Your wedding menu is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to create an experience your guests will remember long after the celebration ends. At Roche Harbor, we know how important it is to craft a menu that reflects your unique style while accommodating your guests’ tastes. Whether you’re dreaming of a gourmet plated dinner or an exciting buffet, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
According to our Executive Chef, Bill Shaw, who has been with Roche Harbor for over 30 years and was even married here himself, creating a wedding menu is about more than just the food. “I pride myself in creating lifelong catered experiences with restaurant-quality food at every event. Our focus is on small-batch cooking during the entire event with the finest ingredients prepared from scratch and finished moments before they are served.” With that philosophy, our culinary team brings the same care and attention to your wedding as Chef Bill did for his own special day.
“It’s been a few months since our wedding and all our guests keep telling us how good the food was, how nice the staff was, and how beautiful Roche Harbor is. Cannot recommend a Roche Harbor wedding enough!” – Jimmy K. 2024 Groom
At Roche Harbor, we pride ourselves in sourcing the finest local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients and preparing each menu item with care and attention to the smallest details. Our culinary team believes that preparing food too far in advance diminishes the experience. At our buffets, your guests will experience a restaurant-style kitchen as our team goes into action… pulling roasted meats directly from the ovens and carving to order, sautéing local vegetables, and griddle-searing fresh seafood and gourmet meats.
1. Consider Your Wedding Style & Theme
Your wedding style can help shape your menu choices. An elegant, formal celebration pairs beautifully with a plated, multi-course dinner, creating an elevated dining experience complete with tableside wine service, while a buffet works well for a fun and lively atmosphere. All of our buffets include a chef in action station, where our culinary team is preparing part of your meal live, whether it be gourmet crab mac and cheese, delicious local mushroom risotto, or mouth watering seared scallops. This adds an elevated experience, separating our buffets from the rest.
2. Keep Your Guests in Mind
When designing your menu, consider catering to the majority, not the minority.. and choose things that get YOU excited. Our menus are designed with common dietary needs in mind, which makes offering a balance of proteins, vegetarian or gluten free options, and accommodating common dietary restrictions easy, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.
At Roche Harbor, we take food allergies seriously. While severe allergies may require guests to bring their own food, our culinary team can accommodate most dietary restrictions. For buffet-style receptions, dishes are clearly labeled, and for both plated and buffet menus, our chefs can prepare special plates for guests with dietary needs.
“Our guests said that it was the best food at a wedding they ever had, and several said it was the best wedding they ever experienced.” – Sarah P. 2024 Bride
3. Embrace Seasonal Ingredients
Fresh, in-season ingredients enhance the flavor and presentation of your wedding menu. At Roche Harbor, we are proud to offer many local options, from farm fresh greens to local fish. Consider incorporating seasonal produce and local specialties to reflect the beauty of your wedding season.
4. Design with Variety in Mind
Offering variety is important! We recommend selecting a well-rounded menu that includes a few key proteins and a mix of sides and appetizers that complement your entrees.
When looking over our menus, we recommend building your dinner first and working backwards, choosing appetizers that pair well with your main dishes. For instance, a seafood-forward dinner, with fresh Salmon, and seared tuna, is beautifully complemented by protein-rich or vegetarian appetizers, like lamb meatballs or a delicate brie and fig jelly tartlet.
And don’t forget about presentation, colorful options like rainbow carrots, fresh mixed greens, and roasted squashes can elevate the visual appeal of your plates.
Chef Bill’s advice? “This is your Big Night, order the items that get you excited and make your mouth water.”
5. Customize with Special Touches
Add personality to your menu with fun, memorable extras. Whether it’s a signature cocktail, a late-night snack, or a nod to your favorite cuisine, these small details make a big impression.
Pair your menu with fun signature cocktails inspired by the Pacific Northwest, the San Juans, or your own hometowns. We are happy to work with you and come up with something truly personal and unique.
For a playful and satisfying end to the evening, consider offering a late-night snack. Guests love options like pizza, burgers, fries, or chicken wings.. perfect for refueling after a night on the dance floor.
Choosing the perfect wedding menu is about balancing your vision with your guests’ experience. At Roche Harbor, our expert culinary team is here to help you craft a menu that reflects your style and delights your guests.
Ready to design a wedding menu that your guests will rave about? Contact us today to start planning your dream celebration!
*Photography by Kim Bamberg/La Vie Photography*