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Finding the Perfect Wedding Caterer in Baltimore

  • jessheddings
  • Mar 27
  • 5 min read

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your wedding? The food. A great meal can set the tone for your celebration, bring guests together, and leave a lasting impression. As the venue manager at Island View Waterfront, located on the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve seen it all—from elegant plated dinners to laid-back crab feasts. No matter your style, finding the right caterer is key to creating a wedding experience that reflects you.


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An elegantly plated wedding dinner—because every bite should be as beautiful as the moment. Catering in this picture by Crossroads Bistro in Baltimore Maryland

Catering Options at Island View Waterfront


At Island View Waterfront, we offer flexible catering options to suit your needs. We have partnered caterers who know our venue inside and out, making the process seamless. We also provide simple in-house catering packages for those who prefer a straightforward option. If you have a specific vision, you’re welcome to choose your own licensed and insured caterer to create a customized menu for your special day.


Catering Styles: What’s Right for Your Wedding?


Not sure what catering style suits your wedding best? Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:


Plated Dinner

  • Ideal for formal weddings where guests are served at their tables.

  • Creates an elegant dining experience with carefully curated courses.

  • Typically requires more staffing, making it a higher-end option.


Buffet

  • A great option for a relaxed, social atmosphere.

  • Guests serve themselves, allowing for a variety of choices.

  • More cost-effective but requires a good flow to avoid long lines.


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    A delicious buffet spread, perfect for a relaxed and welcoming wedding celebration. Catering in this picture by Rouge Fine Catering, a Baltimore & Washington D.C. catering company

Family-Style

  • Large platters of food are placed on each table for guests to share.

  • Encourages interaction and feels warm and inviting.

  • Requires spacious table setups and extra coordination.


Food Stations

  • Different stations offer various dishes, from carving stations to taco bars.

  • Keeps guests engaged and adds an interactive element.

  • Works well for larger weddings with diverse food preferences.


Cocktail-Style Reception

  • Heavy hors d’oeuvres and small bites replace a formal meal.

  • Perfect for a modern, mingling-style event.

  • Requires more passed appetizers and food variety to keep guests satisfied.


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    Interactive food stations bring a personalized touch to your wedding menu! Catering in this picture by Crossroads Bistro, a local catering company in Baltimore

Island View Waterfront’s Partnered & Recommended Caterers


We’ve worked with some of Baltimore’s best wedding caterers, and these pros know how to deliver incredible meals at our waterfront venue:


  1. Crossroads Bistro– a partnered caterer at Island View Waterfront, CRB is also a family owned and operated. They have extensive experience in the catering, food truck, and hospitality industry and will work with you to customize any menu for any celebration.


    5200 North Point Blvd, Edgemere, MD 21219

    https://www.crossroadsbistrocatering.com


  2. Founders Tavern – a partnered caterer at Island View Waterfront, Founders prides itself on the quality and freshness of every ingredient we use in our food, making sure that what comes to your table goes a long way in helping you pursue a little happiness


8125 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122


  1. Blue Farm Catering - a partnered caterer at Island View Waterfront, Blue Farm Catering is also a family owned and operated. This family also owns Eats and Sweets Diner in Pylesville, MD and this is where their food story starts.


    305 Pylesville Rd. Pylesville, MD 21132

    https://www.eatsandsweetsdiner.com

    jordan@bluefarmcatering.com


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Sweet endings: A dessert table that looks just as good as it tastes!


  1. Rouge Fine Cateringprides itself on delivering exceptional events by tailoring our menus, design, and approach to the client. Rouge Fine Catering has served guests at Island View Waterfront, and we can highly recommend this Baltimore & Washington D.C. caterer!


11110 Pepper Road, Suite F, Hunt Valley, MD 21031


  1. Love.Crust.Pizza From the wood to the toppings we try to use as many local ingredients as possible to create our craft. This pizza truck is a gorgeous display for any celebration. Love.Crust.Pizza has served guests at Island View Waterfront, and we can highly recommend this local pizza caterer!


    https://www.lovecrustpizza.com


Whether you’re after an elegant plated meal or a casual feast, these caterers can bring your vision to life!


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Delight your guests with bite-sized perfection during cocktail hour.

Tips for Choosing the Right Caterer


Once you’ve narrowed down your options, keep these tips in mind when making your final decision:


  • Schedule a Tasting: There’s no better way to know if a caterer is right for you than by tasting their food.

  • Review Their Packages: Understand what’s included—some caterers provide staff, rentals, and bar service, while others focus solely on the food.

  • Consider Your Guest List: Make sure your caterer can accommodate dietary restrictions and serve your number of guests efficiently.

  • Ask About Logistics: Ensure they’re comfortable working at an outdoor venue like Island View Waterfront.


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    A breathtaking waterfront view paired with an unforgettable meal.

Up Next: The Bar & Beverage Experience


Now that we’ve covered all things catering, let’s talk about drinks! In our next blog, we’ll dive into planning the perfect bar experience, from signature cocktails to practical logistics for serving drinks at your Baltimore wedding. Stay tuned!


Island View Waterfront offers a flexible approach to wedding planning, allowing you to customize your package to suit your needs and budget.

Island View Waterfront is committed to making your dream celebration a reality. 


Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding or event.



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The best meals are shared with the people who mean the most.

About us:  Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.


When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!


We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:




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Professional caterers ensure every detail of your wedding meal is flawless. Aerial view of Island View Waterfront, a Chesapeake Bay wedding venue in Maryland

 
 
 

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Island View Waterfront

2542 Island View Road, Essex, Maryland 21221

© 2025 Island View Waterfront. All Rights Reserved.

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