One of the most famous churches in Las Vegas is on the market for $12 million.
A Little White Chapel, the small venue on the Strip famous for its drive-through weddings, Elvis impersonators, and numerous celebrity weddings, is for sale for the first time in nearly 70 years, according to the New York Post.
Its long-time owner Charlotte Richards told Fox 5 Vegas that it’s time “to slow down and let someone else” run the infamous church. The 84-year-old purchased A Little White Chapel in 1951 – back when it was just one room – for $50,000.
Richards built the venue dedicated to holy matrimony into the landmark it is today by adding new facilities and services, including on-site gown and tuxedo rentals, florist services, and its hallmark drive-thru wedding service. There are now five chapels on the one-acre site.
Richards claims there have been over 1 million marriages at the chapel over the years, many of which she presided over. The venue has long been popular with celebrities.
Early celebrity clients include Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in 1958; Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow in 1966; and more recently Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, and Pamela Anderson all wed there. Though many of those marriages haven’t lasted, some have stood the test of time. Woodward and Newman were together until the latter’s death in 2008. [NYP] – Dennis Lynch