, in limousines, and even in the back of pickup trucks — proof that in Las Vegas, love doesn't wait.
Key Facts
The 55-Hour Marriage
Britney Spears' impulsive 2004 wedding to Jason Alexander became the most talked-about Vegas wedding in history. The annulment cited the couple "lacked understanding of their actions."
Tunnel of Love
The chapel's drive-through wedding window lets couples marry without leaving their vehicle. It operates 24 hours a day and has become one of the most photographed spots in Las Vegas.
800,000+ Weddings
Since 1951, over 800,000 couples have married here, averaging more than 10,000 weddings per year. On Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, ceremonies run around the clock.
Sinatra & Mia Farrow
Frank Sinatra, 50, married 21-year-old Mia Farrow at the chapel in 1966. The marriage lasted two years, but the chapel's connection to Old Hollywood glamour has endured far longer.
Visiting Today
Plan Your Visit
Address: 1301 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Status: Still open and performing weddings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ceremonies: Traditional chapel weddings, the Tunnel of Love drive-through, and themed packages are all available. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended on holidays.
Nearby: Located across from the Stratosphere (now The STRAT), near the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. The Graceland Wedding Chapel and several other historic chapels are within walking distance.
Explore on Interactive Map →