This article was originally published in USCCA’s Concealed Carry Magazine in July 2023, and I’m excited to share it here on the blog. You’ll find the original version included in the publication PDFs below, or you can keep scrolling to read the full article typed out for easier access. I hope you find it inspiring, encouraging, and thought-provoking.

Can You Conceal Carry at a Wedding? - Legality, Logistics, and Looking the Part

Weddings are a time to celebrate love and make lasting memories. The day already requires a lot of planning, but carrying a concealed firearm, whether as a guest, a bridesmaid, or the bride, adds an extra layer of preparation. After all, you don't want to run into any legal trouble, and the last thing you want is for your gun to imprint and appear in all the beautiful photos!

Don't worry; I'm here to assist! In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about carrying at a wedding, from legal considerations to practical advice on selecting the best holster and attire for your big day. So, if you want to look stylish while staying safe, keep reading for all the details!

Legality – Location is everything.

Before bringing your firearm to a wedding, do your homework to find out what the law says about carrying at the event - that way, you have a game plan and can avoid any potential legal consequences.

Federal law is the easiest to determine because it's the same across all states: Concealed carry is prohibited in federal courthouses, federal buildings, and any facility owned, leased, or rented by the federal government, including buildings in national forests which are property of the federal government. So obviously, if you're getting married in a courthouse, you should leave your gun at home.

From churches to beaches, country clubs to wineries, there are endless possibilities for wedding venues. When it comes to private property, however, state laws differ and it’s essential that you are able to identify statutory no-carry zones in your state. Plus, if you're traveling from out of state or carrying without a concealed carry permit, those laws can be even more complex.

So how can you make sure you're following the law? The USCCA Reciprocity map is a great place to start! This handy tool shows which states recognize your concealed carry permit and provides helpful information about concealed carry laws in each state.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/

Storing a Firearm in Your Car

Even if concealed carry is off-limits during the ceremony, there's still a chance you can carry if the reception is in a different location. Consider storing the gun in your car during the ceremony and holstering it on your body later. Just make sure to plan accordingly. Some states, for example, require that guns stored in cars be unloaded and locked in a box.

Do you plan to consume alcohol?

Let's face it: alcohol and firearms don't mix. When it comes to handling a gun, you must be alert and quick-thinking, but alcohol does the opposite - even a small amount can impair decision-making and slow reaction time. If you all want is good food and cake, you'll be more mentally prepared with your firearm. However, if you want to toast the bride and groom with champagne, leave the gun at home.

Bringing a gun into a restaurant or venue that serves alcohol, for example, is illegal in some states. Other states allow this, as long as you don't drink. So, do your research and remember to prioritize safety and responsible behavior.

Best Holsters for the Occasion

Get ready to dance the night away with confidence and peace of mind! I recommend testing a few holsters to be sure your firearm won't come loose during your fancy footwork.

A Kydex holster with good retention attached to a sturdy belt is a great option when wearing pants. For those wearing dresses, consider a thigh or ankle holster to keep your firearm close and comfortable. As always, safety is critical! Covering the trigger with a hard material is a must to prevent accidental discharge.

I've had great experiences with the Dene Adams thigh holster, which has a retention strap to keep the gun in place and sewn-in plastic to protect the trigger. The shorts style is perfect for protecting my legs from chaffing while dancing.

An ankle holster is a great solution when long gowns and voluminous skirts make accessing your thigh holster difficult. It brings the gun closer to your hemline and makes navigating the extra material easier. It may feel awkward initially, but you can dance without kicking the holster with some practice. My preferred ankle holster is the Sticky Holster Ankle Biter because it feels secure, comfortable, and allows for a quick draw while wearing a floor-length gown.

Look the part – Dress Codes and Holsters.

Once you've determined whether you can legally carry at a wedding and have all the logistics in order, it's time for the fun part: styling a concealed carry outfit for the special day! Here are a few tips to help you glam up for a wedding while keeping concealed carry under wraps.

Black Tie

A black-tie wedding is a formal event that usually takes place in the evening, and guests are expected to dress to impress. For the gentlemen, a classic tuxedo is an appropriate choice. Women should dress to impress in a dark, full-length gown made of luxurious material.

Many modern gowns include a slit, which can be problematic for concealed carry. You can make this trend work however, by choosing a shorter opening that extends just above the knee and will hide your thigh holster. To demonstrate this, I'm wearing a thigh holster with a slit on the same side as my firearm. Despite doing some serious dancing in this dress, my gun was never revealed.

