Las Vegas 11-11-11 Weddings: Thousands Flock to Sin City, Cheapening of Marriage Institution?
Thousands of couples are flocking to Las Vegas to get married Friday, which will mark the 11-11-11 date, raising questions over whether this is further evidence of the deterioration of the marriage institution in American society.
More than 3,500 couples filed for marriage in Clark County, Las Vegas, MSNBC reported.
Chapels are getting ready to work overtime to accommodate as many couples as they can, including hiring more workers, renting additional limousines and calling up more drivers. Even with their best efforts, however, it is likely that some people will need to look elsewhere to exchange their vows.
The day is expected to provide a huge boost for the city and its businesses that is known as a popular marriage destination.
The Elvis Chapel is planning to host 40 weddings, which is the same amount the church does over an entire week. David Nye, from The Elvis Chapel, said the day would be a challenge, “but also a lot of fun.”
Aimee Stephens, of The Chapel of the Flowers, was ecstatic and hopeful for the upcoming day.
“It's been pretty spectacular and has given us a tremendous boost,” said Stephens.
With the possibility that most chapels in the town will be too full to accommodate last-minute visitors, some large event parties are going to have ordained ministers at hand to marry couples at hotels.
Tiffany Masters, a socialite who will be organizing such a party, said: “We hope that this wedding experience on 11-11-11 will be like no other."
Getting married on a three same-number date is considered to be lucky, but along with rising divorce rates and high-profile short-term unions, such as Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage, the question becomes if such quick-and-cheap marriages do further damage to what is supposed to be a lifelong commitment.
