This is the moment
I've waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing…
It’s time to say, “I Do,” get hitched, tie the knot, jump the broom and start your own happily ever after. Why not get married at Elvis Presley’s Graceland's Chapel in the Woods?
At Graceland’s beautiful Chapel in the Woods – and with the help of our Special Events team – your wedding dreams can come true. Graceland is one of the most unique and romantic wedding venues, especially for Elvis fans. Even if you choose to have the ceremony elsewhere, Graceland has plenty of unique Elvis-themed venues for your reception.
Ready to plan your Elvis and Graceland-themed wedding? Let’s get started.
To tie the knot at Graceland, couples must obtain their marriage license in the state of Tennessee. Licenses don’t have to be issued in Memphis – just in Tennessee. There are no blood tests or waiting periods in Tennessee. If you’re already in town and need your license, the Memphis office is open Monday – Friday, with the exception of federal holidays. Learn more at the Shelby County website.
Graceland’s Special Events team is proud to offer ceremonies for all religions and sexual orientations. Please feel free to discuss details with your Wedding Coordinator.
Speaking of a Wedding Coordinator, all Graceland Chapel in the Woods packages come with a Wedding Coordinator to book your vendors, discuss your desires and coordinate your special day. Coordinators are happy to steam your gown, zip up your dress, pin the boutonnieres and more. Coordinators also offer a complimentary cake cutting service.
Now, on to the actual wedding planning – and the first step is to pick the perfect time for your wedding.
Graceland has seasonal hours of operations, so you’ll want to check with the Special Events team to schedule your big day. Graceland typically offers weddings at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Evening weddings are available, too.
One of the best times of year to get married at Graceland is in the fall. The autumn leaves start turning in October, and the weather is close to perfect.
Another lovely time for a Graceland wedding is the springtime. The Chapel in the Woods is covered in beautiful pink, purple and white flowers, adding a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
While Memphis doesn’t typically get a lot of snow or extremely cold temperatures, it can get chilly – so be prepared if you want a winter wedding! You also may be lucky enough to see a rare snowfall in Memphis. If you choose to get married around the holidays, keep in mind that the Chapel and Graceland Mansion are decorated for Christmas from about a week before Thanksgiving through Elvis’ birthday on January 8.
January and August can get busy due to Elvis’ Birthday Celebration in January and Elvis Week in August. But don’t let the crowds stop you – these are still great times of the year to get married at Graceland.
Now, let’s talk about a few details.
What will you wear to your Graceland wedding?
Couples are welcome to wear any attire they wish – it is, after all, YOUR big day. We’ve had couples wear everything from traditional wedding attire to ball gowns to blue jeans. If it makes you feel comfortable, beautiful or bridal, wear it! (We do, however, ask that no one at your wedding dress up as or impersonate Elvis on the Graceland grounds. It's a respect thing - you get that, right?) Here are a few examples of traditional and non-traditional wedding wear we’ve seen at a few Graceland weddings:
If you want more ideas, check out our "Married at Graceland" photo gallery to see photos of weddings and vow renewals that have taken place at Graceland's Chapel in the Woods.
As the old saying goes, you need something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. The blue fits in perfectly at Graceland – this is the home of the man who sang “Blue Suede Shoes,” after all. Many couples wear blue suede shoes (or heels), and many brides work blue into their dresses, flowers or other accessories. We’ve seen grooms sport blue suits or vests, too.
How about an Elvis-inspired cake? We love this Graceland Gates cake.
Say, “Thank you, thank you very much” to your wedding guests or members of your party by gifting something Elvis and Graceland. We suggest Elvis-inspired shades, which make for a great photo op. Elvis purses are a fun replacement for flowers for your bridesmaids, too.
Don’t forget to show off your Elvis swag at your Graceland wedding. Be sure to mention your TCB earrings, rings or necklaces, or Elvis tattoo, or other Elvis accessories to your photographer so they can capture all of the details.
You can also have your first dance in the Chapel in the Woods courtyard, surrounded by blooming flowers, lush foliage and Elvis serenading you and your guests. “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” “Good Luck Charm,” “Love Me Tender”… there are plenty of sweet Elvis love songs to make your ceremony and reception perfect. You can also purchase an exclusive Chapel in the Woods CD that features some of Elvis’ best love songs.
Speaking of those extras, the Chapel currently offers Graceland-themed unity candles, memorial candles, champagne flutes, a “We Got Married at Graceland” bumper sticker and more. Learn more about the Chapel in the Woods' amenities.
If you want the full Elvis experience, consider hosting your reception at one of our brand new event venues. Our new entertainment complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis, will open on March 2, and the new automobile museum, Presley Motors, will be a unique and exciting venue for the perfect Elvis-inspired reception. Who doesn’t want to celebrate with the Pink Cadillac?
Did someone say Cadillac?
Ride off in style in our ’55 Cadillac for a two-hour Elvis-themed tour. Couples will experience Memphis highlights as they are chauffeured to such locations as Beale Street, Sun Studio and more. Hire a photographer to capture these iconic moments in the heart of Memphis.
Now that the wedding is all said and done, now comes… the honeymoon.
After you’ve married at Graceland, it only makes sense to kick off your honeymoon at The Guest House at Graceland. Located just steps away from Graceland, you and your guests can experience everything that Graceland has to offer. For a truly memorable honeymoon, consider booking any of the Elvis-themed suites! Contact The Guest House at Graceland for more information.
And if you have a special anniversary coming up, renew your vows at the king's castle! It's a fun way for Elvis fans to celebrate their marriage.
We hope we’ve given you just a few ideas for your Graceland wedding or renewal! Learn more about getting married at Graceland on Graceland.com, and click here to contact our Special Events Team. We can’t wait to see you get married at Graceland!