Can I just walk into a chapel in Las Vegas and get married? 

The quick answer to that is "Yes". 

But the realistic answer to that is "Yes, as long as you have everything you need to get married".

You will obviously need someone to marry, but you will also need the local marriage license. This will allow the officiant (a minister, justice of peace, judge, mayor, captain of a ship) to marry you in Clark County. The place to get your marriage license and certificate is at the Marriage License Bureau on Clark and 3rd street in downtown Las Vegas. You can also book one in advance online thru (http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/clerk/Services/Pages/MarriageLicenses.aspx). 

So, if you think your appearance is acceptable - yes you can get married in costumes and shorts and... most importantly you are not under the influence of drugs and alcohol (it's actually illegal in Las Vegas), then you can go ahead and get married. 

For most photographers, the need for a reliable flash bracket is tantamount. It is essential especially for those who shoot on the go and will need to instantly rotate their camera on portrait mode. It can always be argued that a good bracket will most definitely determine a very good portrait shot from one that isn't.

I've been working for the Little White Wedding Chapel on the Las Vegas Strip for 2 years now. I've take photos of over 2,000 couples at this point in time. In this environment, a mobile studio is very important. Complete control of the lighting situation will determine a happy bride from one that isn't.

I purchased the boomerang a few months after I got hired at the chapel in 2010. It took me a while before I made the decision to get it. I reviewed several videos showing its use and read through several written reviews about it. Finally, I ordered it. The order included a plate specifically for my camera body's battery grip (MB-D10).

All I can say is, almost two years later, the damn thing still works exactly the way it did from day one. It is highly reliable and very very sturdy. It is quiet and moves from one position to the other and back flawlessly. It locks effortlessly and unlocks with a quick light touch.

It has very few basic moving parts, and whatever those parts are, they are of high quality. No plastic on this thing. It makes my camera look big but honestly I'm not bothered anymore. I will explain later and show you how a huge confluence of parts make my camera system very efficient.

At the chapel, I run around a lot, bump into things a lot. And flip the bracket many times. I can't rely on anything plastic. I am carrying a $3000 camera system with me so I need something that I can trust. And I think I've found the perfect combination into this system that I made and it includes the Boomerang. I found a system that I believe will turn any photographer into supercool mr. photographer man.

Now, going down into the details. My system includes a Nikon D300S body with an MB-D10 battery grip, a Nikkor 24-120mm 3.5 VRII lens, a Nikon SB-700 flash with sync cord, the promediagear boomerang  and theblack rapid RS-4 camera strap.

I wear the strap on my left shoulder since I am right handed. This allows the camera to dangle on the side of my right hip and makes my camera ready to go within seconds. The camera is attached to the strap with a metal carabiner that slides along the strap when I raise my camera for use. My strap does not get caught around my neck or shoulders. It slides along my back and slides back into place when I bring my camera back down to my hips.

This combination of high quality and reliably items have allowed me to effectively take pictures of my clients every night with ease and with great results.

It makes my life easier and allows a greater range of creativity. Can I say anything bad about it? Well, maybe when I'm on portrait mode, the flash sits a tad high. That's about it.

Would I recommend it the boomerang? Yes.

Be aware though that your camera's effective height will immediately more than double with it. If you are a small person, this camera system might turn into a nightmare since it is not light. It weighs over 7lbs with the lens that I've indicated.

Thumbs up and 5 stars to the ProMediaGear Boomerang Flash Bracket. Same goes for theBlackrapid RS4 Camera Strap.

Andreo Jab Buhay
Resident Photographer-Little White Chapel, Las Vegas, NV USA
Life In Vegas Photography 

I met Jo and Micheal the last Sunday of August (2011). They were from north of London. Close to the "midlands" as they said later. They were both in their late 50's and we're a smiling happy couple. At first it seemed they were out of place. But later did I realize that wasn't the case.

Micheal was about 5'6", dark blonde hair and had green eyes. His simple, here I am - this is me attire expressed his simple living and somewhat - I am happy with my life even though it's been a bit tough life. He would look at you when he speaks to you and would not move his gaze when you speak to him.


Jo wore a light scarf on her long cream dress. She had short salt and pepper hair and grey eyes that seem to always smile. She was on a wheelchair. She seems frail but worked really hard not to show it too much. She spoke with a soft voice and carries a smile that felt endless.

