Hudson Valley Wedding Catering Costs: What Couples Really Pay (Plus Tips to Stay on Budget)
Planning your wedding in the Hudson Valley, NY? You’re likely already dreaming about the venue views, your first look under the trees, and of course the food.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant garden wedding, a rustic barn party, or a laid-back BBQ celebration, catering will be one of the biggest investments of your day. But how much does wedding catering in the Hudson Valley really cost?
At Shale Hill Events, we help couples design incredible, personalized menus that match their style and their budget. Below, we break down real pricing examples, planning tips, and why Oz Farm is one of our favorite venues for maximizing both value and vibe.
Hudson Valley Wedding Catering Costs: A Realistic Breakdown
Here’s a transparent look at Shale Hill Events’ catering packages, what’s included, and how pricing scales based on service style and guest count.
Note: Final pricing depends on venue logistics, guest count, menu customization, rentals, and staffing. All packages below are customizable.
Welcome Stations: $35–$45 per person
Start your celebration with beautiful grazing stations that reflect the bounty of the Hudson Valley.
Example: Harvest Welcome Station – $40/pp
Includes:
Seasonal vegetables
House-made hummus and whipped feta
Local cheeses and charcuterie
Honeycomb, olives, pickles, nuts
Crackers and artisanal bread from local bakeries
Perfect for outdoor cocktail hours, casual vibes, and farm-style weddings.
Cocktail Hour Passed Hors d’Oeuvres: $25–$40 per person
Keep guests mingling and munching with chef-curated, passed small bites.
Includes:
4 to 6 selections of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres
Options like Wagyu beef skewers, arancini, crostini, and tartare
Staff to tray-pass and refresh trays throughout service
💡 Pro Tip: A mix of vegetarian and meat-forward options keeps it balanced and budget-friendly.
Dinner Service: $55–$95 per person
We offer flexible service styles to fit your vision and venue:
Plated Dinners – $85–$95/pp
Elegant, sit-down service with individually plated courses. Best for formal weddings or indoor venues.
Family-Style Dinners – $70–$85/pp
Large platters served at each table for guests to share—perfect for rustic or intimate celebrations.
Buffet or Station-Style – $55–$70/pp
Guests serve themselves from curated stations. Great for relaxed weddings, outdoor venues, or large guest lists.
All dinner services include:
Seasonal entrees (e.g., grilled chicken, salmon, short rib, or cauliflower steak)
Choice of sides and salads
Bread and butter service
Eco-friendly disposable or rental serviceware (based on package)
Late-Night Bites: $15–$30 per person
After a few drinks and lots of dancing, guests will be craving something satisfying.
Popular picks:
Mini grilled cheese & tomato soup shooters
Chicken & waffles with maple butter
Mac & cheese croquettes
S’mores station or our BadWich Food Truck
🍴 Late-night food is often the most talked-about moment of the night don’t skip it if your crowd loves to party!
Spotlight Venue: Weddings at Oz Farm in Hudson Valley
Looking for a wedding venue that feels effortlessly chic, surrounded by nature, and still offers excellent value for catering logistics? Oz Farm in Saugerties, NY is one of our top recommendations.
Why We Love Catering at Oz Farm:
✅ Indoor-outdoor flexibility (great for welcome stations & food trucks)
✅ On-site power & water (saves costs on rentals)
✅ Open vendor policy ideal for custom catering menus
✅ Scenic views, gardens, and room to roam
Whether you’re hosting 50 guests or 200+, Oz Farm provides the space, amenities, and style to make catering feel seamless and stunning.
Need help choosing a Hudson Valley venue? Reach out and we’ll share our full preferred venue list!
Bar Packages
Beer + Wine Bar: $50 per person for 4 hours
River Package: $60 per person for 4 hours
Mountain Package: $90 per person for 4 hours
Our bar packages include a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, with options for additional hours at an added cost. Specialty cocktails are available at $350 per 50 drinks, and we can customize your bar selection to fit your theme and preferences.
Off-Site Catering Rentals and Fees
One important aspect to keep in mind is that for off-site events, full rentals of kitchen equipment, platters, and serving utensils are required. These items are included when your event takes place at Oz Farm. This makes Oz Farm an ideal choice for couples who want to ensure a seamless event without worrying about additional rental logistics.
There is also an off-site rental fee starting at $3,000, and the off-site bar setup fee starts at $500.
Budgeting Tips for Your Hudson Valley Wedding Catering
Consider Your Guest List: The number of guests you’re inviting will directly affect your catering costs. Be sure to factor in how many people you'll be serving, and keep in mind that adding extra hors d’oeuvres or late-night snacks can add up quickly.
Choose Wisely Between Family-Style and Plated: Family-style dinners are generally a more affordable option than plated meals. However, plated meals offer a more formal experience and may be a better fit for couples with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Opt for Seasonal and Local: Using local, seasonal ingredients not only supports local farmers but can also reduce food costs while ensuring the highest quality and freshest ingredients.
Bar Packages: Keep in mind that bar packages can range from modest to premium. If you’re working with a tighter budget, consider offering a limited selection of drinks or cutting down the open bar time.
Take Advantage of Venue-Specific Inclusions: Venues like Oz Farms simplify the catering process by providing rental equipment as part of their package, reducing your need for additional rentals.
Why Oz Farm is the Perfect Venue for Your Hudson Valley Wedding
As one of our preferred venues, Oz Farm in Saugerties offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern amenities. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, this venue provides a picturesque setting for your wedding day. With its beautiful barn, outdoor spaces, and convenient access to all the rentals you need, Oz Farm ensures that your event is seamless and stress-free. Plus, booking your wedding at Oz Farms includes added benefits, like a S’mores Bar and two late-night snacks, making it a great choice for couples seeking both value and charm.
How to Maximize Your Catering Budget
Here are a few insider tips to get the most out of your wedding catering experience:
✔️ Prioritize Flavor, Not Formality
Station-style or family-style meals often feel more fun and interactive and can reduce costs compared to plated dinners.
✔️ Go Seasonal & Local
Choose ingredients that are in season and grown in the Hudson Valley to cut costs and boost flavor.
✔️ Reuse Rentals Across Courses
Use the same plates for welcome snacks, dinner, and dessert when possible. This reduces rental and staffing costs.
✔️ Combine Food & Decor
Gorgeous grazing boards or dessert tables double as décor less need for elaborate centerpieces.
Hudson Valley Wedding Catering FAQ
Q: How much should I budget for catering per guest in the Hudson Valley?
Most couples spend $125–$175 per guest on full-service catering (welcome station + dinner + cocktail hour + late-night bites). Your total can go higher or lower depending on the guest count and service style.
Q: Do your prices include staff and rentals?
All pricing includes basic staffing and compostable serviceware. Rentals like china, flatware, linens, and glassware are available as add-ons or bundled packages.
Q: Can you cater vegetarian or dietary-restricted menus?
Absolutely. We love crafting inclusive menus vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options available with every package.
Q: Is there a minimum spend or guest count?
Minimums vary by season and day of the week. Contact us for a custom quote based on your date and guest list.
Let’s Cater the Hudson Valley Wedding You’ve Been Dreaming Of
At Shale Hill Events, we’re not just caterers we’re culinary partners who bring your wedding vision to life. We’ve worked at every kind of venue across the Hudson Valley, from barns and vineyards to modern estates and mountaintop retreats.
Whether you’re hosting at Oz Farm, your family property, or a Hudson River mansion, we’ll help you create a menu that’s delicious, local, and completely you.
Ready to talk catering?
Contact us here to schedule your tasting or get a custom quote for your Hudson Valley wedding.