Ron Decar is the founder and original visionary behind
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel - the chapel that transformed the traditional Vegas wedding and helped turn themed ceremonies into a worldwide phenomenon.
A Kansas City native trained at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music, Ron built his career on stage before ever stepping into a wedding chapel. After performing in regional theater and national productions, he arrived in Las Vegas in the 1980s and quickly became a featured vocalist on the Strip. He appeared in production shows at the Flamingo Hilton and Las Vegas Hilton before beginning a celebrated 14-year run as emcee and principal singer in the legendary Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. Entertainment wasn’t just his career — it was his craft.
In the mid-1990s, while working as a wedding singer and Elvis minister throughout Las Vegas, Ron saw an opportunity. Most chapels offered traditional, by-the-book ceremonies. Ron imagined something bigger -- weddings as full productions, filled with personality, theatrical effects, immersive themes, and unapologetic Vegas flair.
When he opened Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, he became the first to truly spotlight
themed weddings in Las Vegas. From fantasy-inspired ceremonies to over-the-top Elvis experiences — complete with dramatic lighting, fog effects, custom sets, and a pink Cadillac entrance — Ron redefined what “I do” could look like. What began as a bold risk soon influenced chapels across the city.
He also led with inclusivity and heart. Long before it was legally recognized in Nevada, Ron proudly offered same-sex commitment ceremonies, welcoming couples who simply wanted to celebrate their love. At a time when many businesses hesitated, Viva’s doors were open to everyone.
Ron’s journey, however, wasn’t without doubt. He often laughs about his very first wedding, when a bride looked at him and said, “You don’t look anything like Elvis,” and promptly fired him. He remembers thinking, This is never going to work.
More than 26 years later — and after performing well over 100,000 ceremonies — it’s safe to say it did.
While the awards and national television appearances brought recognition, Ron says his proudest accomplishment is the longevity of the chapel and the loyalty of the team who helped build it. Several key staff members have been with the company for more than two decades, even remaining through its transition in ownership. To Ron, that loyalty speaks louder than any headline. Viva, he says, has its own energy — a spirit that keeps evolving but always returns to its roots: fun, freedom, and unforgettable moments.
After more than two decades at the helm, Ron sold the chapel to Vegas Weddings, but didn’t leave the chapel. Instead, he returned full-time to what he loves most: performing as Elvis and other characters in the Viva world of themed weddings. Today, he’s busier than ever, free from the demands of ownership and focused entirely on the spotlight, the music, and the couples in front of him.
With over 40 years of continuous performance in Las Vegas and a legacy that helped reshape the wedding industry, Ron Decar remains one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in Vegas weddings.
For him, every ceremony is still opening night. And the show — just like the love stories he celebrates — goes on.