Black Tie Optional

Black tie Optional gives you the option to show off your fanciest attire but doesn’t require it. While black tie is welcome, you can keep it classy with formal or cocktail attire. You'll want to choose deeper hues to complement the evening's sophistication. Men might wear a dark, well-tailored suit with a tie. Women can opt for a traditional floor-length gown, a midi-length cocktail dress or dark colored jumpsuit.

An ankle holster is an excellent choice for wearing with a formal jumpsuit. The flowy material of the jumpsuit beautifully conceals your weapon, making it a go-to option for covering any printing that may occur while dancing. Remember that you should be able to draw your firearm without looking down at it, allowing you to keep your gaze on the threat. Because of the extra material in the jumpsuit, it may take some getting used to, so make sure to practice your draw before the event.

Formal

The dress code may be formal when the ceremony starts before 3:00pm but the party remains upscale. In this case, lighter colors become appropriate, and women will wear anything from knee-length cocktail dresses to long gowns. Men can wear a tuxedo or a three-piece suit in dark or light colors.

Because the fabric of this gown is thin, the seams of my thigh holster showed through the dress, so I paired it with an ankle holster instead. The gown is long enough to brush against the floor, completely concealing my holster but I made sure to avoid crossing my legs because the holster may become visible.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire is slightly dressier than semi-formal but not as dressy as black tie. A suit or trousers and blazer combo will look sharp on men. The tie is optional, but if unsure, wear one and take it off later.

Most dress lengths are acceptable as long as they are not too short, and your outfit remains smart and dressy. Cocktail dresses are usually embellished with glitz or something unique such as a ruffle, sequin pattern, or even a sultry slit.

A thigh holster works great with the cocktail dress shown. The voluminous skirt allows you to dance freely, and the length allows easy access to your firearm. This dress even has pockets where you could keep an extra magazine.

Semi-Formal/ Smart Casual/ Dressy Casual

The terms "semi-formal," "smart casual," and "dressy casual" all refer to a more casual dress code. You'll feel stylish and comfortable all night in light, flowy dresses or skirts and a comfortable pair of heels or flats. Gentlemen should wear a collared shirt and dress pants or khakis.

Pair your midi-length dress with a thigh holster for easy movement on the dance floor. Remember to pay attention to the hemline of your skirt, as even minor details like ruffles can impact your draw.

Beach Formal

Beach formal, also known as dressy resort, is appropriate for beach or outdoor weddings where the environment prevents black-tie attire. The main difference is that the fabrics are breathable and have fun prints.

Women can put on a light dress and sandals. Open-toed stilettos are appropriate, but if you are walking through sand, choose a pair of dressy sandals that are easy to slip on and off.

Men should wear a lightweight linen suit or slacks and a dress suit with a cotton blazer that they can remove if they feel overdressed. Although you are at the beach, shorts are usually inappropriate for this event.

This beachy dress has a lovely slit, which rules out an ankle holster, but a thigh holster works perfectly due to its placement. With the gun on my left leg, I scrunched up the right leg of the thigh holster, so the shorts are not visible under the slit.

Garden Attire

Garden party is a semi-formal dress code you might see at a country club or garden wedding. Clothing is more relaxed, light, and airy, with a lighter color palette or floral patterns. Men can wear light-colored suits in breathable fabrics and opt for brown shoes over black. They might also try a floral-patterned tie or pocket square.

Ladies should wear a semi-formal dress or jumpsuit in a pastel color or floral print. The dress's length can range from above the knee to the floor. Chunky heels, wedges, and flats are ideal for preventing your heels from sinking into the grass.

With flowy material comes the challenge of clearing your firearm. I paired an ankle holster with this flowy floral-patterned jumper because it brings the gun closer to the hem, eliminating the need to lift the material as high.

No matter what outfit you choose, stay safe and confident!

I hope these considerations help you decide whether to conceal carry at your next event. Remember, proper preparation makes all the difference, from smart fashion choices to researching each state's legislation. If you have any questions or concerns, remember that resources such as the USCCA reciprocity map are only a click away.

Dresses:

Alfred Sung Bow-Back Off-The-Shoulder Gown

MSK Women’s Sleeveless Halter Jumpsuit

Dessy Collection Cowlneck Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Vince Camuto Petite Floral Jacquard Cap-Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress

Swallow and Rose Printed Tie-Strap Midi Dress

Dress The Population Women’s Crisscross Cutout Gown

Eliza J Floral-Print Organza Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Holsters:

Dene Adams Thigh Holster

Sticky Holster Ankle Biter

Concealed Carry Wedding - Legality, Logistics, and Looking the Part