Wedding Venue Catering vs Outside Caterers in Malta

In short: Some Malta venues come with their own or a partner caterer, which is simpler but limits your choice. Others let you bring an external caterer, which gives more choice but more to coordinate. Check which setup a venue uses before you shortlist it, and ask both sides what's included.

In Malta, choosing a venue often means choosing your wedding caterer at the same time. Many venues are run by, or work with, one catering company. Others hire out the space and let you bring an external caterer.

It's one of the first things to check when you shortlist venues, because it shapes your menu, your budget and how much organising you'll do yourself. Here's how each setup works, with examples from our directory. For menu styles and tastings, our Malta wedding catering guide goes deeper, and you can browse wedding caterers in Malta directly.

Our own venue came with its caterer, and that suited us: we weren't fussy about food, so it was one less decision. If food matters a lot to you, or you want something specific, the same setup can feel limiting, so check how flexible the venue's menus are before you book.

At a Glance

Venues With In-House or Partner Catering

The venue and the food come together. Either the venue has its own kitchen team, or it works with one catering company (sometimes exclusively) that handles its weddings.

Venues in our directory where catering comes through the venue or a named partner include:

• Palazzo Parisio: in-house catering by its own chef and team
• Olive Gardens: exclusive to Camilleri Catering, which handles every wedding there
• Villa Arrigo: Osborne Caterers
• The Xara Lodge: Xara Catering
• Casino Maltese: Corinthia Caterers, and Waterfall Gardens, in partnership with Corinthia Caterers
• Giardini Lambrosa: Elia Caterers
• The Royal Hall, Sliema: catered by AX Caterers by The Palace. AX also caters at partner venues such as Palazzo Promontorio and Mdina Ditch Garden
• Bacchus, Mdina: its own catering, which it also takes to other venues
• Hotels such as Corinthia Palace and Kempinski San Lawrenz, whose own culinary teams prepare the wedding menus

Hotels usually sell this as a package that can bundle the menu, drinks and sometimes rooms.

Why couples choose it. You have one contract and one point of contact. The caterer already knows the kitchen, the layout and the timings, and tables, chairs, linen and staff are often included. Confirm exactly what the per-head price covers.

The trade-off. You can't shop around. If the tasting doesn't win you over, you're limited to that caterer's menus. It's also harder to compare prices, and there may be less flexibility on things like bringing your own wine or a late-night food truck. Ask what's allowed before you sign.

Venues That Allow an External Caterer

The venue rents you the space and you hire a caterer separately. Some venues let you bring anyone; others give you a list of approved caterers to choose from. Ask which applies.

Venues in our directory that allow an outside caterer include:

• Villa Bighi, Kalkara, which says clients are free to choose their own caterers and suppliers
• Ta' Betta Wine Estates, Girgenti, according to its listing
• The Sheer Bastion, Senglea, which allows a caterer of your choice alongside its own options
• Villa Katarina, Żurrieq, according to its listing

Why couples choose it. You pick food you love, whether that's Maltese, Italian, BBQ, street food or fine dining, and you can get quotes from several caterers for the same venue. There's more room for food stations, late-night snacks or a particular cuisine.

The trade-off. There's more to coordinate. You (or your planner) make sure the venue and caterer agree on access times, kitchen facilities, power, rubbish removal and when everything has to be cleared. There are also costs that fall between the cracks: tables, chairs, linen, glassware, a mobile kitchen or extra staff may not be included by either side, so ask both. Some estates and historic sites don't have a full kitchen, so the caterer brings a mobile setup.

One thing we missed out on: because our caterer came with the venue, we never went to any caterers' tasting events. I've heard they're a fun way to choose, so if you're picking your own caterer, go to a few.

Questions to Ask Either Way

Ask the venue:

• Do we have to use your caterer, choose from an approved list, or can we bring anyone?
• Is there a fee for using an outside caterer, and what does it cover?
• What kitchen facilities are there, and what time can the caterer arrive?
• Can we bring our own wine, and is there corkage?

Ask the caterer:

• Have you worked at this venue before?
• What's included: staff, tables, chairs, linen, glassware, cake cutting?
• How do you handle dietary requirements and allergies?
• Is the bar included, or should we book a separate bar service?

Drinks Are Often a Separate Decision

Even when the food is fixed, drinks can sometimes be arranged separately: a cocktail bar, a prosecco reception, or wine bought directly from a supplier. Ask your venue what's allowed, then browse drinks suppliers and cocktail bars if you have the choice.

Which Should You Choose?

Go with the venue's caterer if you want simplicity, you loved the tasting, and you'd rather have one team responsible for the whole day.

Bring your own caterer if food is a big priority, you have a specific style or cuisine in mind, or you're working with a wedding planner who can coordinate everyone.

For us, the venue decided it: we chose the venue first and went with its caterer.

For how per-head and hire-fee pricing compare, read how wedding venue pricing works in Malta. For the overall budget, see our Malta wedding costs guide. When you're ready to compare, browse all wedding venues in Malta and Gozo.