Fewer people are tying the knot in the Las Vegas valley

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Many people know Las Vegas as, "The Marriage Capital of the World."

However, in Clark County, marriage rates are declining. According to data from the Clark County Clerk's Office:

• In 2007, the county issued 107,899 marriage licenses.

• In 2018, the county issued 74,535 marriage licenses.

“Yeah, and I’m not sure why that is," Brendan Paul said.

Paul is the owner of the Graceland Wedding Chapel in downtown Las Vegas. Since the 1990's, he says he's married tens of thousands of couples.

Marriage rates across America are also declining. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that the U.S. marriage rate sits around 50%.

While fewer people may be tying the knot in Las Vegas and around America, Paul says he's noticed more people are coming by his wedding chapel to partake in another ceremony: to renew their vows.

"Some people come in here, 25 years, 50 years, it's a big thing," he said. "Others go, we've been married about three-and-a-half years, it's just like, random. They're here, they're in love, and they want to do something that is kind of memorable. So, we tap into that, which has been fantastic for us."

Down Las Vegas Blvd. at A Little White Wedding Chapel, wedding coordinator Martha Cruz says she's noticed the same thing.

"We see a lot of people renewing their vows for 50 years," she said.

Even though the numbers show fewer people are getting married, Cruz says from her perspective, she hasn't noticed significantly less business.

"We are always busy, yes. All the time. Morning, afternoon, we close at midnight," she said. "I haven't seen a change."

Both of these chapels offer many creative wedding packages and services. From having, "Elvis," marry a couple, to a drive-through wedding, to a helicopter wedding, Paul says they must stay creative in order to keep business coming through the door.

"You have to, otherwise you just sit there," he said. "Some chapels do two weddings a day. We do four an hour."

Despite the decline in marriage rates, these two industry professionals still think Las Vegas is the Marriage Capital of the World.