They seemed out of place because that day, we had many people in costumes. Some came in that hot Sunday afternoon wearing Elvis and Marilyn Monroe costumes, fancy hats, over sized sunglasses, 70's bell bottoms and wigs. In the chaos of the chapel lobby, there were these two couple just in awe of all of it.

Before their turn, I approached them and introduced myself as their photographer. I asked them what brought them to Vegas. Micheal, explained that Jo was the biggest Elvis fan and that she had always wanted to get married in Las Vegas and be serenaded by Elvis. I asked Micheal then what he felt about that, and it sort of broke the ice and he said, whatever makes her happy. They break into a quick laugh as they look at each other; Jo in her wheelchair and Micheal with his hands on Jo's shoulders.

I explained to them that we will start with a few photos before the wedding and some during. I told them that Elvis will be there during the ceremony and that he will sing a slow first song and a fast last song. They started getting all excited. I took them then into the green room where we would start their photos.

It was my first time to every shoot someone in a wheelchair. I proceeded carefully and asked if it's OK for the shots to be with them on one of the short pews. They said yes - Jo, I noticed was delighted to be moved from her wheelchair to the chair. I showed her how to hold the flowers and where to look. For the most part, it was Micheal who I moved around Jo to get different shots in.

The minister then came in the room and started talking to them. I went ahead into the Little White Chapel to adjust the pews and give Elvis a heads up that the bride is in a wheelchair. As the minister, Jo and Micheal came in the chapel, I had told them that I've set up a pew in the front of the chapel for them to sit in and asked if they want to go down the aisle together or with Micheal waiting as Elvis takes Jo down. Jo said she wanted to walk down the aisle to Micheal with Elvis.

I was worried but at the same time touched at how she really wanted this. Micheal didn't say anything so at that I point I though, well OK, I guess she can do it.

As soon as the wedding march started, I became overwhelmed with a good feeling as I saw Jo being helped by Elvis as she walked down the aisle. Her gaze moved from Elvis to Micheal. You can see in her eyes her happiness and how she is savoring it - it was a dream come true for her, and Micheal of course. Elvis (today it was Chad), helped Jo sit next to Micheal. He then picked up his mic to begin serenading the couple.

During the ceremony, the minister (Pastor Tony) prayed for strength and length of days for them both. Jo and Micheal, the whole time could not stop staring into each others eyes.

"...remember, today you marry your friend. The one you laugh with, the one you dream with, the one you live for and especially the one you love..." 

As the couple kissed after they were being pronounced husband and wife, Elvis breaks into the Teddy Bear song. Jo and Micheal started laughing as they put their foreheads together and Jo, being a true blue Elvis Fan started singing with Elvis.

In the end, after their dreams of a Vegas/Elvis wedding start coming to a fulfilled end, Jo and Micheal start slowly to walk down the aisle smiling, happy - in each other arms.

So, you've seen it in the movies and TV shows and you've probably thought, how hard can it be? 

Well, it doesn't have to. As long as you don't get the facts mixed with the myths. I've seen many couples walk into the chapel and end up walking out after a few minutes because they didn't really think things through. 

Here's a few things you might want to to remember when getting hitched in Vegas. 

1. Unless you're renewing your vows, you still need to get a marriage license down at the court house, also know as the Marriage License Bureau (click for more info)
     A. You will need a valid  picture ID (Drivers License, Passport etc.)
     B. $60 to get the paperwork
     C. Applicants must be a biological male and a biological female, at least 18 years of age, and no nearer      of kin than second cousins or cousins of half-blood, and not having a husband or wife living.  
(Save time - This is the link to get the license online)

2. You can not get married intoxicated (Thanks Brittney). Most wedding chapels will not even allow you to have alcohol on the premises, so don't even think about it. Drink all you want afterwards. 

3. Yes, you can bring guests with you. Save the embarrassment, make sure they are not drunk too. 

4. The ministers at the chapels are real and actual ordained ministers. They have their own churches in town. So please, do not treat them like your buddies. Exercise some common sense and decency - do no be a potty mouth. 

5. It's still very cheap to get married in Las Vegas($200-$500 compared to $20,000). 
But please, don't skimp on the class. Tip everyone that has extended a personal level of service (Minister, Limo Driver, Photographer) - you are in Las Vegas - a tipping town. 

6. Come in dressed. Please. It's your wedding. Not a freak show. There are kids sometimes in the chapel. 

7. Don't forget your rings

8. You can have your own vows. Write them down or practice. It makes it special 

9. Yes, you can have an Elvis at your wedding. 

10. Have fun! Follow the rules and it will be a memorable day.