50 States of Late-Night Wedding Snacks

Send guests off with some local flavor.

By: Samantha Lande

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Elegant Affairs Caterers

Photo By: kellyvandellen

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: LauriPatterson

Photo By: GreenPimp

Photo By: Instagram: @emabellecreations

Photo By: DebHallPhotos21

Photo By: Coast-to-Coast

Photo By: Juanmonino

Photo By: burwellphotography

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: robertmgarcia

Photo By: RusticFOTO

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: mphillips007

Photo By: Blue Oak BBQ

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: ClarkandCompany

Photo By: bhofack2

Photo By: Instagram: @travers.rich

Photo By: TheCrimsonMonkey

Photo By: LauriPatterson

Photo By: bhofack2

Photo By: ftwitty

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: LauriPatterson

Photo By: Paramount Events

Photo By: Tyler_ONeill

Photo By: rez-art

Photo By: Fudio

Photo By: bhofack2

Photo By: Amanda Donaho

Photo By: sara_winter

Photo By: Instagram: @greatanebakingco

Photo By: IgorDutina

Photo By: toddtaulman

Photo By: rudisill

Photo By: bhofack2

Photo By: LeRoy and Lewis

Photo By: jenifoto

Photo By: Elegant Affairs Caterers

Photo By: IcemanJ

Photo By: Elegant Affairs Caterers

Photo By: Tom Eversley / EyeEm

Photo By: Instagram: @ramblingdon

Photo By: Kimpton Hotels

Photo By: OlgaMiltsova

Late-Night Eats with Regional Flair

Dancing all night long can certainly build up an appetite. More and more brides and grooms are offering a delicious taste of their love in the form of late-night snacks as the band or DJ winds down. What better time to show off your favorite hometown grub or guilty pleasure than at the end of your wedding? Here are some great ideas across the country.

Alabama: Fried Chicken and Waffles

When in the south, what could be a better bite than the sweet and savory combination of crispy fried chicken, crunchy waffles and a touch of maple syrup? It’s a late night and early morning treat all in one.

Alaska: Crab and Corn Custard

In Alaska, it only makes sense to end the night with some sort of seafood. You could go the salmon route or perhaps Alaskan blue crab, like in this crab and custard. This version has a little green goddess dressing, garlic corn nut powder and scallions.

Arizona: Mini Tacos

With such close proximity to Mexico, it’s no wonder that Arizona’s Mexican food is tasty. You could choose from a variety of Mexican specialties, but what’s better than mini tacos that the bride and groom can customize with their favorite fillings?

Arkansas: Fried Pickles

You may be able to get fried pickles at bars across the country, but they originated in Arkansas. They also make the perfect late-night snack with a thin, crunchy coating and a juicy pickle inside. Serve it with ranch and your guests will be smiling from ear to ear.

California: In and Out Burger

This quintessential California fast food joint will actually bring a truck to your wedding! We can’t think of a better party pleaser than fresh-off-the-griddle In N’ Out Burgers. Animal Style, please!

Colorado: Candy Bar

Are you trying to find the perfect solution for late night cravings? Try a spread of the couple’s favorite candies. Get nostalgic with sweet treats and give your guests a bag to fill with candy to eat some now and later. After all, Colorado is home to quite a few candy shops like the 100-year-old Hammond's Candy, the Colorado Candy Company and the original home to the famous Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Connecticut: Lobster Rolls

Although there are quite a few New England cities that claim the lobster roll as their own, all would agree that no matter where it originated, it’s delicious. There’s something about a split bun filled with chunks of butter-drizzled lobster that people adore, no matter the time of day.

Delaware: Boardwalk Fries

There are few things better to end the night with than a bucket full of French fries. Along the Delaware beaches, you'll find Thrashers — a trusted institution since 1929. So, what better way to end the night than with a little nostalgia and a whole lotta crispy fries.

Florida: Cuban Sandwich

Florida is known for many great foods, from oranges to key lime pie, but Cuban influences on the state have added a great finishing snack for any wedding. Roast pork and ham, Swiss cheese, tangy mustard and pickles all melded together in a panini press is everything you need after a night of dancing and libations.

Georgia: Mac and Cheese

Down south, mac and cheese is king, and Georgia is no exception. The cheesy baked noodles are a great way to share Southern comfort with your guests. Set up a mac and cheese bar or fill mini ramekins for people to devour on the dance floor.

Hawaii: Poke

What better way to end a wedding in idyllic Hawaii than with food that the state made popular across the country? Poke! Serve a little bite or full poke bowls to end the night with a taste of the islands.

