Offbeat Las Vegas

There's a lot to be said for discovering activities off The Strip

What do dead bodies on display, atomic tests and dueling Elvis's all have in common? No, it's not the start of some old joke. In fact, they're all attractions that make up the quirky heart of the Las Vegas experience. From the offbeat to the kooky, this desert oasis has it all. And while most people spend their time enjoying world-class cuisine, $100 million shows and multi-billion dollar mega resorts, there's lots of fun to be had on the flip side of Vegas.

It's a part of Las Vegas that seems to hover just below the surface. The city's offbeat attractions are really a call back to a simpler old school Sin City. It was a time when kitsch was de rigueur and a main draw for tourists in the pre-mega resort era.

Fortunately, the city is still replete with myriad offbeat attractions. And if your clients are looking to experience something a little out of the ordinary, this city is a great bet. 

For example, you can get married by Elvis—younger or older version, visit a neon "boneyard" of old hotel signs, learn about Nevada's history of atomic tests or see an exhibit examining dissected human bodies. Though you might want to suggest saving that last one for after lunch, every one of these attractions is lots of fun.

Graceland Wedding Chapel

If you're looking to tie the knot or renew vows, the Graceland Wedding Chapel has the most unusual and fun ceremony around—you can get hitched by Elvis. Enter legally binding bliss by getting married by either Young Elvis, 1970s-era Jumpsuit Elvis—or both! On average, 6,000 couples a year visit the Graceland Wedding Chapel, including numerous celebrities, such as Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Ray Cyrus, band members from KISS, Deep Purple, The Beastie Boys and Def Lepard.

The Chapel offers a variety of wedding packages, starting at $199. Basic packages include use of the chapel and photographs. Elvis packages start at $329 and go up to $799. The King will escort the bride down the aisle and give her away before breaking into song. He'll also sing during and after the ceremony. The truly adventurous can opt for The Famous Dueling Elvis Package, which includes Young Elvis and Vegas-era Elvis performing on two different stages.

The venue is also branded as "A Storybook Chapel" for those looking for a more traditional and Elvis-free ceremony. For more information, call General Manager Brandon Reed at 702-382-0091. Some packages include round-trip limo service from the couple's hotel. 

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