Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Celebrity Weddings Madame Tussauds (Paparazzi Not Included)

Unbelieveable as it may sound, did you know that on average, George Clooney gets married at least 200 times a day? Well, maybe not in real-life, but at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, he does.

Over 500,000 visitors flock to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas per year – perhaps to see and interact with the displays unique to the city such as “Marry Clooney,” “Get in Bed with Hef,” “Dunk on Shaq,” “Turn Blue (Blue Man Group) Experience” and “The King Returns” where you hear Elvis speak one more time.

On top of these “Only-in-Vegas” experiences, Madame Tussauds has added another service to its growing list of attractions.

Not content with just marrying Clooney? Or maybe you’d like to have Clooney and also seal the deal with your true love – then, they might have the thing for you. You can now organize to have your own wedding at the attraction, with an option to also hold a wedding reception in its Spirit of America Room. Event Manager Karen Kugler adds, “Anything is possible. I customize every event to cater to specific requests. We could do a reception for as little as 50 people, or a sit-down dinner for 200 guests.” (A basic cocktail reception for 50 people falls within the $6,000 price-range.)

The service will be held in the “In Your Dreams” wedding chapel inside Madame Tussauds (currently home to the “Marry Clooney” experience). In addition to guests being able to slip on a wedding dress to marry Hollywood’s infamous bachelor, couples will now be able to say their vows for-real.

Hankering for some stars to grace your most special day? Well, select celebrity guests are available and on-call, just waiting for your invitation. You have a choice of tinseltown power-couple ‘Brangelina’ – (aka Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), golden couple Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett or the ultimate pop couple, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe.

Rosita Chapman, Head of Marketing at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, adds “We’ll consider special requests of certain figures, but on a case-by-case basis. There are lots of other unique wedding services being offered here in Vegas and we’d love to be a part of that and think that this is a great opportunity to share the attraction in a different way.”

In addition to the star-wattage on-loan, two other guests, aside from the bride and groom, can attend the wedding service – for your Maid of Honor and Best Man. Additional guests will be charged a discounted rate of $16.50, from the $24 general admission fee, though note that seniors and children aged 7-12, have further discounted rates.

And while the rest of the celebrities might send their ‘regrets,’ unable to attend your ceremony, the bridal party will be able to tour the rest of the attraction, as well as take pictures. Hugh Hefner holed-up at the mansion? Then get ‘in bed’ with him instead; even recluse Michael Jackson will make an exception for you, we’re sure.

There are over 27 high-profile actors and actresses – from Arnold Schwarzenegger to John Wayne; over 30 musicians ranging from Prince and Madonna to crooners Sammy Davis, Jr and Dean Martin; plus world leaders, sports stars and more. In all, there are over 100 wax figures to pose and interact with.

As part of the wedding package, your wedding will also be immortalized – in video, this time, not wax; and while we can’t promise the experience of being hounded by the paparazzi, a professional photographer will be on-site to capture your special day.

To kick-off this new service, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas will present one lucky couple a once-in-a-lifetime (at least we hope!) wedding opportunity complete with rec-eption for up to 30 people.

Just a word of warning – while the marriage to Clooney is not binding, yours will be. At best, you can only hope and cross your fingers that your marriage will have the staying-power of these celebrities immortalized in wax. The staff at Madame Tussauds hope you’ll be back for your 50th wedding anniversary.

-Rachel M. Sugay

Madame Tussauds
Las Vegas 3377 Las Vegas Boulevard South (located on the moving walkway on the Las Vegas Strip in front of The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino). Open daily, fall hours are 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. through Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat.. (Please call to verify opening hours.) General Admission, $25; Seniors, $18, Students, $17; Children, ages 7-12, $14; children 6 and under are free. 862-7800. www.mtvegas.com