Idaho: Homemade Potato Chips

How do you have a wedding in Idaho and not end the night with something made of potatoes? That’s what the state is known for, after all! Homemade crunchy potato chips are a great way to showcase the humble potato, but fries will do too.

Illinois: Deep Dish Pizza

In Illinois you could serve many iconic foods — Italian beef, Chicago style hot dogs and then there’s the infamous Chicago style pizza. This decadent pie packs some weight but the cheese makes this one all the more fun (and photogenic). Order from classics like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s.

Indiana: Breadsticks

We all know that breadsticks are better if not equal to any pizza delivery, especially in the wee hours of the night. In Indiana, they love to serve theirs with a cheese sauce or ranch, depending on what camp you are in. Serve these up hot and fresh, and your wedding will be the talk of the town.

Iowa: Grilled Mac and Cheese

Iowa is known for their vast farmland and good dairy. Why not mash up two cheesy favorites — grilled cheese and mac and cheese — into one epic sandwich your guests will love? You could serve grilled cheese with tomato soup shooters as well.

Kansas: Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ is big time in Kansas City, both on the Kansas and Missouri sides. Celebrate with some mini pulled pork sammies topped with a KC BBQ sauce and coleslaw on a brioche bun.

Kentucky: Hot Brown Open Face Sandwich

A Kentucky wedding will likely have a lot of bourbon and whiskey (after all, much of it is produced in the state), so the night needs to end with something nice and hearty. Enter Louisville’s famous sandwich, the Hot Brown, which was created for a late night of dancing. The open-faced turkey sandwich is topped with bacon, a creamy cheesy Mornay sauce, tomatoes and more cheese.

Louisiana: Cracklins

When in Louisiana there are so many different foods to adore, from gumbo to muffulettas, beignets and more. For a savory and salty treat, many Louisanans chose cracklins, fried pork skin with a layer of fat and sometimes a little meat attached. Blue Oak BBQ can bring their truck on-site to serve plain or flavored favorites, like cool ranch.

Maine: Whoopie Pies

You could serve seafood, which is popular in other New England towns, or you could go the sweet route with Whoopie Pies, the official state treat of Maine. Tons of frosting is sandwiched in-between soft, cake-like cookies for a sweet finish to the night. The flavor combinations are endless, so pick something representative of you as a couple.

Maryland: Crab Cakes

You often see crab cakes during appetizer hour across the country but, when in Maryland you can devour crab cakes at just about any hour. A fresh batch of classic crab filled cakes will make anyone smile at the end of the night. Serve them as is or in a slider form with some Old Bay mayo.

Massachusetts: Fried Clams

New England has mastered coastal seafood delights, like the ones you can walk around with while reminiscing about the summer. So why not serve something like fried clams at the end of your wedding so people can reminisce about the amazing night? These Massachusetts specialties are golden and crispy, and best served with tartar sauce or ketchup.

Michigan: Coney Dogs

Michigan is known for quite a few things but those from Detroit are in the know that the best late-night food is the Coney dog. It’s a hot dog topped with chili, mustard and onions, and it’s the only way to end the night at a wedding in Motor City.

Minnesota: Tater Tots

Tater tot hot dishes are one of Minnesota’s most well-known delights. They may not be the perfect wedding fodder, but tater tots themselves certainly are! Serve them with a variety of dips for a fun twist.

Mississippi: Biscuits and Gravy

The deep south is known for their hot, flaky biscuits and creamy gravy. Late into the evening or early into the morning — depending on how late you go — this is the perfect time to bite into a smaller version of Southern specialty.

Missouri: Fried Ravioli

Originated in St. Louis, toasted ravioli has become a treat, especially in Missouri. Serve a few bites of this pasta with a side of marinara. Your guest will love the crunchy outside and the warm, cheesy center.

Montana: Kettle Corn

Those from Montana have a love affair with kettle corn, perhaps because it’s a state fair or pumpkin patch treat, but regardless of the reason, this sweet-tinged popcorn is a state favorite. It’s also a pretty sweet way to end a wedding, especially if you can get someone to pop it right then and there!

Nebraska: Mini Rueben

There’s a debate as to whether the Reuben was started in Omaha or New York, but regardless, this deli sandwich is a delicious ending to the night. The grilled sandwich has all of the right flavors, including corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled (often marbled) rye bread.

