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Grand Junction Wedding Venues that Allows Outside Catering

Writer: Linda ProckLinda Prock

Updated: Mar 11

The Ultimate Guide When Choosing A Grand Junction Wedding Venue that allows Outside Catering.


In this Blog , we will share our knowledge and expertise on a wedding venue on the the western slope that allows outside catering. This blog will also explore the numerous benefits of selecting wedding venues that permit outside catering, emphasizing how it offers couples flexibility, cost savings, and offers unique culinary experiences, supports local businesses and much more.


Grand Junction  Wedding Venue with Bride and Groom embracing in front of the rustic , elegant wedding barn
Grand Junction Barn Wedding Venue

Antler Ridge is a ranch wedding venue located near Grand Junction. We service Brides from all over Western Colorado that includes weddings in Delta, Ridgeway, Ouray and Gunnison. Antler Ridge Weddings and Events allows outside catering for many reasons.


Grand Junction  wedding venue that allows outside catering . The mobil trailer in front of the wedding barn is preparing a roasted pig for the wedding reception.
Local outside caterer used at Grand Junction wedding reception

It is true, as stated by a fellow wedding venue owner in Indianapolis, that every bride's first question when touring a wedding venue is, "Do you allow outside catering?"


Bride and Groom opting for a first touch in front of the wedding barn at Grand Junction Wedding Venue
First Touch at Colorado Premier Ranch Wedding

The Ultimate Guide When Choosing a Venue that Allows Outside Catering


Of course, choosing the correct wedding venue that fits your personally will affect the success of your wedding. One option that often gets overlooked is choosing a wedding venue that allows outside catering. This choice can lead to significant advantages that enhance the overall experience for both the wedding couple and the wedding guests.



Al Fresca outdoor wedding reception at Colorado Premier Ranch Wedding near Grand Junction Colorado
Grand Junction Barn Wedding Venue

Enhanced Flexibility in Menu Selection


Choosing a wedding venue that allows outside catering offers an unmatched level of flexibility in menu selection.


Couples can customize their Grand Junction wedding menu to reflect their individual tastes and cultural backgrounds. For instance, if a couple has a cherished family recipe , outside wedding caterers can easily include it in their menu. With traditional venues , that require in house catering more than often have limited set menus, couples can embrace creativity by working with diverse caterers. Whether it’s Italian, Thai, or BBQ, the selections are endless. When planning your wedding on the western slope you will be able to embrace your creativity and show off your personality without stressing. The local wedding vendors in Grand Junction offer just that and the professionalism is amazing.


By allowing outside catering, couples can select caterers who specialize in farm-to-table dining, providing seasonal ingredients that create fresh and vibrant dishes, enhancing the overall wedding guest dining experience.


Fact:

The Western slope is known for its farm- to- table dining. Colorado Expression Magazine says, "Agribusiness is a key industry on the Western Slope of Colorado and has a rich heritage in farming and ranching. So if you are wanting a farm-to-table dining experience, or an Al Fresca dining experience look for a Montrose wedding venue like Antler Ridge Weddings that allows outside catering.


Spring Cocktail, a strawberry mojito.  Served at Barn Wedding reception in Grand Junction Colorado
Spring Cocktails at Grand Junction Wedding Reception

Using Outside Caterers Saves Money And Offers Unique Culinary Experiences


Did you know you can Save up to 20-30% when choosing your own caterer.


Choosing a Grand Junction Wedding Venue with outside catering can be cost effective and affordable


Many wedding venues that offer in-house catering charge premium prices due to their brand status. On the other hand, by allowing couples to hire their own caterers, they can shop around and compare quotes to find options that fit their budget. In fact, couples can save anywhere from 20% to 30% on catering costs compared to in-house options.


They can also consider alternatives like food trucks, buffets, or family-style meals, which tend to be less expensive and often bring a fun and casual atmosphere to wedding event.


That is exactly why Anlter Ridge does not have in-house catering......At Antler Ridge, we love for our brides to choose caterers that fit their individual budgets. and style. In our experience, over the last 10 years , we have noticed that brides are happier when they are able to choose the vendors of their choice. At Antler Ridge, our brides have had the opportunity to create their dining experience and we have seen everything from prime rib, pig roasts, pot luck, Pasta bars, Al Fresca dining and thats what makes Antler Ridge unique. The Premier Colorado Barn/ranch wedding venue can be both elegant or very simple . It's your wedding , your choice!




Unique Culinary Experiences


Couples want their wedding to be memorable, and outside catering provides the chance to offer unique culinary experiences.


For example, a couple might hire a local chef known for their creative sushi rolls or a taco truck for a festive vibe. These memorable dining experience will stick with your guests long after the wedding day. According to a wedding survey of couples reported that guests raved about the food, showing its importance in wedding planning.


