A vibrant and mobile chapel designed for whirlwind weddings is bringing a touch of Las Vegas glamour to Ibiza. This playful initiative, named Little Ibiza White Chapel, was unveiled by Ibiza’s Town Hall at the fountain in the Parque de la Paz. The event has been organised to commemorate Valentine’s Day with a light-hearted and romantic celebration. Over the course of two days, this travelling chapel will make its way through various locations in the heart of Ibiza Town, inviting couples and individuals who embrace love to take part in a spontaneous wedding experience.
Residents and visitors alike will have to keep an eye out as they stroll through the city streets and browse local shops in search of this unique ‘chapel of love’. Unlike traditional wedding ceremonies, this experience is all about fun, spontaneity, and a bit of theatrical flair, adding an unexpected and cheerful touch to the usual Valentine’s Day celebrations.
A unique way to boost local commerce
The Town Hall’s Councillor for Commerce and Markets, Àlex Minchiotti, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that Little Ibiza White Chapel is “one of the most entertaining activities ever organised by the Town Hall”. Beyond its playful and engaging nature, the initiative also aims to promote local commerce. According to Minchiotti, the event has been strategically designed to encourage foot traffic in different commercial areas of the city.
To further incentivise participation, those who visit local shops along the chapel’s route will have the opportunity to enter a special prize draw. “Shoppers who make a purchase at participating stores will be eligible to win a hamper filled with local products”, Minchiotti explained. “In total, ten of these hampers will be given away as part of the celebration”. This creative approach seamlessly blends festive fun with support for local businesses, making it a win-win for both residents and retailers.
The route of the ‘Little Ibiza White Chapel’
The pop-up wedding experience follows a carefully planned route across different neighbourhoods of the town. On the first day, the event kicks off at Mercat Nou, a bustling marketplace known for its fresh produce and local delicacies. From there, the chapel will make its way through the Es Pratet district, continue along the Abel Matutes Boulevard, and eventually loop back to Mercat Nou to conclude the day’s journey.
On Valentine’s Day itself, the final day of the event, the chapel will once again depart from Mercat Nou before heading towards the Sa Capelleta neighbourhood, then continuing along Vía Romana and Avenida de España. The last stop will be the lively Plaça de Sa Graduada, where the chapel will remain stationary for an extended period. “It’s a well-trafficked area with several bars, making it the perfect location for people to gather and enjoy the event”, Minchiotti remarked.
A ceremony with a theatrical twist
Unlike conventional ceremonies, the unions performed at this chapel are purely symbolic, meant for fun rather than legal recognition. The master of ceremonies for this unique event is none other than the renowned Ibizan comedian, Jesús Rumbo. Adding a touch of theatricality to the experience, Rumbo will officiate the weddings dressed in a striking fuchsia pink suit—a flamboyant homage to the legendary Elvis Presley.
The ceremonies will take place in true Las Vegas style, embracing the over-the-top energy and vibrancy of Sin City. Accompanied by a lively group of performers in similarly extravagant attire, Rumbo will lead couples and friends through the light-hearted proceedings, complete with humorous vows and playful declarations of love.
During the presentation event, Rumbo delighted the audience with his charismatic performance, delivering his ceremonial speech with flair: “By the power vested in me by the Town Hall of Ibiza, I declare you united in holy matrimony. I have the authority to spread love and rock and roll across our city. If you wish to turn your love into a true celebration and share it with the world, seek out the chapel of love!”. His animated delivery and infectious energy captivated the gathered crowd, drawing laughter and applause from passersby.
A spectacle that captivates the public
The eye-catching display immediately caught the attention of dozens of onlookers in the Parque de la Paz, where the event was introduced. Many stopped to watch, fascinated by the unexpected sight of the pink-clad ‘Elvis’ and his enthusiastic entourage. Some curious spectators opted to capture the moment on their phones, snapping pictures and recording videos, while others simply sat back and enjoyed the spectacle unfold before them.
One of the highlights of the event came as an impromptu surprise when Rumbo spontaneously offered to ‘marry’ two pairs of individuals who happened to be in the park that morning. The unexpected moment was met with laughter and applause as the willing participants embraced the playful spirit of the occasion.
Among them were Dafne Dueñas and Haizea Rodríguez, two 17-year-old friends who saw the opportunity as a fun way to celebrate their friendship. With a mix of excitement and mild embarrassment, they shared a friendly kiss on the cheek and an affectionate hug as Rumbo enthusiastically proclaimed them ‘united’. The humorous and lighthearted atmosphere made the experience all the more memorable, leaving both the participants and the spectators with broad smiles on their faces.
Bringing a touch of Las Vegas to Ibiza
With its playful nod to Las Vegas’ famous wedding chapels, the Little Ibiza White Chapel brings a unique and entertaining twist to Valentine’s Day in Ibiza. Whether couples take part for the fun of it, friends embrace the experience as a symbol of their bond, or passersby simply enjoy the lively spectacle, the event adds a sense of whimsy and joy to the city’s streets.
By merging performance art, community engagement, and commercial promotion, this initiative exemplifies how creativity can breathe new life into local celebrations. For two days, the city is transformed into a place where love, laughter, and rock and roll reign supreme—an experience that will undoubtedly be remembered long after the pink-suited Elvis and his chapel of love have moved on.
