• by Teresa Buyikian , February 18, 2025

Whataburger recently awarded one very lucky engaged couple the ultimate prize: an all-expense-paid trip to get married in Las Vegas. Yet this wasn’t at the famous Little White Chapel or a big mega resort casino, but at the 75-year-old chain’s newest landmark location: a two-story storefront on the Las Vegas strip.

Opened last year, this Whataburger is adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around second floor balcony overlooking the strip.

This is the first “Whatawedding” at the Vegas location, but the chain actually started the Valentine’s Day tradition in 2019 when six couples were married at Whataburgers across the country.

The QSR has also gained popularity in recent years as a go-to post-wedding late-night meal for guests, including  MLB star Bobby Witt Jr., who served  Whataburgers to his guests after his recent nuptials.

Back to the Vegas wedding: The now-betrothed couple, Haley McCollough and Michael White, were treated to Vegas showgirls, a vintage car, photo booth and a custom Whataburger cake and menu during their big day.

The couple entered Whataburgers’ social media contest to win the wedding earlier this year, explaining in their submission that their relationship actually began at Whataburgers.

Scott Hudler, Whataburger’s CMO, told QSR Insider how Whataweddings support the overall Whataburger brand.

QSR Insider: Why do people want to get married at Whataburger?

Hudler: For so many, it’s a place filled with memories. To our customers, Whataburger represents home, nostalgia and the best moments in life. What better place to say "I do" than somewhere that already means so much?

Whataweddings started as an organic fan tradition. For years, couples have incorporated Whataburger into their wedding celebrations, whether as a post-reception meal, a late-night stop, or even as the backdrop for engagement photos.

We took notice of the love our customers have for us. Whataburger introduced the first official Whataweddings experience in 2019, turning Whataburger into a dream wedding venue for our most devoted fans.

QSR Insider: Why do your über fans have such passion for the Whataburger brand?

Hudler: We’re proud that Whataburger has become a Texas institution and a cultural icon. We see them celebrating their birthdays, graduations, promposals, senior photos and more at our restaurants. Just as much as our fans love Whataburger, we love them right back.

QSR Insider: Now that you have a Vegas location, do you expect more weddings in the future? A Whataburger chapel, perhaps?

Hudler: Never say never! Whataburger and Vegas have something in common -- they’re both go-to destinations for weddings. As our brand continues to grow, we’re always looking for ways to surprise and delight our fans.

QSR Insider: So how do celebs such as MLB star Bobby Witt Jr. incorporate Whataburger into their wedding?

Hudler: When Bobby Witt Jr. got married, he and his wife, Maggie Black, surprised their guests with a full-scale Whataburger pop-up at their wedding reception, complete with a replica of our restaurant. It was a nod to the couple’s high school days, when Whataburger was their go-to spot after baseball and football games.

QSR Insider: How do the weddings fit into your brand marketing?

Hudler: Whataweddings are a perfect extension of Whataburger’s brand identity, because they celebrate what makes our fans special -- their passion, creativity, and deep emotional connection to Whataburger.

By leaning into the organic ways fans already include Whataburger in their lives, such as one of the most important days of their life, we’re doing more than marketing a product -- we’re celebrating a culture. Whataweddings amplify that love in a big and joyful way. At the end of the day, it’s about making moments unforgettable.