Las Vegas Marries the Military Honors Veterans with Free Weddings and Renewals

The Vegas Wedding Chamber hosted its annual Las Vegas Marries the Military celebration on Thursday, November 6, 2025, honoring service members and their partners with complimentary weddings and vow renewals. Seven couples, each with one or both partners currently or retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, were selected to participate, representing multiple military branches.

Following their ceremonies, the couples and guests gathered for a festive reception at the Vegas Event Center, with a buffet-style dinner, champagne toast, wedding cake and DJ entertainment. Professional photographers and videographers captured the festivities, which were elevated through the generosity of more than 45 Las Vegas wedding vendors and venues who donated their time, services and expertise.

In the Marriage Capital of the World, each couple celebrated not only their love story, but also their shared commitment to service. 

Las Vegas Marries the Military: Couple Spotlights

Jason and Shirley Robinson

Jason and Shirley met during a U.S.A.F. retraining course in Biloxi, Mississippi, and quickly fell in love despite being stationed in different states. After a long-distance romance—and a motorcycle accident that left him injured while she cared for him—he knew she was the one. 

They married at midnight on February 14, 2004, on the steps of San Antonio’s Bexar County courthouse as snow began to fall. After years of deployment, training and three kids, they finally enjoyed the wedding celebration they had always hoped for, renewing their vows at Paradise Wedding Chapel.

“Walking down the aisle and seeing my husband…I almost broke down, but I couldn’t ruin my makeup,” Shirley recalls.

Andre and Esther Taylor

What began as a workplace friendship at the U.S. Post Office grew into a lasting bond. Andre and Esther married in Las Vegas in 2002, but left with no photos of that ceremony. Recently, they renewed their vows at the Stirling Club, celebrating a love that has endured every challenge. 

“When you love someone, you go through hard times,” says Esther. “But when you know that’s the one for you, you know.”

Andre served nine years in the U.S. Army as an automation specialist, rising to Sergeant and earning the Good Conduct Medal. Esther owns the Las Vegas franchise of The Sports Bra, a forthcoming women’s sports bar. 

Mike and Kris Gray

Mike and Kris originally married at the courthouse in 2019, hoping for a later wedding in Graceland, but the pandemic postponed their plans twice. Six years later, they finally renewed their vows with Elvis on their anniversary at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. 

“I loved arriving in a pink Cadillac,” says Kris. “That’s so Vegas.”

Mike, a third-generation Marine and former Ammo Tech, now mentors young men considering military service. Kris is an astrologer and paranormal investigator who appears as a spiritual advisor on the online series THREE Vegas.

Nicolet and Billy Porter, Jr.

After a first date at a Red Lobster in rural Alabama, Nicolet and Billy built a life together. They later moved to Las Vegas so Billy could pursue his Air Force career and Nicolet transferred to UNLV to complete her degree. 

They quietly married on the Strip, postponing the wedding she had always imagined. Fifteen years and four children later, they finally celebrated their dream wedding at the Little Church of the West. 

“It’s never too late to celebrate your love,” says Billy. “Seeing her walk down the aisle…I never knew it would make me feel the way it did.”

Billy, an E-5 in the Air Force for more than 16 years, completed four overseas deployments and follows in the footsteps of his father, a Purple Heart recipient. He earned many awards for his service, including the Air and Space Overseas Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Todd Pope and Jessica Hulitt

Todd and Jessica’s love story began on TikTok, where an instant connection grew into a long distance relationship rooted in shared humor, compassion and values. They married at the Hitchin’ Post Wedding Chapel, embracing the spontaneity Las Vegas is known for. 

“We didn’t have to worry about anyone else,” says Jessica. “We just enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest.”

Tod proudly served more than a decade in the U.S. Navy, continuing his family’s legacy of military service.

Jordan Leinweber-Berg and Marieh Roberts

High-school prom dates turned lifelong partners, Jordan and Marieh reunited in Washington after life led them down separate paths. Surrounded by family, they exchanged vows at the Little Chapel of Hearts. 

“Seeing her walk through the door…trying to hold back tears was difficult,” says Jordan. “She was beautiful.”

Inspired by his uncle, Jordan enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18, rising to Corporal and serving as a motor transport operator and combat marksmanship coach.

Wyan Dunn and Vernelle Taylor

In 2023, Wyan and Vernelle met by chance through a mutual friend, sparking a whirlwind romance as they bonded over travel and shared adventures. They married at the Love Story Wedding Chapel, accompanied by loved ones.

Years from now, Vernelle will remember this day as “Joyous—you couldn’t ask for better. We’re grateful to everyone involved.”

Wyan served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a weather forecaster, earning multiple awards including the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.