Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s Wedding Ceremony Didn’t Satisfy Them
Elvis and Priscilla Presley were one of the most famous couples in the history of classic rock, however, that doesn’t mean their wedding was perfect. Looking back on her wedding in the 1980s, Priscilla had some regrets about it. Here’s a look at Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding — and how it remained a secret.
How Elvis and Priscilla Presley kept their wedding a secret
According to Vogue, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, had an elaborate plan for maintaining the secrecy of the wedding. Elvis and Priscilla, as well as guests, would arrive at Elvis’ Palm Springs home. From there, they would head to the airport. Guests took a chartered plane while Elvis and Priscilla took Frank Sinatra’s private jet to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, Elvis and Priscilla obtained a marriage license at the Las Vegas Courthouse. The ceremony was to place at the Aladdin Hotel. The group had to enter a rear entrance of the hotel so as not to be spotted by fans or the media.
The couple were married at the Aladdin in a suite that was filled with flowers and candles. About 14 people were present. Nevada Supreme Court Judge David Zenoff presided over the ceremony. Joe Esposito and Marty Lacker were Elvis’ best men while Priscilla’s sister, Michelle, was her maid of honor. Two photographers took photos of the ceremony.
Elvis wore a black tuxedo and cowboy boots. In his hair, he had wires to support his pompadour style. Priscilla wore a simple dress with long, lace sleeves. After the ceremony, Parker scheduled a press conference which Elvis and Priscilla attended before heading to the reception.
What Priscilla Presley would have changed about her wedding to Elvis
In her 1985 book Elvis and Me, Priscilla reflected on her wedding day. Because of Parker’s arrangements, there was a lot of moving people from place to place in secret and early in the morning. She described, “Elvis and I followed the Colonel’s plan, but as we raced through the day we both thought that if we had to do it over again, we would have given ourselves more time.” She says she and Elvis were upset that “friends and relatives ended up being shuffled around.”
Also, the room at the Aladdin “was too small to hold” their entourage and their wives. But it was too late for the room to be switched to a larger one. Looking back, Priscilla wished she said “Wait a minute, this is our wedding, fans or no fans, press or no press. Let us invite whomever we want, and have it wherever we want!”
Furthermore, she was disappointed because the ceremony was so quick. “It seemed that as soon as the ceremony began, it was over.” Priscilla regretted she was unable to share a bit of time with Elvis on their wedding day. She revealed “I would have given anything for one moment alone with my husband. But we were immediately rushed out for a photo session, then a nationwide press conference, and finally, a reception, with more photographers.” While her wedding is famous, Priscilla wanted things to go a bit differently on her special day.
