Little Church of the West

It's about Love ~ It's about You at The Little Church of the West

While the Little Church of the West symbolizes Vegas’ modern reputation for express marriages, this quaint little church from 1942 has been a Las Vegas fixture since the early days, back when Fremont Street only consisted of three blocks.

The Little Church of the West is the only building on the Strip to be part of the National Registry of Historical Places. The church proudly shows this designation on a plaque set in stone. The Little Church of the West is also the oldest structure in Vegas.

The church was originally designed with the notion to capitalize on the popularity of the mythology of the Old West. The church was originally built by Architect and Builder William J Moore. Moore visited multiple mining towns in order to collect images to be used for inspiration in the church’s design.

The church held many marriages during World War II as couples rushed to commit, fearing separation during the war. The respectable image of the church contrasted with the other quickie wedding services available.

Currently located on the corner of Russell Road and Las Vegas Blvd, the Church of the West once sat on the north side of the Last Frontier hotel. Then, the church moved to the south side. When they built the Fashion Show Mall, the Little Church of the West moved again, this time it paired itself with the Hacienda Hotel. The church moved to its current location to make room for the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

Inside, you’ll find a traditional style church with a red or white runner. The church has an exterior of cedar and an interior of California redwood. An antique, wooden organ sits in the corner. You’ll also find a highly simplified non-denominational wooden altar and charming stained glass windows. The church even has the original pew and four Victorian lamps that came from 19th century railroad cars.

Guest will enjoy the warm glow emanating from inside at night. You can’t miss the glowing cross on top. A small gazebo painted red and dressed in flowering yellow shrubs gives guests a place to escape the sun.

Whether you’re renewing vows or looking to elope, the Little Church of the West offers a variety of packages to help you tie the knot. The Let’s Elope package offers a stylistic, yet simple wedding for those short on time. But if you’re looking for a much more extravagant affair, you can try the Forever True package.

Forever True includes an online web cast of the ceremony, 75 indoor photos and 20 outdoor photos from a professional photographer, a custom digital wedding album and complimentary limo service and champagne as many as 12 adults.

Vow renewals include Let’s Elope Again and Still Forever True. Other marriage packages include Tie the Knot, Lucky in Love and Marry Me.

The church also offers at least two specialty packages: Garden Ceremony and Now or Never. The Little Church of the West was the site of the classic Viva Las Vegas wedding between Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret. Have Elvis walk you down the aisle with Now or Never, or fill the gazebo with white freesia, mango calla lilies, blue delphiniums and many other choices in their Garden Ceremony.

If you choose this venue to exchange your vows, you’ll join the likes of Mickey Rooney, Betty Grable, Dudley Moore, Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton, Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford, Judy Garland and many more. In fact, the Little Church of the West has seen more celebrity weddings than any other church in history.

The Little Church of the West has made history for attracting romantic spirits and is a symbol of Vegas’ great tradition for weddings.