Catering an Outdoor Wedding or Event: What You Need to Know

There’s something undeniably special about an outdoor wedding. Maybe it’s the open air, the golden light just before sunset, or the sense of being somewhere a little off the beaten path. Whether you’re tying the knot on a private property, in a paddock, or under a canopy of trees, outdoor weddings can be some of the most memorable celebrations, but they do take a little extra planning.

At Eden Catering & Events, we’ve catered weddings in all kinds of outdoor locations. We’ve set up banquet-style feasts in the middle of rolling hills and served canapé trays to guests gathered by the water’s edge. So when it comes to outdoor weddings or celebrations, we know exactly how to make the food side of things smooth, stress-free, and completely seamless.

You Don’t Need a Kitchen — We’ll Bring One

This is often the first question couples ask: “Can you still cater if there’s no kitchen onsite?”

Yes, we absolutely can.

Our team comes fully equipped with all the commercial gear needed to prepare and serve your chosen menu, even in the most remote or rustic locations. We just ask that you arrange a catering tent for us to work in and if you’re not sure what that looks like or where to start, we can guide you through that part too.

Whether we’re working under the stars or behind a barn, the food will always be fresh, delicious, and exactly as you imagined.

Comprehensive Add-ons

Our catering packages are designed to enhance your outdoor celebration:

• Tableware Add-On: We can supply plates, cutlery, and quilted dinner napkins, along with setting and clearing the tables.

• Bar Service: Professional bar staff and a variety of bar packages are available to complement your event.

• Late-Night Snacks: Keep the energy up with our late-night snack options, perfect for guests who love to dance into the night.

Catering That Feels as Thoughtful as Your Location

The beauty of an outdoor wedding is that it often reflects something personal about the couple… a favourite place, a family property, a setting that just feels like “them.” We think the food should match that same energy.

Our menus are designed to be flexible and generous, with options like:

• Roaming canapés served to guests as they enjoy the view

• Abundant buffet setups

• Banquet-style share plates that bring everyone together

• Alternate drop courses for a more traditional feel

Whatever you choose, we’ll work with you to design a dining experience that fits your day perfectly!

We’re Set Up to Serve Where Others Can’t

We cater across the Hunter, Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Sydney region and beyond. Many of the weddings we do are in beautiful, sometimes hard-to-reach locations, and we love that.

Our team is experienced in creating full-service events in places with no existing facilities. We’ll set up, serve, and clear away without fuss, making sure your guests are looked after and everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.

If your dream venue is a little unconventional, you’re in the right place.

Planning for Weather Variability

When hosting an outdoor wedding, the weather can be unpredictable — and while we’ll all cross our fingers for sunshine, it’s wise to have a solid backup plan in place. No one likes a soggy canapé or watching the cheese platter melt under the midday sun.

A few thoughtful decisions can make a big difference. Ensure there’s adequate shelter not just for guests, but for the food and your vendors as well. Marquees, umbrellas, and even windbreaks can help keep things comfortable and functional.

If your caterers are working out of a temporary kitchen or food tent, it’s important that it’s positioned close to the dining area. This helps ensure that food arrives quickly and stays at the highest quality. The less travel time between the serving area and your guests’ plates, the better the experience will be for everyone.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Outdoor weddings have a certain magic. They feel free, natural, and completely unique to you. With Eden Catering & Events by your side, you won’t need to worry about whether the food will arrive hot, if the servers know where to go, or what happens when the wind picks up. We’ve got it all handled.

So if you’re planning an outdoor celebration and want a caterer who can work with your vision, wherever it takes you, we’d love to chat.

Serving weddings and events across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Sydney and beyond.