Catering by Shale Hill Events.
Wedding food has become one of the most expressive parts of the celebration. Across the Hudson Valley and Catskills, couples are thinking beyond the traditional plated dinner and approaching catering as an experience—one that reflects season, place, and how they want guests to feel. Rather than asking What should we serve? couples are now asking How do we want people to experience the meal?
Catering by Cucina Woodstock.
Catering by Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go.
Catering by Main Course Catering.
Catering by Masa Midtown.
menus that reflect place
Food is increasingly tied to setting. Farm venues lean into produce-forward menus. Historic inns and estates highlight refined, seasonal cuisine. Outdoor celebrations favor food that feels generous, comforting, and easy to enjoy. Couples are embracing the region’s strengths—fresh vegetables, local meats, artisanal cheeses, orchard fruit, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients—to create menus that feel grounded and memorable without being overly formal.
flexible service styles
One of the biggest shifts is how food is served. While plated dinners are still popular, many couples are choosing formats that feel more relaxed and social:
• Family-style meals that encourage sharing
• Station-based dinners that invite movement and choice
• Passed small plates during extended cocktail hours
• Hybrid approaches that mix structure with freedom
These styles help guests mingle and settle in, especially at longer celebrations or multi-space venues.
Catering by Mill & Main Restaurant.
Catering by Oyster Party
Catering by Hickory BBQ
Catering by Chef Deanna Inc. Photo by Rosey Red Photography.
cocktail hour takes center stage
One of the biggest shifts is how food is served. While plated dinners are still popular, many couples are choosing formats that feel more relaxed and social:
Cocktail hour has evolved into a true culinary moment. Instead of a quick bridge between ceremony and dinner, it’s often treated as a highlight of the day, featuring substantial bites, thoughtful presentation, and menus that reflect the main meal to come.
Couples planning now should expect cocktail hour to carry more weight—and to play a bigger role in how guests remember the food overall.
seasonal, not complicated
Menus are becoming simpler, not more basic. Seasonal cooking allows flavors to shine without unnecessary embellishment. Spring greens, summer vegetables, fall harvest dishes, and winter comfort foods feel intentional and satisfying when served at the right moment. Couples are learning that fewer options—executed well—often create a stronger experience than sprawling menus that try to do everything.
The Little Mobile Kitchen by David Founded.
Catering by Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go.
Catering by Shale Hill Events.
Catering by Main Course Catering.
inclusive dining as a standard
Dietary considerations are no longer an afterthought. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-aware options are now expected to be just as thoughtful as the main menu.
Caterers are designing menus where everyone can enjoy the meal without feeling singled out, which contributes to a warmer, welcoming atmosphere.
late night food with purpose
Late-night bites are becoming more intentional. Rather than novelty snacks, couples are choosing food that re-energizes guests and fits the tone of the evening, whether that’s something cozy, nostalgic, or playful.
Served at just the right moment, late-night food often becomes one of the most talked-about parts of the celebration.
what to be excited about
Wedding food today is less about formality and more about care. It’s about serving food that tastes good, feels right for the setting, and brings people together. When done well, the meal becomes part of the story: shared, savored, and remembered long after the plates are cleared.
For couples planning now, that’s something to truly look forward to.
ANGELA’S PIZZA RESTAURANT & CATERING
Lake Katrine, 845-382-2211, angelaspizzamenu.com
Angela’s Pizza Restaurant in Lake Katrine has been family owned for more than 35 years. As the go-to place for great pizza, salads, wraps, and Italian specialties, we’re ready to serve. Let us bring our awesomeness to your next event!
BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO-TO-GO
Kingston, 845-340-9800, bluemountainbistro.com/
Blue Mountain Bistro is committed to providing high-quality food and service both on the day of your wedding and the days leading up to it. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering for your wedding, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family. Relax and enjoy yourselves knowing that their creative, experienced staff is handling all the details of the day.
