A claw machine isn't the first thing most couples picture at a wedding — which is exactly why it works. It's an unexpected, playful moment that gives guests something to do, without competing with the parts of the day that matter most.
Why couples are adding one to the day
- Keeps guests entertained during cocktail hour, while the wedding party is off taking photos.
- A genuine surprise that photographs and films well — great for guest reels and candid shots.
- Free-play means no one is fumbling for cash or tokens in formal attire.
- Doubles as a party favor station — guests walk away with a plushie prize.
When to schedule it during your day
- Cocktail hour (60–90 min): the most popular slot — it fills the gap while photos happen and keeps guests near the bar area entertained.
- Reception (3–4 hours): good for a more casual, family-style event where you want a standing activity running most of the night.
- Cocktail hour through the reception (6 hours): our most-booked wedding package — the machine stays out from the first toast to last dance.
What a rental includes
Our packages are flat-rate: $200 for one hour, $350 for two hours, $475 for three, $575 for four, and $700 for six. Every package includes unlimited plushie prizes, delivery, setup, and pickup — your venue coordinator never has to manage the machine. Most weddings land on the 6-hour package, which covers cocktail hour through the reception, since unlimited prizes and a flat price mean there's nothing to negotiate mid-event.
Setup details your venue will ask about
- Footprint: about 3 by 3 feet, plus a bit of clearance for guests to gather around.
- Power: one standard outlet nearby is all it needs.
- Indoor or outdoor: we set up either, as long as an outdoor spot has some cover.
Where to place it at your venue
Placement makes a bigger difference than most couples expect. Near the bar or lounge area during cocktail hour works well because guests are already standing and mingling there. During the reception, a spot along the edge of the room — visible but out of the walking path to the dance floor — keeps it a fun detour instead of a bottleneck. Avoid placing it directly next to the gift table or guest book, since a cluster of people playing can crowd out guests trying to sign in.
Does it fit your wedding style?
It tends to land best at weddings that already lean playful — backyard and garden weddings, brewery or winery venues, casual family-style receptions, and anything with a laid-back cocktail hour. For a strictly formal, black-tie affair, it still works, but we'd suggest keeping it tucked into the lounge or bar area rather than front and center, so it reads as a bonus rather than the centerpiece.
A few planning tips
- Loop in your venue coordinator early so they can carve out space near the bar or lounge area, away from the dance floor.
- Book your date as soon as it's set — weekend dates fill up two to three weeks out, and wedding season books faster.
- If you're working with a planner, they can coordinate delivery timing directly with our team.
- If your reception is likely to run past your booked window, ask about extended hours ahead of time so it's a non-issue on the day.
Check pricing and lock in your wedding date.
See rental packages