Your Dream Wedding Deserves the Best: How The Local Caterer Serves East Valley Brides and Grooms with Style

When you’re planning your wedding, everything matters—especially the food. It's not just a meal; it's the centerpiece of the celebration, the shared experience your guests will talk about long after the last dance. Whether you're hosting a chic soirée in Chandler or a backyard wedding in Queen Creek, one thing is clear: your big day deserves unforgettable catering.

At The Local Caterer, we believe great weddings start with great food, fresh ingredients, and personal touches. Based in Mesa, AZ and serving couples all across the East Valley, we specialize in custom wedding catering that elevates your event—without overcomplicating it.

Why Couples in the East Valley Choose The Local Caterer

Couples from 85248 (Ocotillo area of Chandler) to 85298 (south Gilbert/Queen Creek border) choose us for one big reason: we make your vision taste amazing. From the moment you inquire, our team—led by award-winning chef Josh Bakken—is focused on crafting menus that reflect your story and your flavor.

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic fall wedding in Gilbert, a summer garden wedding in Chandler, or a luxury micro-wedding in Ahwatukee, The Local Caterer builds a food experience around your dream.

Custom Wedding Menus — Because No Couple Is the Same

Forget the bland “chicken or fish” dilemma. Our menus are fully customizable and always based on seasonal, fresh ingredients—sourced locally whenever possible.

Some of our most popular wedding options include:

• Plated Fine Dining – For upscale weddings in 85249 or 85295

• Buffet or Station Style – Perfect for family-style backyard weddings in 85298 or 85297

• Taco Bars & Southwest-Inspired Menus – For casual, fun-loving couples in Mesa (85205, 85209)

• Vegetarian, Vegan, and Allergy-Friendly Options – Always available, always delicious

Everything is prepared with zero additives, using ingredients you’d be proud to serve at your own table.

Venues We Cater Across the East Valley

We’ve partnered with and catered at some of the most beautiful indoor and outdoor venues in:

• Chandler (85248, 85249)

• Gilbert (85298, 85295, 85234)

• Queen Creek (85142)

• Mesa (85205, 85209, 85212)

• Ahwatukee Foothills (85044, 85048)

Some of our favorite venues include Villa Siena in Gilbert, The Ashley Castle in Chandler, and Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. We also specialize in private estate weddings and micro-weddings, especially popular post-pandemic.

Fall Weddings: Our Seasonal Favorite

Arizona’s fall wedding season is one of our busiest—and most beautiful. The desert cools down, and the light is golden.

For weddings in October and November, we love to feature rich flavors like:

• Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash

• Butternut Squash Ravioli in Sage Brown Butter

• Harvest Salads with Local Citrus and Pistachios

• Dessert bars featuring Churros, Mini Pies, and Caramel Apples

Add custom touches like apple cider welcome drinks or a hot cocoa bar to wow your guests.

Outdoor Weddings in the East Valley: Know Before You Go

Planning an outdoor reception in 85286 or 85297? Here’s what we always recommend:

• Rent a tent if your event is between May–September

• Ask us about our mobile chillers for salads and seafood stations

• Consider evening receptions for sunset light and cooler temps

• Our chefs are trained for on-site, open-air cooking, making sure your food stays fresh and safe—even outdoors

We also help you build a rain plan (yes, it can rain in Arizona!) so there are no surprises.

Sample Wedding Menu: 2025 Favorites

Here’s an example of a recent custom wedding menu we designed for a Gilbert couple (zip 85298):

Appetizers:

• Mini Elote Cups

• Shrimp Ceviche on Plantain Chips

• Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey and Pecans

Entrées:

• Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

• Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Breast

• Roasted Portobello with Quinoa Stuffing (Vegan)

Sides:

• Garlic Herb Fingerling Potatoes

• Citrus Kale Salad

• Street Corn with Cotija and Lime

Dessert Table:

• Mexican Chocolate Brownies

• Mini Flan

• Tres Leches Cake Slices

Beverages:

• Cucumber-Lime Agua Fresca

• Prickly Pear Lemonade

• Signature Mr. & Mrs. Margs (non-alcoholic or full bar available)

We build from scratch, every time. No heat-and-serve. No cookie-cutter menus.

What Couples Are Saying

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"We hired The Local Caterer for our October wedding in Queen Creek (85142) and guests are STILL talking about the food. We wanted something different than steak and salmon—and Josh and team nailed it."– Danielle R., Bride

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"We live in Ahwatukee (85048) and wanted a local caterer who could deliver restaurant-quality food for our backyard wedding. They didn’t just deliver—they exceeded every expectation."– Marcus & Beth A.

Transparent Pricing. No Hidden Fees.

We get it—weddings are expensive. But your catering shouldn’t feel like a mystery.

We offer:

• Transparent proposals

• Menu tastings for weddings over 50 guests

• Payment plans available

• No last-minute “per person” add-ons

Why The Local Caterer Is Different

We’re not a chain. We’re not a big-box wedding vendor.

We’re a Mesa-based, family-owned, chef-led catering team that focuses on quality, connection, and creativity. We bring:

• 15+ years of chef experience

• Personalized service with real humans

• All-fresh, no-additive cooking

• Real-time event coordination and staffing

• Gorgeous plating, even for buffet-style meals

• The flexibility to cater a 300-person event or a 25-person elopement dinner

We also partner with The Local Meal Prep and The Local Chef’s Table, so many of our wedding clients come back to us for anniversaries, dinner parties, or family gatherings long after the big day.

Book Early for Best Dates

Prime wedding season in the East Valley fills fast, especially in September–November and March–May.

We recommend securing your date at least 6–9 months in advance for:

• Gilbert weddings (85298, 85295)

• Chandler weddings (85249, 85248)

• Queen Creek venues (85142)

• Ahwatukee backyards (85044, 85048)

• East Mesa ranch-style homes (85212, 85209)

Let’s Plan Something Unforgettable

If you’re looking for a caterer who truly listens, creates food that feels special, and understands the unique vibe of an Arizona wedding, The Local Caterer is your team.

We don’t just cater events. We build experiences that feel like YOU.