Elvis Loved Palm Springs

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left an indelible mark on many places during his legendary career, but few hold as much charm and personal significance as Palm Springs. This desert oasis was more than just a getaway for Elvis; it was a retreat where he found solace and love and created memories that still linger in the air.

The Planned Palm Springs Marriage

Elvis was planning to wed his Queen, Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, right here in our humble hometown. The couple had met when Elvis was stationed in Germany during his stint in the armed forces from 1958 – 1960. She was only 14 then, and he was 10 years her elder. She continued to see Elvis when he returned to the U.S. for years, never expecting to marry him. However, he suddenly popped the question to her just before Christmas in 1966 and presented her with a 3.5-carat diamond engagement ring. The wedding was on Monday, May 1, 1967.

In this photo, you can see the iron entry gate to the Honeymoon Hideaway.

Elvis’s Manager, Colonel Tom Parker, lived in Palm Springs at 1166 Via Vespero North.  When his famous client was soon to get married, he suggested to Elvis that he wed and honeymoon in Palm Springs. Elvis, the wealthiest rock ’n’ roll singer at the time, agreed, and they made the arrangements to lease the home designed by the well-known architect William Krisel and built by the Alexander Construction Company. It was named House of Tomorrow at 1350 Ladera Circle, just a few blocks from Parker’s home in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Circle boasted floor-to-ceiling windows, an open floor plan, and stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The house featured four circular rooms on the main level, symbolizing a break from traditional architectural styles and mirroring Elvis’s innovative spirit.

The midcentury marvel drew acclaim and attention from the architectural world. The lease cost him a whopping $21,000, but the legacy of love he was building would be priceless.

As the wedding day approached, A-list celebrities began swirling around the majestic property more often. Sinatra was a guest, a fact that would eventually shape the iconic Presley wedding historically. Although the original plans were to wed in Palm Springs, Rona Barrett, a famous gossip columnist who lived around the corner, had her suspicions.

This image was taken in the round living room.

Inquiring Rona Barrett

Rona Barrett is a notable figure in the entertainment industry, mainly known for her work as a pioneering gossip columnist and television personality. She started as a fan magazine writer and gradually made her way into the world of celebrity gossip. Barrett’s sharp writing and keen insights into the lives of Hollywood stars quickly garnered attention. By the 1960s, she had established herself as a prominent gossip columnist, writing for various publications. Her big break came when she started writing a gossip column for “The Los Angeles Times,” significantly raising her profile. Barrett’s columns were known for their exclusivity and in-depth coverage of Hollywood’s biggest stars, which often included insider information that readers couldn’t find anywhere else.

Enter Priscilla

When Priscilla showed up with her entire family in late April of 1967, and another group from Elvis’s side began to arrive, Rona announced a pending Palm Springs wedding. The last thing they wanted was the press, so Tom Parker made quick arrangements for the wedding in Las Vegas. Elvis and Priscilla made their way to the street behind the house, where a limo was waiting to pick them up and take them to the airport. Frank Sinatra arranged a 3:00 am flight on his private jet.

They snuck into Las Vegas, got their license, and wed in front of 14 of their closest friends and family (the ones who could catch up to them) on May 1, 1967, in the quarters of Milton Prell, owner of the Aladdin Hotel. A wedding breakfast followed in a private dining room after a brief press conference. Elvis was age 32 and Priscilla 22.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

That same afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Elvis flew back to their house on Ladera to start married life together. It was a chance to escape the spotlight and relish their new life together. Their Palm Springs home provided the perfect romantic hideaway, with its secluded location and luxurious amenities. They spent their honeymoon basking in the desert sun, exploring the local sights, and enjoying each other’s company in the serene setting.

Nine months after the joyous, frantic, cross-country nuptial madness, the Presleys welcomed their daughter Lisa Marie into the world. The House of Tomorrow created a legacy that would last for many tomorrows to come. The home was recently purchased and is being restored.

For visitors to Palm Springs today, the legacy of Elvis Presley is still very much alive. The “House of Tomorrow” stands as a testament to his unique style and the era’s innovative architecture. Although the home is privately owned, fans can still drive by and catch a glimpse of the place where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll once lived and loved.

Elvis Palm Springs Getaway

Elvis longed to have a permanent home in Palm Springs. He purchased the Palm Springs estate at 845 West Chino Canyon Road in 1970. Enjoying the sunny weather, he would spend, on average, about three months there every year here. His road manager, Greg McDonald, claimed he liked to lay out nude by the pool. If they were lucky, stargazers would sometimes spot the entertainer tossing a football or shooting baskets.

He would always have his five bodyguards inside the walled grounds. One of the reasons he came to Palm Springs was because he liked his privacy. Having been around many visiting stars, most of the residents respected the privacy of celebrities. Elvis expanded the house with an additional 2,000 square feet for a party room, a new bedroom with two bathrooms, and a sauna in 1974. Elvis passed away on August 16, 1977, and his estate went on the market for $350,000 shortly after.

Greg McDonald, who was also the Manager for Ricky Nelson, later purchased the property in 1986 for $775,000.

The King Lives On in Palm Springs.

You May Also Like:

Palm Springs Stars’ Homes: Self-Guided Tour

Architects Who Built Palm Springs: Dan Palmer & William Krisel

Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour