Wedding Catering for People Who Hate Weddings

Yes, that’s a thing—and we’re here for it.

Not every couple dreams of a ballroom, a chicken-or-fish dinner, or a packed dance floor with a bouquet toss. If the idea of a traditional wedding makes you cringe a little, you’re in good company. At Shale Hill Events, we cater to people who want to celebrate their way—with great food, authentic vibes, and zero pressure to fit into the mold.

Let’s ditch the awkward formalities and create something deliciously different.

🥂 Welcome Stations That Set the Tone

Who says your guests have to wait until dinner to enjoy good food? Greet them with a spread that says “we’re not doing this the usual way.”

Some of our favorites:

  • Harvest Welcome Station
    Seasonal vegetables, whipped feta, house hummus, local cheeses, cured meats, honeycomb, nuts, olives, pickles, and artisanal breads.

  • Slider Station
    Wagyu beef sliders, fried chicken & biscuit sliders, and mini grilled cheeses—for when casual comfort is king.

  • Raw Bar Station
    Oyster shooters, shrimp cocktail, and ceviche cups—fresh, fun, and far from standard.

  • Soft Pretzel Station
    Warm pretzels with spicy mustard and beer cheese, for a salty, satisfying start.

  • Fresh Fruit Station
    Bright skewers, melons, berries, yogurt sauce, and fruit gazpacho shooters. Light, beautiful, and refreshingly different.

🍸 Cocktail Hour with Personality

Forget the overdone canapés. Our passed hors d’oeuvres give you full control over the vibe and flavor.

Choose four (cold & hot combos recommended):

  • Mini Croque Monsieur or Brie-Caramelized Onion-Turkey Sliders

  • Arancini in flavors like wild mushroom or squash & sage

  • Chicken Liver Crostini with Caramelized Onion

  • Falafel Bites with Tzatziki

  • Tuna Tartare with Ginger Aioli on Cucumber

  • Wagyu Skewers with Chimichurri

  • Shrimp with Sriracha Aioli

  • Fluke Tartare on Pita Crisp
    …and so many more.

We’ll help you build a mix that feels elevated but approachable—whether you want Mediterranean chic or rustic backyard flair.

🍽 A Dinner Experience That’s Actually Fun

Skip the formal plated service and opt for family-style dining that encourages conversation and sharing—without sacrificing sophistication.

Sample Dinner Menu:

  • Salads: Roasted beets with goat cheese, Caesar with anchovy dressing, or pesto pasta with haricots verts

  • Entrees: Faroe Island salmon, local farmed chicken with salsa verde, grilled petite tender with red wine jus, or roasted cauliflower steak

  • Sides: Truffle mashed potatoes, grilled fennel, creamed corn, or roasted seasonal veggies

Hosting something more casual? Our Family Backyard BBQ is a crowd-pleaser.
Smoked brisket, BBQ cauliflower steaks, mac & cheese, jalapeño cornbread with honey butter… yeah, it hits.

🌙 Late-Night Food Stations That People Talk About

You’ve got the party going—don’t let it end with just cake. Our Late-Night Stations are made for dance-fueled cravings and unexpected delight.

Choose 2 for 50 guests from this mouthwatering list:

  • Mini Grilled Cheese & Potato Chips

  • Chicken or Beef Empanadas with Salsa

  • Truffle Mac & Cheese Tarts

  • White Truffle Potato Croquettes

  • Chicken Fingers & Fries

  • Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger Sliders

  • Chicken & Waffles with Honey Butter & Maple Syrup

  • Hot Honey Chicken & Biscuits

  • Short Rib & Bacon Skewers

Want to go all out? Book our BadWich Truck to roll in with fresh-cooked favorites at your Oz Farm wedding.

Or cozy up with our S’mores Bar, featuring real roasting stations (indoor or outdoor), melty chocolate, and graham crackers galore.

🍰 Dessert That Doesn't Come from a Hotel Freezer

Don’t want a four-tier fondant cake? Cool, we didn’t either. Here are just a few ways we do dessert:

  • Mini Cheesecake Bar: With fruit compotes, sauces, whipped cream

  • Mason Jar Treats: Berry trifle, chocolate pot de crème, key lime

  • Sundae Station: With all the toppings—plus homemade brownies

  • Pie Bar: Rotating seasonal flavors for that “just like grandma’s” vibe

  • Cookie Bar: Macarons, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip goodness

💬 You’re Not Alone

“We weren’t into the typical wedding thing—Shale Hill got it immediately. They made everything feel relaxed but still elegant, and the food was just incredible.”
— Max & Jamie

“We just wanted a killer party with amazing food and no stress. That’s exactly what we got.”
— Taylor & Evan

🎉 Let’s Make Your Kind of Wedding

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a cocktail-style bash in the woods, or a late-night food fest under the stars, Shale Hill Events has your back. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between laid-back and unforgettable.

Ready to ditch the traditional wedding and do something real?
📩 Contact us here and let’s plan a celebration that tastes and feels like you.

Dallas Gipin