Nevada: Breakfast Sandwich

All the hours blur together in Nevada (well, in Vegas or Reno!), so why not serve breakfast after midnight? A breakfast sandwich is always the perfect snack. Top the eggs with cheese, bacon or your favorite fixings, and you have a great handheld treat.

New Hampshire: Poutine

Poutine may be a French-Canadian thing, but it’s also super popular in New Hampshire. So, Canadian roots or not, this comforting dish of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds will make anyone leave with a happy tummy at the end of the night.

New Jersey: Bagel, Lox and Cream Cheese

New Yorkers may argue that bagels and lox as their thing, but its universal appeal (and Jersey’s proximity to New York) makes it a great late-night bite for a Jersey wedding. Who can turn down this bite-sized brunch favorite?

New Mexico: Tamales

New Mexico certainly has a lot of great food with influence from both Mexico and Native American cultures. For the end of a wedding, tamales are a great bite. They are hand-held and pack a little bit of heat. You can fill em’ with whatever you’d like, but a popular New Mexican version is with pork and red chile.

New York: Chinese Takeout

It’s hard to go wrong with a late-night snack in the city that never sleeps. "When it comes to weddings, we want to make sure everything — from sights, sounds and, of course, flavors are curated," said wedding planner Danielle Meyers. "For our weddings in New York, we've found [that] our brides and grooms want to share the soul of the city, and that often translates to special foods." Noodles from Mr. Chow have been a popular pick. Why not make it fun to eat AND look at by serving some of your favorite Chinese foods in takeout containers. Add chopsticks and your guests will not only have delicious food but fun end-of-the-night selfies as well.

North Carolina: Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits are a Carolina staple, and everyone has their own way of serving the dish. A southern bride and groom may pick this for their late-night snack and serve them in mini cast iron skillets, or in a late-night buffet.

North Dakota: Taco in a Bag

Taco in a bag, as they are called in North Dakota, takes all of your favorite taco fixings and throws them into a bag of nacho cheese Doritos. Although you can now find tacos in a bag all over the country, this is a North Dakota tradition that is popular in sports concession stands, and at state fairs and universities. Stick a fork in it and you have the ultimate late-night snack that would be great for any wedding.

Ohio: Skyline Chili

If you are from Ohio, then there really isn’t any other chili to be had than Cincinnati chili. The most famous is from Skyline Chili. You can have your chili in a bowl or atop a hot dog, but the Cincy method is to do a 3-way with cheese smothered chili on top of a steaming bowl of spaghetti noodles. Your non-Ohioan guest may look at you funny, but we bet they’ll go to town with this late-night snack.

Oklahoma: Donuts

Oklahoma loves donuts, including this famous shop that has been serving adoring customers for 27 years. We have a feeling that nobody will turn down donuts as a late-night snack. Serve them on a wall, fresh out of the box or paired with a shot of espresso and you have yourself the ultimate late-night wedding snack.

Oregon: Ranch Fountain

Chocolate fountains have had their moment and now it’s time for a ranch fountain. This flowing fountain of ranch dressing is big in the Portland wedding scene. Offer a bunch of things to dip in, like veggies, breadsticks or wings, and guests will love their treat.

Pennsylvania: Philly Cheesesteak

Pennsylvania has a rich history of food but perhaps none more iconic than the Philly cheesesteak. Few would refuse this hoagie filled with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese and peppers after a night cutting loose on the dance floor.

Rhode Island: Soft Pretzels

Although soft pretzels may not be unique to Rhode Island, local spot Malted Barley is trying to change that by offering fresh-made pretzels with everything from chipotle pepper to gouda. Sounds like a pretty delicious way to show off a local restaurant's cuisine, and who can turn down a soft pretzel at the end of the night?

South Carolina: Boiled Peanuts

This uniquely southern treat is not only delicious but it’s also fun to eat. If you leave the peanuts in the shell (as you should) it may get a little messy but that’s half the fun!

South Dakota: Native American Fry Bread

South Dakota has a strong Native American culture and a delicious one to boot. Fry bread is exactly how it sounds, a deliciously fried bread that is sometimes used as a taco shell or on the sweeter side with a little cinnamon and honey butter. No matter how you serve it, it’ll make a great late-night snack.

Tennessee: Hot Chicken

There’s fried chicken and then there’s hot chicken. Both can be argued as a Tennessee specialty, and both are perfect for an end-of-the-night chow session. Hot chicken is the spicier pick with plenty of flavor (and often ranch to cool it down). Serve mini sandwiches of both so your guests don’t have to pick.

