Best of Vegas: Elvis in Vegas

"Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine." - Elvis Presley

May 16, 2008

By Jake Gosselin
Bodog Nation Contributing Writer

For so many Elvis fans, it's a toss-up as to whether it would be better to vacation in Memphis and hit up Graceland or Vegas and do the Tour de Elvii.

For the die hard fan, we're going to roll over on this one and just admit that you'll probably be happier wandering around Graceland listening to an audio-guided tour comprising "this is where the King shot his TV set, and this is where he invented the Twinkie and corned beef sandwich."

But for the rest of us who are fascinated not only by Elvis Presley's music, life and persona, but by the circus that has become the modern interpretation of him, Vegas is the place to be.

The first thing many of you will be dying to know is: Where can I catch a quality Elvis impersonator?

Well, if you just hit it big at the Blackjack table, then you could simply hire one of these guys to follow you around. While we highly recommend this option, we understand that it's a little cost prohibitive.

Elvis Impersonator Shows

If want to enjoy the very best in Elvis impersonators, you'll want to check out Matt Lewis at the Legends in Concert show over at the Imperial Palace. Lewis performs along with several other top-notch impersonators, so if you're all about Elvis and only about Elvis, it might annoy you when a Madonna wannabe comes on and starts gyrating to "Like a Virgin."

If you don't want your Elvis watered down, check out Trent Carlini's show, The Dream King. Carlini cut his teeth over at the aforementioned Legends in Concert show. Now, he's working the Sahara with his own show.

Carlini begins the performance as a young Elvis with tunes like "Don't Be Cruel" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll." Then, he "Elvisvolves" into the army and the movie years. Then, he moves on to songs from his 1968 comeback special and finishes up in the 1970s white jumpsuit.

Married By Elvis

If you're going to get married in Vegas, you might as well do it properly with an Elvis minister.

The two main Elvis-dedicated chapels are Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel and Graceland Wedding Chapel.

Nothing can make for sweeter nuptials than the velvet voice of the King. (AP Images)

Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel has plenty of Elvis-themed wedding packages like the Pink Caddy wedding, in which Elvis drives the bride up to the chapel in a pink caddy before marrying her. Or, there's also the Elvis Blue Hawaii wedding, in which the King sings while a hula dancer does her thing to lend ambience. Or maybe you're more of a 1950s Elvis fan, in which case you might want the Elvis in Doo Wop Diner ceremony where Elvis serenades the bride and groom in a 1950s diner before marrying them.

The Graceland Wedding Chapel must be doing something right when it comes to their Elvis weddings. They boast a good list of celebrities who've been wed there, including Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jay Leno.

Planet Hollywood and Las Vegas Hilton also have their versions of the Elvis wedding, but they aren't quite as dedicated to being completely saturated in Elvisness.

Still Want More Elvis?

You can be sure to get in some more Elvis action at the Stratosphere with the American Superstars. It's another multiple-personality tribute show that includes some rock solid Elvising along the same lines as the Legends in Concert Series. While the cast of performers rotate, Elvis is a staple of the show.

If you can't get enough Elvis, you'll find a few kindred spirits in Vegas. (AP Images)

There is also Big Elvis over at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. Big Elvis is not only free, but he’s one of the last remaining lounge acts in Vegas

And let's not forget about the famous Madam Tussaud's Interactive Wax Attraction. You'll find all sorts of creepily realistic wax replicas including the King himself.

If you're looking for Elvis memorabilia, then the Las Vegas Hilton has you covered. Elvis played 837 sold-out shows there and the hotel is obviously still proud of his association with them. To this day, their gift shops are filled with all things Elvis.

And finally, if you still haven't had your fill of Elvis, then you'll want to head to the Hilton's Imperial Palace Auto Collection which has Elvis' 1976 Cadillac El Dorado Coup.

TOP PHOTO: Elvis Presley impersonator.