New Reception & After-Party Trend: Cannabis Wedding Bars

Learn more about the latest trend for weddings in states where it's legal.

It's not for everyone, but for couples who want to surprise their loved ones with another form of adults-only entertainment, it's a popular choice.

By Kelcy Christy

black-and-white-photo-of-native-american-bride-and-irish-groom-first-dance-with-fog
Photo: River Medlock Photography

There's a new wedding trend sweeping celebrations across the country – in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusettes, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and DC to be specific – and it has nothing to do with color palettes, décor, or a photo booth. In fact, some couples who live, or are saying "I do," in the 10 states (plus DC) mentioned above where recreational marijuana use is legal are incorporating "wedding weed bars" into their cocktail hour, reception, or after party – sometimes even in lieu of alcohol.

It's not for everyone, but for couples who want to surprise their loved ones with another form of adults-only entertainment, it's a popular choice. One of our real wedding couples celebrated their nuptials (pictured below) in Colorado and provided cannabis to their loved ones on the dance floor. They first provided artisan chocolates as wedding favors and before the last few songs played during the reception, they “passed out pre-rolled joints filled with Colorado’s finest herbs on a beautiful Jan Barboglio tray – it is legal in Colorado after all,” smiles the bride. “Let’s just say our guests are still talking about our favors.”

lounge area at wedding where they had weed cannabis bar at the reception

Photo by Brett Butterstein Photography & Perez Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; Planning & Design by Diamond Affairs Weddings & Special Events

Some companies are targeting couples about to exchange vows with a variety of ways to incorporate cannabis into their fêtes. Some pre-rolled joints feature 24-karat gold wraps, which makes a great addition to luxury celebrations. Brides and grooms are giving these packs to bridesmaids and groomsmen as gifts, others are presenting loved ones with the joints at a cannabis bar during the reception, and many are sending loved ones off with them as favors. 

For couples who don't want their loved ones to smoke during the reception, there are a number of other ways to include cannabis in the celebration without inhaling anything. Specialty bars could craft CBD-infused cocktails or a dessert table or candy bar could include an edible area. Regardless of what you choose, it's important to make sure everything that includes marijuana is clearly marked – you don't want to accidentally drug your guests without them knowing! 

Another option for couples and their guests, particularly those who absolutely love chocolate, are specialty sweets infused with marijuana. Learn about Southern California company To Whom It May and their handcrafted truffles featuring THC-infused organic coconut oil in the winter 2018 issue of Inside Weddings as well as roll-on CBD oil from Lord Jones to combat wedding stress featured in our summer 2019 issue hitting newsstands in June. Subscribe here for the print edition and get digital access here.

For more inspiration, discover wedding planning tips and trends here, see how drapery can transform your celebration, and gather inspiration for tall centerpiece ideas.

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