Have you heard of the 24 Hour Church of Elvis? If you’re a lover of Elvis Presley, then make this a stop on your next visit. Open 12pm-5pm everyday (despite its name), the Church of Elvis is packed full of Elvis kitsch and memorabilia as well as coin-operated “art”. This has been a staple of Portland since 1985, though it has been revamped and moved locations three times since its inception.
The Church of Elvis is a shrine, art exhibit, shop and wedding chapel. You can get a real legal wedding performed by shop owner (not Elvis) for just $25. The basic package includes wedding march, fashion twirl, testimonial time, inspirational message, touching legalization of the vows, kiss, first dance and traditional sidewalk parade. Extras can be had for, well, extra. Elvis (the street performer) will sing for $25, you can even get magnets and invitations made if you want to make it a classier affair.
For a mere $5, you can get a fake/non-legal marriage which includes wedding rings, marriage certificate, use of bridal veil and trip around the block with just married sign and cans. If you want to commemorate the moment with a photo, add an additional $2.50. What a fun way to remember your visit to Portland!
Even if you don’t want to get married, you can show up with a handful of quarters and get an eyeful of moving art. Admission to the Church of Elvis is free though. Keep art – and your love of the King – alive by visiting this Portland icon. Thank you. Thank you, very much.
Where to find it:
408 N.W. Couch St.
(503) 226-3671
Want more budget travel tips for Portland and beyond? Join me on my blog, Shereen Travels Cheap.
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