Las Vegas chapels of love that use Elvis's likeness could be turned into hotels.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the licensing company that controls the name and image of "The King" ordered Sin City chapel operators not to use Elvis in themed ceremonies. The Authentic Brands Group sent cease-and-desist letters to a number of chapels.
Some say the move could hurt their businesses.
"We are a family-run business, and now we're hanging with the big dogs," said Collins, who operates Las VegasElvisWeddingChapel.com with her husband. We have bread and butter. I do not understand it. We just hit our stride again through Covid.
Lynn Goya said the order for chapels to stop using Elvis couldn't have come at a worse time for the sector.
According to the city's wedding industry, Elvis-themed weddings represent a significant number of the ceremonies performed.
It's possible that it will destroy a part of our wedding industry. A number of people could lose their jobs.
The Review-Journal reported that one chapel had an Elvis replica change into a leather jacket, jeans and fedora for a rock 'n' roll themed ceremony.
According to Rod Musum, the manager of the wedding chapel, they haven't been warned yet.
In the cease-and-desist letter, the company said it will stop unauthorized use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice image, and other elements of Elvis Presley's persona in advertisements, merchandise and other." "Elvis," "Elvis Presley," and "The King of Rock and Roll" are protected trademark according to the letter.
The group said it has good relationships with Elvis tribute artists. Chapels that offer Elvis packages in Las Vegas are not going to be closed.
"We are seeking to partner with each of these small businesses to ensure that their use of Elvis' name, image and likeness are officially licensed and authorized by the estate, so they can continue their operations." Elvis is a part of Las Vegas' history.
Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali are just two of the big names that the licensing company handles.
Mark Tratos, a local attorney who helped with the case, said that the order should not translate into legal action against Elvis-themed stage shows in Las Vegas.
Tratos said that an Elvis show is a performer entertaining others by re-creating that person on stage.
In the '60s and '70s, Presley became synonymous with Las Vegas. The title track of his 1964 movie became the city's unofficial theme. In July 1969 Elvis returned to Las Vegas with a live stage comeback. After four weeks, the gig turned into more than 600 shows.
The association with Vegas weddings was solidified by Presley getting married in Las Vegas.
Kent Ripley has been performing as Elvis for 25 years and has never encountered this issue.
The Elvis brand is important to them. They took Elvis away from the public. Ripley wanted to know.
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