CHEF DEANNA INC. WEDDING CATERING
Catskills and the Berkshires, ChefDeanna.com
Our exceptional staff goes beyond what is expected to make your day the best day! We serve our food on cast-iron and vintage silver platters and plates, ensuring your event never feels like an industrial production line. Our goal is to create a wildly beautiful and delicious experience that blends with the nature around us. Our ingredients are made by folks and farmers who love what they do, and Chef Deanna is convinced that matters
CUCINA WOODSTOCK
Woodstock/Rhinebeck, 845-679-9800, cucinawoodstock.com/
We will accommodate your event with every attention to detail and style. Cucina in Woodstock and Market St. Restaurant in Rhinebeck are both available for a buyout, or we can cater at any location of your choice. The Barn at Cucina is a restored 19th-century barn with original beams, long rustic harvest tables, and splashes of modern décor. The Barn is fitting for rehearsal dinners, weddings, cocktail events, and dinner parties.
HICKORY BARBECUE
Kingston, 845-338-2424, hickoryrestaurant.com
As a full-service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding. From a simple backyard barbecue to a special wedding, Hickory can help with all the details. Many of their dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan—just ask. Linen and equipment rentals are available. Likewise, they can also provide floral, cake, bar, and other services.
MAIN COURSE CATERING
New Paltz, 845-255-2600, cmaincoursecatering.com
Main Course is a full service caterer that can coordinate all wedding aspects including customized menu planning, rentals and planning services. Under chef Hogan Popkess and Matt Gaines’ innovative leadership, a team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local produce, free range meats and line caught fish.
MASA MIDTOWN
Kingston, 845-514-2214, masamidtown.com
Traditional and creative Turkish cuisine brings bold, vibrant flavor to your wedding celebration. Masa Midtown offers on- and off-site catering for seated events up to 75 guests and cocktail-style gatherings up to 100. From shareable appetizers to satisfying desserts, menus are thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a variety of dietary needs while delivering a memorable dining experience.
MILL & MAIN CATERING
Kerhonkson, 845-626-1255, millmain.com
Mill & Main goes above and beyond to help you host the perfect gathering. Serving the Hudson Valley and Catskills, their Kerhonkson restaurant is available for full buyouts. The backyard overlooks the Rondout Creek and is ideal for intimate celebrations—from engagement parties to farewell brunches. Eclectic farm-to-table menus are customized with care, including vegan and gluten-free options, without compromising style or taste.
OYSTER PARTY
NYC, Hudson Valley, 845-657-4012, oysterpartybk.com
At Oyster Party, we are experts in curating personalized raw bars for our clients. With over 10 years of experience, we are confident that we can work with you to create a raw bar experience that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come. Completely self-sufficient in setup and service, we are an easy add-on to any wedding! Visit our new location in Woodstock.
RŪNA
New Paltz, 845-419-5007, runanewpaltz.com
Let RŪNA cater your dream wedding, whether at your chosen location or in their historic New Paltz restaurant for more intimate gatherings. RŪNA’s diverse menu whispers romance, blending French, Indian, North African cuisine, and more. Each dish is carefully prepared to create a warm, flavorful experience that feels both elevated and deeply satisfying.
SHALE HILL EVENTS
Saugerties, 845-443-4658, shalehillcatering.com
We believe the most meaningful wedding moments unfold around the table. From elegant rehearsal dinners and welcome soirées to post-wedding brunches and intimate celebrations, we create refined farm-to-table menus using exceptional local ingredients. Whether fully staffed or thoughtfully delivered, our services are tailored to your vision, showcasing seasonal Hudson Valley flavors designed to gather and delight.
THE LITTLE MOBILE KITCHEN BY DAVID FOUNDED
Barrytown, 845-481-2050, davidfounded.com
Make your wedding even more memorable with local foods prepared by The Little Mobile Kitchen. Perfect for your arrival party, “morning after” breakfast, or after-party munchies. Menu highlights include challah French toast, bacon-egg-and-cheese sammies, lamb balls with raisin pesto, smoked eggplant dip, pepper jelly lamb sliders, and harissa-dressed farro salad. All dishes are made from locally sourced farms and makers.
