10 Best Wedding Caterers in the DMV — Megan Rei Photography

Choosing the right caterer for your wedding day is one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process. And it’s often one of the biggest budget lines, so of course you want to be sure you’re making a good investment! The DC area has no shortage of caterers to choose from - Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC proper are home to tons of amazing caterers that offer a variety of culinary styles and customizable menus, ensuring that all couples are able to find their perfect fit!

But how do you narrow down all of these catering options to decide who the right choice is for your big day?

Have some ideas about what you’re looking for in a caterer as you get started. Plated vs buffet, style of cuisine, dietary requirements, etc to be sure you’re considering companies that offer what you’re looking for.
Research their online reviews - you’ll want to see that the caterer you choose has a history of happy customers in the DMV.
Be sure to get a good understanding of the caterer’s pricing structure and what’s included in each of their packages. Ask about any additional costs (such as staffing, rentals, or service fees) to avoid any surprises and stick within your budget.
Do a tasting or two! When you’ve narrowed down to your top catering choices, schedule a tasting to get a feel for their flavors and the presentation of their dishes.

Here are my top 10 favorite caterers in the DC area. I’ve worked weddings with all of these caterers and can vouch for their tasty food 😂 Whether you’re planning an intimate micro-wedding or a five-course plated soiree with 200 guests, this post will hopefully help you find the perfect caterer to meet your needs!

All of the caterers listed on this page are inclusive and are committed to supporting diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. They work with clients of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

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Purple Onion Catering Company

Based out of Vienna, VA, Purple Onion Catering Company is one of the DC area’s most successful catering and event planning companies. With decades of experience, they take pride in crafting custom menus for all of their wedding clients! When working with Purple Onion, you can expect fresh menu options, stylish decor, and high quality plating and presentation.

Their culinary team is top notch, regularly creating dishes from American, Asian, French, Italian, and Mexican traditions. They locally source ingredients and are always happy to accommodate any dietary needs (such as vegan, kosher, nut-free, etc.) Purple Onion’s goal is to deliver an exceptional menu and exceptional service to every wedding client!

Occasions Caterers in Washington, DC, is known for their bespoke catering services that elevate wedding celebrations with delicious cuisine and meticulous attention to detail. Catering is their art, with fine food and drinks as their canvas. With fresh, high-quality, local ingredients, their chefs create unique dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious!

They craft a custom menu for every client, and whether it’s an elegant plated dinner or a lavish buffet, they’ll ensure it reflects the tastes and aesthetic of your celebration. They also offer exclusive rentals and decor to enhance your food and drink displays with style! On the wedding day, Occasions Caterers' in-house hospitality team ensures that every aspect of the culinary experience is flawlessly executed, from the beautifully presented dishes to the seamless service. With their commitment to exceptional service and culinary innovation, Occasions Caterers guarantees a memorable dining experience for you and all your wedding guests.

Serendipity Catering & Design has been making wedding days extraordinary with their fresh, locally-inspired cuisine since 2013. Serving Northern Virginia, Warrenton, Luray and beyond, the Serendipity team is known for their creative and delicious meals and hors d'oeuvres, and their attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. (If you check out some of their online reviews, you’ll find lots of wedding guests raving about how attentive their wait staff is!)

Their chefs are passionate about creating customized menus for their clients, and they can even recreate sentimental family recipes for a special added touch to your wedding menu. Visit their showroom to visualize linens and table settings to help design your wedding, and utilize their team’s expertise to help construct your timeline and floor plan! The pros at Serendipity make sure all of their weddings flow smoothly with timely setup, responsive service, and gorgeous presentation. You can celebrate the night away knowing they have every culinary detail expertly handled for you!

Old Blue BBQ

Old Blue BBQ brings southern hospitality and craft barbecue to every one of their weddings! Based in Alexandria, Virginia, this team of award-winning culinary professionals makes all of their southern-inspired menus from scratch. Your wedding guests will love their mouth-watering hardwood smoked barbecue and the perfect mix of classic barbecue flavors with their own unique offerings. And you don’t want to miss out on their incredible homestyle mac and cheese!

Whether you’re going for a casual vibe or rustic chic on your wedding day, Old Blue BBQ’s event planners will expertly manage every detail with stylish decor and presentation. (And if you can’t wait for a wedding to get your barbecue fix, you can also enjoy Old Blue BBQ at Union Market in DC or the West End Farmers Market in Alexandria!)