Texas: Crunchy Barbacoa Tacos

What’s more Texas than Tex-Mex food and BBQ? Why not have a food truck with the best of both worlds. LeRoy and Lewis, a new school BBQ truck with plenty of local sustainable meats, will come to your wedding and set-up their truck. A favorite? Crunchy barbacoa tacos topped with onions, cilantro, queso fresco and housemade taco sauce.

Utah: Charcuterie

Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular (maybe because they make stunning photographs), and they are a great way for guests to grab exactly what they want to eat. Creminelli, a big charcuterie maker, is based in Utah and has great choices to fill up your late-night snack menu.

Vermont: Mini Pancakes with Syrup

When you think of Vermont, you think maple syrup, so why not go late night with everyone’s favorite breakfast treat? Mini stacks of pancakes will show off the maple syrup and put a smile on all of your guests’ faces.

Virginia: Pimento Cheese

Nobody appreciates pimento cheese more than Virginia, even if it’s something you can now find outside of the south. You could serve it in many ways — as a dip with crackers and veggies or as a sandwich spread. Either way, it’s a bite of Virginia!

Washington: Cherry Pie Fingers

The state of Washington is known for its sweet rainier cherries. You can serve mini pies or turnovers, but these pie fries are undeniably cute. Pie crust "fries" can be served with a delicious cherry dipping sauce to indulge your guests.

Washington, D.C.: Cookies and Milk

There’s a reason why cookies and warm milk used to be touted as the ultimate bedtime snack. In D.C., you can invite Captain Cookie and the Milkman to your wedding for a taste of nostalgia with fresh baked cookies and local milk. He can bring out the truck or provide trays of cookies and milk for your special event.

West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls

Some states just have things that stuck, and nobody really knows why. For West Virginia its pepperoni rolls, which started as a popular lunch item for coal miners. These peperoni rolls are usually made with a yeasty white bread that is stuffed with pepperoni. Who needs pizza when you can end your night with these rolls? Marinara is optional.

Wisconsin: Cheese Curds

You can’t think Wisconsin without thinking cheese. Fried cheese curds — those squeaky little bits of cheese —have become a Wisconsin delicacy and they make a stellar late-night snack.

Wyoming: S’mores

There’s something about the fresh air of the mountains that makes you think of the outdoors. And what better outdoor treat than S’mores! If your wedding is outside and includes fireplaces, people can make their own, or you can have them served ready to go.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Unique Wedding Traditions and Trends in All 50 States, 50 States of Wedding Cakes, 50 States of Gorgeous Wedding Venues

Follow TLC on Apple News

Weddings

50 States of Late-Night Wedding Snacks

Related To:

Shop This Look

Late-Night Eats with Regional Flair

Alabama: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Alaska: Crab and Corn Custard

Arizona: Mini Tacos

Arkansas: Fried Pickles

California: In and Out Burger

Colorado: Candy Bar

Connecticut: Lobster Rolls

Delaware: Boardwalk Fries

Florida: Cuban Sandwich

Georgia: Mac and Cheese

Hawaii: Poke

Idaho: Homemade Potato Chips

Illinois: Deep Dish Pizza

Indiana: Breadsticks

Iowa: Grilled Mac and Cheese

Kansas: Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Kentucky: Hot Brown Open Face Sandwich

Louisiana: Cracklins

Maine: Whoopie Pies

Maryland: Crab Cakes

Massachusetts: Fried Clams

Michigan: Coney Dogs

Minnesota: Tater Tots

Mississippi: Biscuits and Gravy

Missouri: Fried Ravioli

Montana: Kettle Corn

Nebraska: Mini Rueben

Nevada: Breakfast Sandwich

New Hampshire: Poutine

New Jersey: Bagel, Lox and Cream Cheese

New Mexico: Tamales

New York: Chinese Takeout

North Carolina: Shrimp and Grits

North Dakota: Taco in a Bag

Ohio: Skyline Chili

Oklahoma: Donuts

Oregon: Ranch Fountain

Pennsylvania: Philly Cheesesteak

Rhode Island: Soft Pretzels

South Carolina: Boiled Peanuts

South Dakota: Native American Fry Bread

Tennessee: Hot Chicken

Texas: Crunchy Barbacoa Tacos

Utah: Charcuterie

Vermont: Mini Pancakes with Syrup

Virginia: Pimento Cheese

Washington: Cherry Pie Fingers

Washington, D.C.: Cookies and Milk

West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls

Wisconsin: Cheese Curds

Wyoming: S’mores