Fast food restaurants have long been associated with quick meals and convenient dining, but increasingly, they are also becoming wedding venues for adventurous couples looking for something out of the ordinary. From Taco Bell's quirky offerings to the iconic Denny's chapel, various chains are trying to capitalize on the nostalgia and emotional connections shared by couples with their favorite fast food spots.
Many couples find joy and significance tied to the places where they shared important moments. According to restaurants, they are willing to help these celebrations come alive on one of life’s biggest days. Here, we explore nine fast food and restaurant chains jumping on the wedding bandwagon.
Denny's
If you’re considering starting your marriage off with something memorable, why not do it at the Fremont Street location of Denny’s, the only branch offering full wedding packages? For $199, couples can tie the knot at their wedding chapel, which includes amenities like a silk bouquet, boutonniere, Champagne toast, cake made from Denny's signature “pancake puppies,” and even original Grand Slams on their next visit. Notably, for those brave enough to get married on Valentine's Day, they can tie the knot for free, albeit with limited slots available.
Taco Bell
Couples seeking a fun wedding can say "I do" at Taco Bell's flagship Cantina location on the Las Vegas Strip. The wedding package includes use of the chapel decorated with Taco Bell's signature bell logo, private receptions, and even unique items like Taco Bell-themed wedding merch, including matching shirts and garters. Taco Bell aims to offer post-ceremony festivities with food and drinks, touting its distinctive blend of fast food and Las Vegas’s wedding culture.
McDonald's
Overseas, McDonald's has introduced wedding ceremonies, particularly popular within Hong Kong. Here, over 50 guests can be hosted at ceremonies priced from $400 to upwards of $1,000, including decor and cake shaped like the iconic apple pie. McDonald’s Indonesia also provides wedding catering packages, allowing couples to serve beloved chicken sandwiches and McNuggets. The phenomenon, especially dubbed “McWeddings” has been noted to associate the brand with joyous occasions.
Wendy's
While Wendy's hasn’t launched formal wedding packages, they have been known to participate enthusiastically when couples request unconventional wedding venues. The first known wedding took place back in 2018 when Jessica and Abram Thompson held their ceremony there, facilitated by Star 98 FM. With their help, they were treated to flowers, burgers, and even Frosty desserts.
White Castle
The beloved slider place offers unique experiences around weddings, sometimes extending celebratory packages for enthusiastic couples. White Castle hosted contests for couples, leading to opulent ceremonies featuring slider-themed cakes and giveaways. Many couples whose relationships began at White Castle have even taken to holding personal ceremonies within their locations, paying tribute to where they met.
Hard Rock Cafe
Home to rock ‘n’ roll culture, Hard Rock Cafe Times Square offers both engagement and wedding packages for glammed-up couples. This includes marriage ceremonies with stunning views, Champagne toasts, on-site photography, and customizable catering options ranging from hors d’oeuvres to full receptions.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' has embraced the whimsical side of weddings with themed merch and pop-up wedding ceremonies. Contributing to the trend, they provided couples the chance to get married at their drive-thrus, complete with elaborate decorations and celebratory drinks. Couples can also purchase Dunkin’ branded accessories to enchant their wedding photos, making the event uniquely their own.
Starbucks
While Starbucks doesn't provide wedding packages, many couples have chosen to have low-key ceremonies at their favorite coffee hangouts. Seeking to commemorate their love attesting to all things coffee, couples have even posted their wedding photos with the hashtag #starbuckswedding. Starbucks serves as the perfect backdrop for those who want their special moment combined with their favorite brews.
Jollibee
The Filipino favorite Jollibee has gained traction globally, and its popularity sees couples wanting to share the joy of their weddings at this fast-food nostalgia hub. Wedding celebrations include themed menus and joyous receptions, often made special by personal connections the couple has with the restaurant and its offerings.
These unique offerings are just the tip of the iceberg when it come to what fast food restaurants have to offer. More than just places to grab quick bites, these restaurants are becoming integral parts of couples' love stories, proving love doesn't have to follow tradition and can be celebrated just as joyfully with fries and burgers as it would be with the fanciest venue.
With casual dining chains aiming for connection and emotional resonance, the blend of nostalgia and celebration at these fast food venues ensures couples receive the experience they desire without the stress of traditional wedding wires. So, if the lure of your love story involves fries and milkshakes, perhaps one of these fast-food restaurants is the perfect fit for your wedding day.