Longtime Love in Las Vegas - Feb 2025 Issue

From the Rat Pack to Elvis, and from JLo & Ben to countless starry-eyed lovers, Las Vegas has long been the ultimate city of love, passion, and spontaneous romance. As the elopement capital of the world, Sin City blends nostalgia, luxury, and thrilling escapes to make every love story unforgettable. Discover why Las Vegas remains the go-to destination for whirlwind weddings, glamorous getaways, and timeless romance.

Las Vegas: The Timeless City of Love, Romance, and Elopements
Las Vegas is known as the city of dazzling lights, high-stakes excitement, and unforgettable entertainment—but it’s more than just the world’s playground for gamblers and thrill-seekers. It is also one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Synonymous with passion, mystery, and spontaneity, Las Vegas has long been the backdrop for legendary love stories, whirlwind elopements, and passionate getaways. As we step into 2025, its reputation as the ultimate destination for romance continues to evolve, intertwining nostalgia with modern luxury and excitement.

The Birth of the Elopement Capital
In the early 1900s, Las Vegas emerged as a place where love could thrive without the red tape of traditional wedding restrictions. While other states imposed lengthy waiting periods and extensive paperwork for marriage licenses, Nevada streamlined the process, making it possible to get married in mere hours. By the 1940s and 1950s, the city had fully embraced its identity as the ‘Elopement Capital of the World.’

With its 24-hour marriage license bureau, couples from all over the country (and beyond) flocked to Las Vegas for quick, stress-free weddings. The rise of charming and sometimes kitschy chapels—many of which remain cultural icons today—sealed the deal. Whether in the neon glow of the Strip or the intimacy of a candlelit chapel, lovebirds found the city to be the perfect place to say ‘I do.’

Love, Glamour, and Vegas Nights
During the 1950s and 1960s, Las Vegas transformed into the entertainment capital of the world, largely due to the influence of the Rat Pack. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and their famous friends brought a level of sophistication, swagger, and romance to Sin City that had never been seen before. Their legendary performances at the Sands Hotel and other venues turned the city into a hotspot for glamorous couples looking for a stylish escape.
The Rat Pack’s presence wasn’t just about music and laughter; they embodied a lifestyle of charm and indulgence that attracted lovers from all walks of life. The smoky lounges, classic cocktails, and swanky casino floors became settings where couples could steal moments of romance while soaking in the magnetic allure of the city. Sinatra’s velvety voice crooning ‘Strangers in the Night’ in the background of candlelit dinners solidified Las Vegas as a place where love stories were written.

Such was the case for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, an American celebrity musical duo best known for their music and performances in the 1950s,’60s, and beyond. Their careers spanned decades, both as solo artists and as a team, making them one of the most beloved husband-and-wife acts in show business. In 1957, the duo exchanged vows at the old El Rancho Vegas resort, which stood at the site of the current Fontainebleau up until its demolition date in 2000. They were married and devoted to each other for over five decades and were considered one of the longest and most enduring love stories in the entertainment world. Steve Lawrence (1935–2024) was a singer and actor who gained fame for his smooth voice and classic pop hits, while his wife Eydie Gormé (1928–2013) was a singer with a powerful and expressive voice. She was known for her work in traditional pop music and Latin-influenced songs. The duo rose to fame through television appearances on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen in the 1950s. They were also frequently featured on variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Carol Burnett Show. Steve and Eydie became Las Vegas legends headlining shows in major casinos, where their blend of humor, romance, and top-tier vocal talent made them audience favorites. They were the original Sonny and Cher of their time.

The Elvis and Priscilla Presley: Love in the Fast Lane
No discussion of Las Vegas romance would be complete without mentioning Elvis and Priscilla Presley. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had a deep connection with Las Vegas, performing sold-out shows and redefining the entertainment scene. But his impact on romance and weddings is even more profound.
Elvis’s wedding to Priscilla Presley in 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel was an event that cemented Las Vegas’ reputation as the ultimate wedding destination. The popularity of Elvis impersonator weddings skyrocketed, allowing couples to exchange vows with ‘the King’ serenading them. The charm of these weddings persists even today, proving that love and rock ‘n’ roll are a match made in heaven.

Modern Love: JLo, Ben Affleck, and the 21st-Century Vegas Wedding
Fast-forward to 2022, and Las Vegas witnessed yet another historic moment in the realm of love when Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck rekindled their romance and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the iconic Little White Wedding Chapel. Their whirlwind romance and heartfelt nuptials reminded the world that Vegas remains the perfect place for spontaneous, passionate unions.
Their wedding was a mix of old Vegas charm and modern luxury—echoing the city’s unique ability to cater to lovers of all kinds, whether seeking quick vows under neon lights or extravagant, high-end celebrations in opulent resorts. But much like the glow of a high stakes winning streak, Lady Luck didn't last for the couple as they divorced just two years later in 2024.

Why Las Vegas Remains the Ultimate Romantic Getaway
Beyond the allure of quick weddings and celebrity elopements, Las Vegas has built a legacy as an unforgettable destination for couples seeking romance and adventure. The city’s appeal transcends decades, drawing in lovers for numerous reasons in addition to simply being one of the sexiest cities of all time. The appeal ranges from:
1. The Luxury of Seclusion Amidst the Glamour
While Las Vegas is known for its bustling energy, it also offers couples plenty of intimate escapes. World-class resorts such as The Venetian, Bellagio, and The Wynn provide exquisite suites, private pools, and exclusive spa experiences for those seeking quiet, luxurious retreats. The rooftop terraces and suites with breathtaking views of the Strip add to the ambiance of romance.

2. Michelin-Star Dining and Lavish Experiences
For the ultimate romantic date night, Las Vegas boasts some of the finest restaurants in the world. Couples can indulge in Michelin-star dining experiences at restaurants like Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy, and Picasso at Bellagio, where culinary excellence meets candlelit ambiance. Pairing dinner with a show—whether it’s Cirque du Soleil, a Broadway-style production, or a mesmerizing magic act—makes for a truly unforgettable evening.

3. The Thrill of Adventure
For couples who crave excitement, Las Vegas offers romantic thrills beyond the casinos. A helicopter ride over the Strip or the Grand Canyon at sunset sets the stage for breathtaking memories. Hot air balloon rides, supercar driving experiences, and even ziplining through Fremont Street add a touch of adrenaline-fueled romance to any getaway.

4. Nostalgic and Vintage Appeal
The spirit of vintage Vegas remains alive in places like The Neon Museum, where couples can take a romantic stroll through the glowing remnants of old-school Las Vegas. Meanwhile, classic lounges such as The Peppermill and The Golden Tiki bring back the romantic essence of the Rat Pack era, where love and glamour once ruled the night.

5. The Magic of the Strip’s Nightlife
Las Vegas nights are unmatched, with an endless selection of rooftop lounges, speakeasies, and live music venues to set the mood. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas offers a romantic, European-inspired experience, while sky-high bars such as Skyfall Lounge provide the perfect backdrop for a toast to love.

6. Timeless Vow Renewals and Anniversary Celebrations
For those who first said ‘I do’ in Las Vegas, there’s no better way to celebrate lasting love than by returning for a vow renewal. Whether it’s a renewal officiated by an Elvis impersonator or a glamorous affair at a five-star resort, couples continue to make memories in the city that made their love story official.

So whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for an anniversary, there’s no place quite like Las Vegas to celebrate love, passion, and the timeless magic of romance.