Your wedding dinner should be something guests talk about for years. Real Paella Catering cooks authentic Valencian paella on-site in giant traditional pans, so the meal becomes part of the celebration: guests gather around while it cooks during cocktail hour, then everyone sits down to a feast with seconds for all. We are a family-owned business founded in 2006 by Valencia-born chef Juan Ten Boquera, serving all of North Florida, and a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner.
Now accepting 2027 wedding reservations.
Why couples choose paella for their wedding
- Dinner and a show. Watching the paella cook in a giant pan entertains your guests and makes for great photos.
- Something different. Guests have been to plenty of plated chicken dinners. Paella is memorable, generous and made for sharing.
- Everyone can eat. Our paella is naturally gluten-free with no MSG, we offer a vegan paella, and we accommodate allergies, including shellfish.
- Authentic ingredients. Albufera rice, saffron and smoked paprika imported from Spain, with fresh local ingredients.
- Simple for you. We bring our own equipment and need no kitchen, water or electricity, so it works at barns, gardens, beach houses and backyards.
How it works on your wedding day
- Setup: we arrive about 2 hours before dinner with our truck, trailer, pans and a tent in case of rain. We need a flat outdoor area of at least 10′ x 10′ (more for larger parties).
- Cocktail hour: the paella cooks while guests enjoy tapas and sangria. Many couples invite guests to watch.
- Dinner: we serve straight from the pan buffet style, or plate it to the tables with servers.
- After dinner: dessert, and we leave any leftovers for you.
Prefer not to cook on-site, or your venue does not allow it? We cook fresh nearby and deliver it hot. See how it works for the full details.
The most popular wedding menu
Most of our couples choose paella mixta (chicken, pork and seafood), a Spanish salad, traditional tapas, homemade dessert and sangria. Seafood, classic chicken and pork, and vegan paellas are all available, and larger weddings can mix as many types as you like. See the full catering menu.
Bar and live music
We are licensed for liquor, wine and beer. Bar service includes 4 hours of service, bar setup, garnish and mixer packages, a beverage table, dispensers, non-alcoholic drinks and one bartender per 50 guests. See bartending services. For music, choose flamenco guitar, a flamenco band, classical guitar or Latin jazz.
Rehearsal dinners and welcome parties
Paella is just as popular the night before. A relaxed paella dinner is an easy way to welcome out-of-town guests and bring both families together. See rehearsal dinner catering.
Celebrating a milestone after the wedding? We also cater anniversary parties and vow renewals and engagement parties.
Wedding venues we’ve catered
We have experience at many of North Florida’s favorite wedding venues, including the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Goodwood Museum & Gardens, Mission San Luis, Maclay Gardens, Bradley’s Pond and Feather Oaks in Tallahassee, Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville and The Chapel of 30A. Browse all venue guides.
Where we cater weddings
All of North Florida, including Tallahassee, Thomasville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Pensacola, Destin and 30A, Panama City and Apalachicola, plus southern Georgia and the Tampa Bay area. The guest minimum is 15 in Leon County and 50 anywhere else, up to 1,000 guests.
What couples say
“Real Paella went above and beyond for our wedding! This paella is literally my favorite food I have ever had and all of our guests were so impressed with the food and the presentation. Juan Ten and his employees were so great to work with and very quick to respond via email when I had any questions or concerns.”
Real Paella wedding client
“We had Real Paella cater our wedding in Apalachicola in March and they were absolutely spectacular! We had them cook on-site and it was amazing. My guests are still telling me how amazing the food was and what a great experience they had.”
Real Paella wedding client
“We used Real Paella for our Wedding Reception Dinner and the food was Amazing!! I had excellent and quick responses when emailing back and forth, as this was a destination wedding. The guests could not quit commenting on how delicious the paella was!!”
Real Paella wedding client
“100% would hire again! Real Paella was so easy to work for with for our post-elopement wedding reception! They were flexible when the weather wasn’t ideal and made adjustments for on-site cooking even in windy conditions.”
Real Paella wedding client
Wedding catering questions
How far ahead should we book?
As soon as you have a date. Popular weekends fill early, and we are already accepting 2027 wedding reservations.
Can you cater a destination wedding?
Yes. We handle details by email and phone and send an online contract you can sign electronically.
What if it rains?
We always bring a tent. If it is unsafe to cook outside, we bring your meal cooked and ready to serve.
Do you provide plates and utensils?
Yes, on request: compostable plates, napkins and utensils, or porcelain plates and stainless steel forks for an additional charge.
Can we have a tasting?
We cannot offer tastings because every paella is cooked fresh for each event. Our reviews from past couples speak for the food.
How do deposits and payment work?
An online contract and deposit confirm your date. Deposits are non-refundable, orders can be changed up to 72 hours before the event, and the final payment is due on the wedding day.
Can you recommend a venue?
Yes. Just ask when you request your quote.
Get your wedding quote
Tell us your date, venue city and guest count, and we will send a custom wedding catering quote.
