Michigan minister performs weddings as Elvis impersonator

Michigan minister performs weddings as Elvis impersonator

Apr 28 04:40 PM US/Eastern

 

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) - You don't need to go to Las Vegas any more to get hitched in an Elvis-themed wedding chapel. There's a minister in Michigan taking that act on the road.

"We bring a little of the Vegas experience to them," says Greg Jaqua, an Elvis tribute artist.

Jaqua was ordained through the Universal Life Church a number of years ago, but recently renewed his licence after realizing he could combine his talents to serve a niche market.

"A couple of years ago, someone told me he and his fiancee wanted to go to Las Vegas and be married by Elvis, but they couldn't go," he said. "I got the idea for this several years ago and started doing weddings last year."

Jaqua said he has performed three Elvis weddings in his mobile wedding chapel so far.

Jaqua, who has been making his living as an Elvis tribute performer for about 12 years, got his start playing guitar in a band backing up another Elvis impersonator.

When he was casting about for ways to supplement his income, the wedding chapel seemed like a natural way to do it.

His first appearance as Elvis came in 1995 when he was asked to perform at a 40th birthday party. He has appeared at a number of festivals and events, and was crowned grand champion of the 2005 Michigan Elvis Fest Impersonator Contest.

LOCATION:
Allen Park, Michigan

TRAVEL RADIUS:
Will travel up to 500 miles from Allen Park, MI.

SURROUNDING AREA:
Lincoln Park, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale, Dearborn, Detroit, Ecorse, Southgate, Taylor, River Rouge, Wyandotte, Inkster, Garden City, Trenton, Grosse Ile, Romulus, Wayne, Redford, Westland, Drayton Plains, Flat Rock, Livonia, WINDSOR, Rockwood, Canton, AMHERSTBURG, New Boston, Belleville, Hamtramck, Davisburg, Ferndale.

PRIMARY CATEGORY:
Elvis Impersonator

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES:
Impersonator, Singing Telegram

AVAILABLE FOR:
Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christmas Parties, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fraternity Functions, Fund Raisers, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Ski Lodges, Sorority Function, Studio Session, TV Soundtracks, Weddings

Greg Jaqua

PERFORMING SINCE:
1974

PAY RANGE:
$250-$5000 per event

INFLUENCES:
ELVIS!!! Who else is there?