Add Wow Factor With Cold Sparklers for Weddings—Here's What You Need to Know

If you've seen jaw-dropping photos of couples making their grand entrance or exit at their wedding surrounded by glittering light, chances are those weren't fireworks. They were cold sparklers for a wedding. These cold flame sparklers are a cool and easy way to add a wow factor and a dose of magic to your big day. The kicker: Cold sparkler machines bring the sparkle without smoke, heat or safety concerns, making them a great alternative to fireworks at your wedding. In other words, whether you incorporate them in your first dance or send-off, they're a sure-fire way to create unforgettable photo moments.

To learn more about cold touch sparklers, we chatted with a pro. Keep scrolling to learn about all things cold sparklers at weddings, including how to include them, if they're worthwhile and where you can find them. To find cold sparkler experts near you, search The Knot Vendor Marketplace and filter by wedding rental type.

In this article: What Are Cold Sparklers? | Are Cold Sparklers Safe? | Where to Buy or Rent Cold Sparklers | Cold Sparkler FAQ

What Are Cold Sparklers?

"Cold sparklers are special effects devices that create a dazzling, fireworks-style display without using real fire," explains Candice Daniels, events success coordinator for Centric Event & Rentals based in Phoenix. "They produce a stream of bright, sparkling light by heating a non-flammable granulated titanium powder inside the machine, keeping the output cool to the touch."

The best part? Cold sparklers can be used both indoors and outdoors and can be timed with music or lighting cues for a full cinematic effect, Daniels adds. So you can incorporate them into many high-impact moments during your wedding timeline, such as the grand entrance or exit, the first dance, during the cake cutting, for photo ops or as a great wedding send-off idea.

Are Cold Sparklers Safe?

Yes! Cold sparklers are safe for indoor and outdoor use as long as they are operated by professionals. "Unlike traditional fireworks, they don't emit real flames, smoke or odor," Daniels says. "The sparks themselves are cool and non-flammable, making them venue-friendly and safe around guests, decor and fabrics."

Where to Buy or Rent Cold Sparklers

Although purchasing a cold sparkler machine is possible, Daniels advises against it, noting that it's often impractical unless you plan to use it regularly after the wedding. And most importantly, for safety, it's best that the equipment is handled by a pro, as it requires proper training and maintenance. "These machines require certified operators, power sources and safety spacing—so they're not typically a DIY item," she says.

The alternative? Cold sparklers as a wedding rental. "Most couples rent cold sparkler machines for a wedding through their event production, lighting or entertainment vendor," Daniels says. "Rentals usually include setup, operation and breakdown by a certified technician."

To find cold sparkler wedding rentals, try searching "cold sparklers for a wedding near me" online. You can also head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to search for niche vendors like rental companies that have cold sparklers while filtering by price and distance to simplify your search.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cold Sparklers

Still not sure if cold sparklers are right for your wedding? Here are a few answers to FAQs you may be wondering about to help seal the deal.

How Much Do Cold Sparklers Cost for a Wedding?

The price varies based on location and vendor. Daniels says it can range from $250 to $300 per machine for a one-day rental. For a full-service package that includes multiple cold sparkler machines, a technician, setup and operation, you're looking at $800 to $2,000. Also, keep in mind that packages often include an even number of machines for balanced symmetry during those key wedding moments. Pro tip: The Knot Budget Advisor is a useful resource to learn about local wedding costs to factor into your budget.

Do You Need a Permit for Cold Sparklers?

In most areas, you don't need a permit for cold sparklers. Here's why: "Cold spark machines are classified as special effects equipment rather than pyrotechnics," Daniels says. However, she notes that some cities, venues or fire marshals may still require documentation or operator credentials for cold sparkler machines. So as a precaution, be sure to confirm with your venue and vendor to ensure compliance.

How Long Does a Cold Sparkler Last?

Each burst of cold sparks typically lasts between 15 and 30 seconds, Daniels says, but the machines can be triggered multiple times throughout the night using refillable spark granules. This flexibility makes them perfect for adding excitement to different parts of your celebration—whether you're planning a grand wedding entrance, a dramatic send-off (complete with wedding exit songs) or unique wedding reception lighting.

Are Cold Sparklers Worth It for a Wedding?

If "wow" factor is at the top of your wedding priorities and you want a dramatic wedding entrance idea or a unique wedding send-off idea, then cold sparklers absolutely are worth it for your big day. "Cold sparklers elevate your photos, videos and overall guest experience," Daniels says. "They add a high-end, magical element to your celebration without the risks associated with fireworks or open flames. For many couples, the visual impact alone makes them well worth the investment."