Interactive food stations—like build-your-own pasta or a candy buffet—can also enhance guest engagement and enjoyment, elevating the entire celebration. Last year one of our creative brides had a mashed potato bar with all the condiments. The unique appetizer was served during cocktail hour in martini classes in Antler Ridge's outdoor log gazebo !


Fall wedding flowers of different shades of orange adorn the rustic arch with a set of Antlers  at Grand Junction wedding venue
Fall Flowers adorn rustic log wedding arch in front of pond at Antler Ridge Weddings

Choosing Your Own Caterer..... Supports Local Businesses


Choosing a wedding venue that allows outside catering presents an excellent opportunity to support local farmers and small business owners. At Antler Ridge, we love supporting our local vendors. We have a preferred vendors list that lists all the local vendors that have been to the ranch more than once and have shown professionalism. We are happy to recommend them .


When couples hire local caterers, they contribute to the community's economy, fostering relationships with vendors who are dedicated to making their events unforgettable. Local caterers often prioritize fresh, quality ingredients, promoting farm-fresh menus. By working closely with these caterers, couples can often receive better service and delicious meals made with locally grown foods.



Spring Cocktail , lemonade spritzer,  that was served at a Grand Junction Wedding Reception
Lemonade Spritzer served during cocktail hour at Grand Junction Wedding Venue


Better Control Over Alcohol Selection

Did you know you could save up to 30% on your bar service?


Another advantage of outside catering is the ability to choose a broader range of alcoholic beverages. And at Antler Ridge you not only can pick your own local caterer but you can bring in your own liquor. Bringing in your own liquor is also a huge savings making Antler Ridge Weddings even more affordable. For more information about wedding packages, wedding prices, affordable wedding packages or affordable wedding prices contact us and ask us to send you the wedding packages and pricing.


Venues with exclusive bar services often impose restrictions and limited options on drink selections. However, when couples opt for external catering, they can handpick their beverages, whether it’s a selection of local craft beers, a signature cocktail, or a thoughtfully chosen wine list. This freedom can also lead to considerable savings—often as much as 30%—when compared to standard wedding venue bar packages.


Choosing Your Own Caterer For Your Wedding Reduces Stress and Makes The Wedding Planning Go Smoothly


DIY Grand Junction wedding venue on the western slope that allows outside vendors also alleviates stress.  Bridal party sitting on deck with feet in the pond relaxing before the wedding ceremony.
Weekend wedding package makes for a stress free wedding at Antler Ridge Weddings


Couples working with dedicated outside caterers typically receive more personalized support during the wedding planning process. Wedding Caterers often offer flexibility and are usually more accommodating of last-minute changes or special requests. This support allows couples to focus on other elements of their wedding which results in a smoother planning process.



Granch Junction  Wedding Venue is set up for indoor barn reception.  White table cloths with pink spring napkins and romantic lighting
Spring Wedding Reception At Colorado Premier Ranch Wedding Venue near Grand Junction Colorado


When opting for outside catering services, couples can choose vendors they truly trust and love.


A Recap of the Benefits of Outside Catering


Choosing your outside caterer gives wedding couples a variety options and advantages that contribute to a personalized and memorable wedding experience.


From the creative freedom that comes with menu selection to the benefits of supporting local businesses, couples can showcases their unique style. With the added benefits of cost savings, better drink selections, customizable options, and reduced stress, couples have every reason to consider venues that permit outside catering.


As you begin your wedding planning , don't forget the exciting possibilities offered by outside catering. If creating a truly unforgettable celebration and one that will leave a lasting impression on your guests is important to you then, Antler Ridge Weddings highly recommends considering a wedding venue on the Western Slope that allows outside catering


Bridesmaids in Bridal Suite for a last Girl friend gathering at a wedding in Gunnison

Bridal Suit at Antler Ridge Weddings


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Did you know that Antler Ridge Weddings is known for its central location on the Western Slope. The Premier Ranch Wedding Venue is only 60 minutes from Grand Junction and 60 minutes from Gunnison. Antler Ridge is located closer to the San Juan Mountains and has the best mountain views on the Western slope. And that is a true fact! Montrose has some of the best local vendors in the area and has the second largest airport in Colorado. Your wedding guests will absolutely fall in love with Antler Ridge whether they are local wedding guests or guests coming for your western slope destination wedding. Your wedding guests will also love hiking, river rafting, visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison or going to Ouray to shop or soak in the natural hot springs. If you are looking for a wedding venue, with mountain views, three outdoor ceremony sites, a barn build just for weddings. a bridal suite, honey suite, a weekend wedding package or an affordable Sunday thru wedding package contact us today! We would love to meet you.


Grand Junction Spring wedding.  Bridesmaids all wearing soft spring pink bridesmaids dresses.  Holding pink and white bouquets
Grand Junction Bride at Antler Ridge Weddings. Spring Ranch Wedding

We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding ,we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country! This blog was inspired by the Harris Glen Event Venue  in Morgan County, Indiana.



Cakes Rock




 
 
 

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