Could same-sex marriages save Las Vegas?
Apparently saying "I do" in front of a Gene Simmons impersonator just isn't cool anymore.
The number of people who choose to get married in Las Vegas has been in a free fall since 2004, with 37 percent fewer couples getting hitched in Sin City than a decade ago. These days, everyone seems to want to get married in Mexico, Hawaii, or Dubai.
But that might not be a problem if Las Vegas officials can successfully court a newly eligible demographic: same-sex couples. Ann Parsons, a marketing director for Vegas Weddings ("conveniently located across from the Marriage License Bureau on the corner of 3rd St. and Bonneville"), told the Chicago Tribune that she's hoping to revitalize her business by tapping the American same-sex couple market, and appealing to couples who are looking to renew their vows.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"The top three things people associated with Las Vegas are gambling, shows, and weddings," Parsons told the Tribune. "Normal people get married here too, not just stars and party people. That whole hangover image of 'Let's get married tonight and annul it in the morning' is just a stereotype."
That's all well and good, but first Vegas need a game plan.
"I'd like us to increase our presence on social media," one Marriage License Bureau clerk suggested. "How about a Twitter account where everyone posts pictures of their wedding — wouldn't that be cool?"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
2024: The year of conspiracy theories
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Global strife and domestic electoral tensions made this year a bonanza for outlandish worldviews and self-justifying explanations
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Five medical breakthroughs of 2024
The Explainer The year's new discoveries for health conditions that affect millions
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Top films coming out in 2025
The Week Recommends Pick up some popcorn and settle in for a cinematic treat
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published