Superstition Mountain/Lost Dutchman Museum

In his famous 1960 ballad “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” Elvis Presley murmurs, “Someone said that the world is a stage and we must each play a part. Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart.” Well, fate may have been his casting director in 1960, but in 1969, it was writer-director Charles Marquis Warren who cast him in the Western film, Charro!. 

Graceland may preserve the life of the King, but the Elvis Memorial Chapel at the Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction, Arizona memorializes his work in Charro!, the only film in which Elvis did not sing and played a dramatic role. It was also one of very few films that featured Elvis donning a beard. In the film, a specially-made steeple was built atop a chapel so it could be blown off during an explosion. But, 56 years later, visitors are still having a blast at this chapel (c’mon, that pun was dynamite). 

The chapel was originally housed (church-ed?) at Apacheland Movie Ranch, which was the site of two devastating fires: one in 1969 and one in 2004. Unfortunately the 2004 fire decimated Apacheland, and the Elvis Memorial Chapel and a barn were the only buildings that survived. The ranch was closed, and both buildings were carefully disassembled, moved, and reconstructed at their current homes at the Lost Dutchman Museum.

Inside the chapel, Western movie memorabilia decorate the walls, and visitors can find a life-size Elvis figure at the altar (though, if they want to hear a velvety rendition of “Amazing Grace,” they’ll have to sing it themselves). In addition to a spot for tourists to check out, for those who can’t help falling in love, the Elvis Memorial Chapel is also available daily for weddings, elopements, and vow renewals. Those booking have a “with Elvis or without” option when booking. Unfortunately, the Elvis figure is not ordained.