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Las Vegas: Quickie Marriage Capital

The Vegas Marriage Industry

By Buck Wolf

Jan. 6  — Britney Spears' 55-hour mistake of a marriage won't stem the rising tide of hapless tourists who fly to Las Vegas, rent a white gown, and gamble their future on a quickie wedding.

Vegas is not only "Sin City," it's the "Wedding Capital of the World." The city processes more than 100,000 weddings a year, with more than 50 wedding chapels nestled among the endless strip of casinos and strip joints.

But on top of the sheer volume of weddings is the city's kitsch factor. Britney certainly wasn't the first Vegas bride in torn jeans and a baseball cap, and she certainly won't be the last. The town is teeming with rhinestone-studded "Elvis" ministers in pink Cadillacs, who will preside over the ceremony and serenade the bride and groom on a romantic tour of the city.

In Vegas, who needs to plan? Just rent a wedding gown along with a hotel room. You can outfit a bride for as low as $149 at Jennaleigh's Bridal and Formalwear. You simply return two days later with the gown, veil and accessories.

The only things you can't take back are your shoes and your vows.

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