Denver’s iconic Colfax Avenue saw a burst of community spirit this weekend as the Bluebird Theater hosted an Elvis‑style wedding ceremony. Over a dozen couples, some marrying for the first time and others renewing vows, were wed on stage before friends, family, and a crowd of Elvis enthusiasts.
Local couples celebrate love and a reborn avenue
“(Colfax) is coming alive again,” said Megan Sechler, one of the newlyweds. Her partner, Savannah Sechler, added, “It’s been dead for years and it’s starting to come alive.” Their sentiment reflects the broader goal of the “Anything Can Happen on Colfax” campaign, which seeks to restore foot traffic and economic activity to the once‑neglected stretch of the avenue.
Denon Moore, business support director for the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District, explained, “Colfax has a reputation for being shocking and surprising, and we wanted to lean into that. A pop‑up chapel at the Bluebird Theater is a fun, off‑the‑cuff way to invite the community back.” Moore noted that recent infrastructure upgrades—including newly paved roads, dedicated bus lanes, and arched bus stops—are part of Denver’s $300 million bus rapid transit project, which aims to make the corridor more accessible.
Elvis impersonator adds flair
Aaron Black, the event’s Elvis impersonator, has performed as the King for more than three decades—longer than Elvis himself performed. Black recounted his start: “I was in the Air Force, got drunk on two pitchers of beer, entered a karaoke contest as Elvis and won first place.” He has since become a fixture at weddings, birthday parties, and even television commercials across Colorado.
During the ceremony, Black sang classics such as “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” and even surprised the crowd with a rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Attendees also enjoyed Southern‑style comfort food from Mama Jo’s Biscuits and Barbeque, and specialty doughnuts from Voodoo Donuts that paid homage to Elvis’s legendary peanut‑butter, jelly, and bacon sandwich.
Economic impact and future events
Moore reported that local businesses are noticing a “slow bounce back.” While foot traffic appears to be increasing, she cautioned that spending has not yet fully recovered. “From the businesses that I generally hear from, they’re saying foot traffic seems to be up, but not necessarily spending,” she said, noting that broader economic conditions affect the city and the nation.
The “Anything Can Happen on Colfax” campaign continues with a lineup of upcoming events: a kickoff party for Colfax Art Underground on Nov. 10, a pie‑eating contest for Pie Palooza on Nov. 15, and a night of magic at Strange Brews on Nov. 18. Moore also mentioned a waiting list of couples eager for future pop‑up weddings.
Community response
Local resident Jill Deegan, who attended the ceremony without knowing any of the couples, said the event captured the avenue’s quirky vibe. “It just seems silly. I’ve never been to Vegas and the main thing I want to go to Vegas for is to see Elvis marry people,” she laughed. “So that could be two miles from where I live.”
The event underscores a growing belief among Denver’s citizens that cultural celebrations can coexist with practical improvements, helping to restore Colfax Avenue as a vibrant gathering place for families and faith‑centered communities alike.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
