Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is one of Tallahassee’s most beautiful wedding settings, with formal gardens, a reflecting pool by the lake and several rentable spaces.
Our experience at Maclay Gardens
We have experience catering weddings at Maclay Gardens, with paella cooked on-site.
Maclay Gardens at a glance
- Address: 3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309
- Spaces: Eight event venues in the formal gardens, including the Visitor Center Lawn (good for tents and large groups), the Entrance Pavilion and the Gardener’s Cottage; the reflecting pool is the most requested ceremony spot
- Booking: Through the park’s event coordinator, 850-815-2344, Florida State Parks
Public venue details come from Florida State Parks and were checked in October 2026. Always confirm current rules with the venue.
How paella catering works here
For on-site cooking we need a flat outdoor area of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties) and access for our truck and trailer. Setup to serving takes about 2 hours, and guests love gathering around the pan while it cooks. If a space cannot host cooking, we cook fresh nearby and deliver it hot.
Menu ideas
A favorite wedding menu is paella mixta with a Spanish salad, tapas platters, dessert and sangria. Our paella is naturally gluten-free, and a vegan paella keeps every guest covered. We are licensed for liquor, wine and beer, so we can run the bar too. See the catering menu.
Planning tips
- Inside Leon County our minimum is just 15 guests, so rehearsal dinners and small parties work well.
- The Visitor Center Lawn works well for a tent and the paella station.
- Florida State Parks have their own event rules, so confirm cooking and alcohol details with the park when you book.
More about catering in this area: paella catering in Tallahassee. Guest minimums and booking details: pricing and how it works.