Venues Picky About Catering

We really want to have a Russian caterer (serving Russian food) at the reception, but apparently, almost every venue in the Baltimore area does not want us to. Or, the venue can, but cannot accommodate 130-150 guests seated indoors.

(Alex and his family and many of their friends are from all over Eastern Europe, which explains the Russian food.)

If we have a Russian caterer, and there are only about 3 in Bmore, we must have the wedding in the Baltimore area, as they won't travel. And, it's better to keep it in Baltimore anyway, due to most of our guests living in this area. They also must have a kitchen on site.

Typical venue responses:

"You must choose an approved caterer from our list"
"You must use our caterer"
"We don't have a kitchen"

SIGH.

I have tried JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE, and I MEAN EVERYWHERE in Baltimore, and checked EVERY WEB LISTING, called around, you name it, and there are 3 places (SO FAR) that can accommodate our catering needs and have indoor space for at least 150 people:

1. Martin's Hunt Valley Mansion......toured on 2/19
2. Scottish Rite Masonic Center......toured on 2/24
3. Baltimore Zoo Mansion...............touring on 2/28

I am not interested in any of the Martin's facilities other than what is listed, as I have not been satisfied with experiences there or the decor.

I am waiting to hear back from the Lyric Opera house.

So far, we are not completely impressed by both the Martin's Hunt Valley or the Scottish Rite, but we have not ruled them out altogether.

We both really want to have the Russian food, but if we decided against it, or had only Russian appetizers, it would REALLY give us a lot more options as far as better venues.

I really liked the pictures I saw of the Evergreen House's indoor rental facilities and the M&T Bank Pavilion at the Hippodrome Theater. I wish they would let us use our own catering! I would love to tour those places. I have actually painted at a beautiful wedding on the exterior grounds of the Evergreen House, and I was IMPRESSED. I'd love to see the inside ballrooms.

Well, wish us luck at the Baltimore Zoo Mansion this Sat!