Destin weddings deserve more than a standard buffet. Real Paella Catering cooks authentic Valencian paella on-site for Destin and Fort Walton Beach weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and beach-house celebrations. Guests gather around the paella pan while it cooks, then dig in.
Real Paella Catering is a family-owned business founded in 2006 by Valencia-born chef Juan Ten, serving all of North Florida.
Areas we serve
Destin and Fort Walton Beach, plus the rest of the Emerald Coast: 30A and Panama City, Pensacola and Apalachicola.
Call our Northwest Florida line: 850-980-1650. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Weddings, rehearsal dinners and more
Weddings and rehearsal dinners are what we cater most. See our wedding catering and rehearsal dinner catering pages, and we also cater engagement parties, corporate events and office parties, birthdays, family reunions, quinceañeras and backyard paella parties, from intimate gatherings to 1,000 guests.
How on-site paella catering works
- Cooked in front of your guests in traditional paella pans. The cooking is part of the entertainment.
- About 2 hours from the moment we start setting up until we are ready to serve.
- A flat outdoor space of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties), with direct access for our truck and trailer.
- No kitchen, water or electricity needed. We always bring a tent in case of rain.
- Served from the pan buffet-style, or plated to the tables with servers.
- Cooked on-site. Outside the Tallahassee area we always cook at your event, for parties of 50 guests or more.
Add licensed bartending (no catering order required) and live flamenco or classical guitar to complete the evening. More details: pricing & how it works and our FAQs.
The menu
Every paella is cooked with Albufera rice, saffron and smoked paprika imported from Spain, and our paella is naturally gluten-free with no MSG. Popular choices:
- Paella Mixta: chicken, pork and seafood, our most requested wedding paella
- Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco)
- Classic Paella (Paella Clasica): chicken and pork
- Vegan Paella (Paella Vegetal): fresh vegetables, great for mixed crowds
Round it out with a Spanish salad, traditional tapas, homemade dessert and sangria, the combination most of our wedding couples choose. See the full catering menu.
Read how the Emerald Coast discovered us: A Taste of Valencia, Spain Comes to the Emerald Coast.
What our customers say
“The Real Paella company was perfect for our Rehearsal dinner in Santa Rosa beach! The paella was exceptional and a BIG hit with our guests! The service was professional and efficient! Will definitely book the Real Paella company again!”
Real Paella customer review
Recent nearby event: a rehearsal dinner in Santa Rosa Beach on 30A.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum guest count in Destin?
There is a 50-guest minimum for events more than about an hour from Tallahassee, and we can serve up to 1,000 guests.
Can you cater at a rental house?
Yes, as long as there is a flat outdoor area of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties) and direct access for our truck and trailer.
How far in advance should we book?
Wedding dates fill early, and we are already accepting 2027 wedding reservations, so request your quote as soon as you have a date.
Can you change our order after booking?
Yes, orders can be changed up to 72 hours before the event.
Get your quote
Tell us your date, guest count and city and we will send a custom quote. Booking is confirmed with an online contract and deposit; the final payment is due on the day of the event.