Main Event Caterers

Main Event Caterers has been serving DC area wedding couples with culinary artistry for the past 25 years. With innovative menus and world-class cuisine, this team never disappoints! They are committed to sustainability, avoiding food waste and ethically acquiring all of their ingredients. They are proud to support local farmers and get the freshest organic produce from small businesses throughout Virginia and Maryland. And you don’t want to miss out on their meatless menu - their tantalizing plant-based dishes are perfect for your vegetarian and vegan guests (with the bonus of reduced carbon emissions)!

Main Event Caterers can handle everything from intimate dinners to large-scale galas, providing all of their clients with the same level of impeccable service and care. They also offer comprehensive wedding planning services, ensuring you have an experienced team throughout the wedding planning process to help your entire day flow seamlessly. Reach out to the Main Event team if you want a truly unforgettable celebration!

Pampa’s Fox Catering

Originating from Argentina, Pampa’s Fox Catering now serves the Northern Virginia and DC area. With 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, they provide a unique experience in the art of catering and events. Starting with the freshest and finest ingredients (organic and locally sourced whenever possible), they create every dish and pastry from scratch. They’ll customize a menu for your special event, taking into consideration dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Pampa’s Fox is famous for their pastries and empanadas, and every distinctive dish delivers unique flavors from carefully developed recipes and family culinary traditions.

At Pampa's Fox they are passionate about food and they take pride in taste and presentation. They believe that food should complement the style of your day, so they work with wedding clients to create a personalized menu. They offer a variety of services that include plated, buffet, and their famous Asado, a traditional Argentinian barbecue style. Their professional staff and bartenders will always strive to give you the exceptional service your wedding day deserves! They also have a bakery in Nokesville and will be opening a DC location soon!

RSVP Catering

RSVP Catering is one of the premiere catering companies in the Washington, DC area. Best known for creating magic at events through fun and interactive culinary experiences, they are a full-service company who strives to exceed expectations. They’re experienced with a variety of different staples of cuisine - American, Indian, African, Asian, Italian, Cajun - you name it, they can make it for you and your wedding guests!

And they are always happy to make accommodations for special dietary needs like gluten-free, kosher, vegan and halal. Top notch service, vibrant menu offerings, and one-on-one planning are just a few of the ways RSVP Catering makes sure your wedding day is perfect!

Twinleaf Catering

Twinleaf Catering specializes in working with Northern Virginia’s diverse selection of wedding venues to provide unforgettable dining experiences. No matter where your event takes place, whether it’s a picturesque vineyard, rustic barn, or scenic countryside, they have the experience and equipment to provide restaurant quality catering anywhere. Their team of event professionals works seamlessly to deliver tailored menus and exceptional service.

They take pride in supporting and working with local farms and purveyors to provide fresh, seasonal menu items. As a small business they are able to work intimately with their clients to truly bring their wedding vision to life. And Twinleaf Catering takes pride in being an ally for all. They proudly support diversity by creating inclusive catering experiences that celebrate love in all its forms.

The Catering Company

The Catering Company is a local wedding caterer located in Winchester, VA but they have no issue traveling all over Northern Virginia and the DMV to make your big day a breeze! They especially love the Luray and Loudoun County areas and their wedding venues.

Priding themselves on being a full service provider, they're happy to help with linens, china, and equipment, but ultimately they enjoy creating amazing food worth the memories. Anything from taco bars to BBQ to pasta bars, take a look through their menu portfolio for inspiration or pre-built menus! With a peppy crew and tasty food to boot, let them serve you!

El Paso Mexican Restaurant offers flavorful and vibrant catering services across the DMV that bring the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine to your wedding day. The team works closely with each couple to craft a menu that combines authentic Mexican dishes with a touch of modern flair, and every dish is bursting with fresh, bold flavors. They have a variety of choices from delicious tacos and burritos to homemade guacamole and queso, and you have to try their fajita and nacho bars!

On the wedding day, El Paso Mexican Restaurant’s catering team handles everything with professionalism and care, ensuring that your food is presented beautifully and served promptly. Food trucks and taco cart rentals are available as well! Their goal is to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere, where the vibrant tastes of Mexico add to the joy and celebration of your big day.