A Neon Museum Elopement with Elvis, Tattoos, and Vegas Lights
There’s something iconic about Vegas. The lights, the chaos, the freedom to do things your own way. For Donna (she/her) and Ruth (she/her), that energy was exactly what they wanted for their wedding day. After meeting in a Manchester pub and getting engaged twice, once in Bali and once back where their story began, the couple traded tradition for adventure.
They road-tripped down the West Coast, said “I do” under the glowing signs of The Neon Museum, and sealed it all with matching tattoos. With Elvis officiating, cowboy boots, and bespoke “Love Struck” jackets, their elopement captured everything they love most: travel, music, and doing life together on their own terms.
How did your love story unfold?
We met in a green-tiled pub in Manchester on a crisp November afternoon and shared our first kiss outside Bridgewater Hall that same night.
Two years later, in Bali, Donna proposed, and later Ruth surprised her with a second proposal back where it all began.
Our rings from South Jewellery each hold a shard of the same sea glass, symbols of love shaped by time.
We married on May 1, 2025, at The Neon Museum in Las Vegas after a three-week West Coast road trip, ending our adventure with a quiet moment at the Grand Canyon before heading home to our pup, Stanley.
Why did you decide to elope?
With family spread between Australia and the UK, a traditional wedding would’ve meant asking loved ones to travel nearly 10,000 miles, something that just didn’t feel fair or feasible.
So, we chose to elope in Las Vegas, just the two of us. It was simple, stress-free, and completely right for us.
We still get to celebrate with everyone we love. Two receptions, one in the UK and one in Australia. Three countries, two cakes, and seven months of celebration feels pretty perfect.
What drew you to the Neon Museum for your elopement?
We were completely captivated by the vibe. The vintage signs, the colours, the history. It just felt right.
Neither of us had a personal connection to the museum or even to Vegas, but there was something iconic about it. Getting married by Elvis surrounded by neon lights felt bold, a little wild, and exactly the kind of energy we wanted for our day.
How did your family and friends react when you decided to elope?
The reactions were mixed. Some were thrilled, others a little heartbroken. Donna’s best friend cried, and her dad took it the hardest.
We considered inviting a few people, but every version felt unfair or too complicated. With family and friends spread across the world, we didn’t want anyone to feel pressured to travel or spend beyond their means.
In the end, we chose us. No schedules, no expectations, just the two of us doing what felt right. And it was perfect.
Walk us through your elopement day. What moments stand out most?
We started the day with room service breakfast at The Venetian before our glam squad from Amelia C & Co. – Amiee and Karen – turned our suite into a mini beauty studio. Donna was chatty and nervous, Ruth was calm and steady. It felt just like the first time we met.
At The Neon Museum, Elvis (the legendary Rockin’ Roland) was everything you’d expect: chaotic, hilarious, and perfect. Our photographer Pablo Zanardi and videographer Joel Kinder made us feel so comfortable, and the whole ceremony was pure fun.
Afterward, we explored downtown for portraits, stopped at a record store, got matching tattoos, and ended the night in a karaoke Uber, singing our hearts out under disco lights. It was perfectly, wildly us.
How did you make your elopement feel personal?
Every detail was chosen just for us. My bouquet included native Australian flowers and bunny tails, a nod to my childhood. I also wore my late mum’s perfume as my “something borrowed.”
Ruth wore wedding socks printed with our dog’s face, so he was part of the day too.
We had matching “Love Struck” jackets by Niamh Designs and anchor tattoos on our ring fingers, symbols of strength, love, and forever.
How did you find your vendors?
After chatting with a few vendors, we knew right away that Cactus Collective Weddings was the perfect fit. We wanted something fun and stress-free, and they made everything feel effortless.
They recommended everyone from our glam team to our driver, and their photographer and videographer, Pablo Zanardi and Joel Kinder, were incredible.
Pablo felt like a friend from the start. He understood us, celebrated us, and captured every moment with so much heart.
Would you do it all again the same way?
Absolutely. We wouldn’t change a single thing.
Photography by Pablo Zanardi Weddings and Elopements Photo Video
Accessories Dia Studios, The Lucky Sixpence, Lucy Can’t Dance, Hustle and Holler & Joiuss
Celebrant Rockin’ Roland
Dress Designer Dolly and Dotty
Hair Stylist Karen from Amelia C & Co.
Jackets Niamh Designs
Makeup Aimee from Amelia C & Co.
Rings South Jewellery
Venue The Neon Museum
Videography Joel Kinder
Wedding Planner Cactus Collective Weddings
