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Elvis Presley's Las Vegas wedding chapels face licensing deals after legal threats

The King's legacy is under new scrutiny as Vegas chapels scramble to keep their Elvis-themed ceremonies alive. A $500 fee could save a $2 billion tradition.

The image shows Keith Urban performing at the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. He is...
The image shows Keith Urban performing at the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. He is standing and playing a guitar, with a microphone in front of him and a few people playing musical instruments in the background. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious.

Las Vegas wedding chapels could soon sign licensing deals to use Elvis Presley’s name, image, and likeness. Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which manages the late singer’s estate, has begun talks with chapel owners after sending cease and desist letters last month. The move follows years of unofficial Elvis-themed ceremonies in the city’s thriving wedding industry. Last month, ABG contacted over 50 chapels offering Elvis-themed weddings, warning them to stop using the icon’s likeness without permission. The company initially asked for licensing fees as high as $20,000 per year but later reduced the cost to $500 annually.

A conference call between Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and ABG officials took place to discuss the agreements. ABG has since reached out to six chapels and plans to contact eight more in the coming days. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides aiming for terms that work for everyone.

The timing coincides with the release of the new Elvis biopic, which may boost demand for Elvis-inspired ceremonies. ABG has also stressed its desire to collaborate with Las Vegas to ensure any use of Presley’s legacy remains respectful.

Elvis himself once performed 636 consecutive shows in the city, cementing his connection to Las Vegas. The wedding industry there now brings in around $2 billion each year, with many couples still drawn to the idea of an Elvis-themed ceremony. If the licensing deals go ahead, chapels will legally use Elvis Presley’s name and image for weddings. The lower annual fee of $500 makes the agreements more accessible for smaller businesses. ABG’s push for partnerships could also help standardise how the singer’s legacy is represented in the city.

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