60’s-Inspired Elopement at Sure Thing Chapel

When Katrina and Emmanuele reached out about their 60’s inspired elopement in Las Vegas, I knew it was going to be something rad. Both from Florida and both photography and film enthusiasts, they had a super clear vision for their day—vintage 60’s vibes, very Priscilla Presley inspired, and all captured on film for that dreamy, documentary feel. Their elopement started with a ceremony at Sure Thing Chapel, followed by portraits with the chapel’s classic red convertible, and then we made our way to Dino’s for more photos. Every detail was intentional, stylish, and cool in that effortlessly retro way.

Katrina and Emmanuele’s 60s-inspired elopement at Sure Thing Chapel

Walking into Sure Thing Chapel felt like stepping straight into the 60s. Think pink velvet curtains, a retro heart-shaped altar, rows of pastel pink chairs, and vintage touches everywhere you look. Katrina and Emmanuele fit right into the scene with their perfectly curated attire: she wore a Priscilla-inspired gown with lace sleeves, dramatic veil, and baby’s breath bouquet, while he rocked a chocolate brown suit, patterned tie, and vintage glasses. Katrina’s look was tied together flawlessly with hair and makeup by Atomic Style Lounge, who nailed that vintage glam to complete her 60s-inspired bridal vibe.

Sure Thing is a dream for a 60s inspired elopement (or any vintage-inspired wedding). The chapel itself is packed with character. From the vintage analog photobooth to the baby blue bathroom that’s become a cult-favorite backdrop. We wandered all around, taking advantage of every corner.

Vintage Wheels for a 60s Inspired Elopement Look

After portraits inside, we headed outside to the real showstopper: the classic cherry red convertible. Honestly, adding that car into the mix was such a gorgeous move on their part. It tied their vision together flawlessly and gave us the coolest editorial-style portraits.

The timing of day couldn’t have been better. Shooting just before noon gave us that cool blue of the morning sky, kissed with the warmth of a new day’s sun. On 35mm film (Portra 160 + 400), the light felt airy and fresh, adding this perfect glow to their already nostalgic look. Between her dress, the convertible, and the atmosphere, everything aligned to create a true 60s moment.

Photos at Dino’s — Vegas’ Classic Dive Bar

For their second location, Katrina and Emmanuele wanted something authentic and a little gritty. Something that matched their film-loving, vintage style. We had talked about diners or bars, but since it was a Sunday morning and brunch spots were packed, Dino’s ended up being the perfect choice.

Dino’s has been around for decades, a true Vegas classic. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating, and the space delivered everything we hoped for. Between the glowing bar, the casual beers, and the shimmering tinsel backdrop, it was such a vibe and felt like it was made for them. A huge thank you to Dinos for letting us photograph in their iconic space and we wish them a speedy recovery back to business! It added the perfect finishing touch to their day.

Planning Your Own Vintage-Inspired Elopement?

Katrina and Emmanuele’s day was the perfect example of how a clear vision and love for the details can make an elopement feel like pure art. From their Priscilla-inspired style to the decision to have everything photographed on 35mm film, every choice reflected who they are. That’s exactly the kind of storytelling I love—working with couples who are drawn to film, who care about the details, and who want their day to feel intentional and stylish.

Las Vegas is one of the best places to bring a vintage-inspired elopement to life. Between chapels like Sure Thing, classic cars, neon signs, and local gems like Dino’s, the city has endless backdrops that create a timeless yet gritty aesthetic. If this kind of look and feel speaks to you, you can learn more about me and my approach here. If you think we’d be a good fit, inquire with me.

To see more Las Vegas weddings and elopements (plus some beyond because I love to travel, too,) then check out the blog!

Kind Words From Katrina & Emmanuele:

“We booked with Cruz about a month out from our last-minute Vegas elopement plans and I’m so glad we were able to book with her because I had loved some of the photos she’d shot beforehand and she absolutely delivered when it came time to see our photos. Cruz was very friendly and professional from start to end and was very responsive via email and video calls. In person, her and her husband were so disarming, which was such a relief. My husband and I were pretty nervous to have photos taken (we never take photos together since we’re usually behind the camera, not in front of it), but Cruz was able to work with our photo references and make us feel so at ease. We LOVED the photos we received, and our friends are obsessed with them, too. She perfectly captured that 60s retro vibe we were aiming for. She shot about 4 rolls of film over the 1.5 hours we booked her, and we were so impressed with how many amazing photos she got at the various locations we shot at. We highly recommend Cruz!!!”

Cruz Valentin Photography | Las Vegas Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Photography details:

35mm Film Photography

Vendors:

Chapel: @surethingchapel | HMUA: @atomicstylelounge | Photography: @cruzvalentinphoto | Bar: @dinoslv