A DIFFERENT KIND OF GAMBLING

Filed in archive LAS VEGAS CENTRAL on August 31, 2006

Source:www.bookme.travel.com



Some people come to Las Vegas to take the biggest gamble of their lives.

Las Vegas has long been not only a gambler's destination; it's also a place for lovers. This is quite a change from the time when people came here for the long extinct, "quikie divorce."

People come here to get married in every imaginable way. From lavish casino/hotel ceremonies, to simple "quikie" couplings performed at one of the many cute wedding chapels for which Las Vegas is famous.

There are even drive through wedding services available for the ultra efficient, and outdoor weddings, at the nearby, scenic, Red Rock area, are also gaining in popularity.

Many celebrities have been married here, mostly in the dead of night, in order to maintain a bit of secrecy, but that option is now nearing its end.

This is truly a 24/7 town. Right now, at 11:22 pm, I could venture out and find or do almost anything I want. If I suddenly develop an urge for a strawberry and sardine sandwich, I can visit any of scores of supermarkets and buy the fixins'. If the urge hits me 3 or 4 hours from now, I can still find all the stores open, ditto for Wal-Mart, and virtually any of the large stores if I decide it's time to buy a new broom, or a spare pair of underwear.

However, in a surprise move, Clark County officials have decided to discontinue the marriage license bureau's open 24/7 policy. It seems that it is no longer economically feasible since only a mere 4900 couples took advantage of this feature during 2005.

So, I guess Mr. and Ms. Hotpants will have to spend a few more hours at the poker tables or slot machines before taking the biggest gamble of their lives.

Ooh, I'm bad, but I have to say it, maybe during the wait the prospective bride and groom can better deal him or her? This is Vegas after all.