Our Vegas Elopement: A Night to Remember

30-some years ago my husband Jon and I eloped on a swelteringly unbearable night in July at exactly 11:30 p.m. in Las Vegas.

My mother and I had shopped for my dress about five months before we even set a date (honestly, I don’t think we had one yet). I found a stunning gown on the sale rack at a mall in Los Angeles; it needed minor alterations but otherwise perfect. Jon scored his tuxedo (complete with tails) at Aardvark’s on Melrose Avenue, a local resale shop. Originally, we planned to wed in Montana, where I’m from, but a rough family argument led to the suggestion that we elope to keep things simple.

So, we did. Jon’s friend Benny recommended The Little White Chapel, and it felt perfect.

Our wedding clothes were ready, hanging in the closet. We invited Jon’s brother Steve, his girlfriend Jackie, Benny, and my friend Linda to join us. The next morning, we hit the road for Vegas.

Looking back, it was a bit wild. We stopped by Jon’s mom Teresa’s house around 10 a.m. to share the news. She insisted we all eat spaghetti before continuing our journey. From what I recall, Linda and Benny rode with Jon and me. Jackie had prior commitments and flew into Vegas, while Steve might have driven separately—or maybe he was with us? It’s been so long, I’m fuzzy on that detail. Either way, Jackie and Steve were our witnesses when we applied for our marriage license at the courthouse. We booked our chapel appointment, and from there, Jackie and Linda helped me get ready. The guys were in another room. Benny and Steve slipped off to gamble, leaving Jon to nap, but they didn’t return in time to wake him. (We had planned on a 9 p.m. wedding at the chapel). Jon occasionally jokes about missing out on a bachelor party, but I think it’s for the best. (I didn’t have a bridal shower either, and I’ve never regretted it.)

The photographs and video from our wedding are beyond priceless. We have just a few photos from that night and a DIY VHS* video recorded by the chapel’s officiant herself.

I’m deeply grateful for what we have. These memories are treasures for our children and, hopefully, our grandchildren someday. I love that they can see us as young, vibrant, and full of dreams—maybe even as clever as they are! (Though not clever enough to hire a photographer, ugh.) Those documented moments offer a perspective on life that would otherwise be lost.

For Jon, me, and our kids, these photos and videos spark happy tears and laughter. (The HAIR, though!) When we married, we didn’t realize how much these would matter later. Recently, a cousin sent us a short amateur video from an “after-elopement” party. It’s the only record of that day, and I’ve made sure to back it up on multiple hard drives and share it with our kids for safekeeping.

If I’d known then how much these memories would mean…

You won’t regret flipping through your wedding album, gazing at a framed photo of you and your spouse kissing, or watching a touching moment on video with your kids or grandkids. You’ll be amazed at how time flies—and maybe a little choked up.

Even if you choose someone else to capture your memories, do it. At our elopement party, my Uncle Mike showed up with a keg of beer, wine, champagne, and a brand-new camera.

I suspect he bought that camera just for our wedding. He never said so, but knowing his sometimes boisterous, often misunderstood ways—and after he gave us the camera, claiming he had no use for it—I understood. Uncle Mike has since passed, and I never properly thanked him. (If you can hear me now, Uncle Mike, from the bottom of my heart—thank you.)

My parents, Jon, and me, captured by Uncle Mike at our elopement party.

A couple of days after the wedding, my mom booked a photography session at a local studio. Jon and I put on our wedding clothes again for professional photos. I have more pictures from that session, and when I find the time, I’ll dig through them and maybe create a gallery here.

This brings me to a crucial point: GET COPIES of your photographs! Don’t rely solely on digital versions. Send some to relatives and friends or post them online, because you never know. I’ve lost count of the flash drives and crashed hard drives I’ve mourned over the years. It’s heartbreaking. Keep prints, store photos online, and share copies with loved ones—just in case. These memories are priceless to you and you alone.

The same goes for video. Get copies, prints, albums, and framed art of your beautiful day and your incredible life. Your children and grandchildren will thank you for documenting it with care, and you’ll be glad you did for years to come.

God bless you and your beautiful future. Remember to love always. Your wedding, whether grand or humble, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. While you’re in it, feel it deeply—let it sink into your bones and soul. Photographs and videos are wonderful, but the truest memories live in how you experience the moment.

Life is precious. Praise God for such a miracle! Cherish it always.

<3 Patti

P.S. VHS, for those too young to know, is a videotape format from the pre-digital era. Innovative for its time, it’s fragile—prone to melting, warping, and tearing.

P.P.S. I’ll update this post if I ever find my hard copies of our wedding photos. Stay tuned!