Elvis and Priscilla: marriage timeline at a glance
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley were married for just under six years, from May 1, 1967 to February 23, 1973, when a judge in Las Vegas granted Priscilla a divorce from Elvis on the grounds of extreme mental cruelty. They had separated roughly two years earlier, in October 1971, and neither remarried during the marriage or shortly after. The union produced one child, daughter Lisa Marie Presley, born in 1968.
Key dates in the marriage
| Date | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 1967 | Wedding at the Aladdin Hotel, Las Vegas | Formal legal marriage after years of acquaintance; Elvis was 32, Priscilla 21. |
| October 1971 | Separation | Marker when the couple began living apart; cited in later divorce proceedings. |
| February 23, 1973 | Divorce granted | Las Vegas judge finalizes dissolution on cruelty grounds; property and custody addressed. |
| January 18, 1968 | Birth of Lisa Marie Presley | Only child of the marriage; later became a public figure and singer. |
Context for the timeline
Elvis met Priscilla in Germany in 1959 while stationed with the U.S. Army; they maintained a long-distance relationship before marrying. The gap between separation in 1971 and the final divorce in 1973 reflects extended legal and personal negotiations. Sources typically treat the marriage as lasting about 5 years and 9 months by calendar months, or just under 6 full years.
Living arrangements and custody
During the marriage, the family primarily lived at Graceland in Memphis, though periods were spent in Las Vegas and Los Angeles due to Elvis career demands. Custody of Lisa Marie was granted to Priscilla following the divorce, with visitation and support terms spelled out in the settlement. Living arrangements shaped later media narratives about the household and Elvis's personal life.
What changed after the divorce
After the 1973 decree, both moved on to different life chapters; Elvis never remarried and remained legally single until his death in 1977, while Priscilla later married and divorced again. The divorce agreement addressed estate and likeness rights, which became relevant as Elvis's posthumous brand expanded. Understanding these details helps clarify why the marriage is described as brief but impactful in biographies.
Common misconceptions
- The marriage lasted 7 years: In reality it was under 6 years by the date of decree.
- They separated immediately after Lisa Marie’s birth: They stayed together for several years before separating in 1971.
- Elvis and Priscilla reconciled later: There is no verified evidence of a legal remarriage or reconciliation after the divorce.
Summary
Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married from May 1, 1967 to February 23, 1973, a period of under six years. They separated in October 1971, and Priscilla obtained a divorce on grounds of extreme mental cruelty in 1973. The union resulted in one daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Accurate dating and context help distinguish verified details from later myths and retrospective narratives.