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Weddings

About

At the BBQ Exchange, we aren’t just a bbq joint that does some catering on the side. We are committed to providing a whole-package service for your special day, from helping you pick the linens to coordinating the reception. We don’t just serve food, we create an experience.
Let our experienced staff take care of the details, so you can enjoy your wedding weekend. Details are our passion!
We work with the best vendors in the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley to craft a reception full of great memories.

Chef Craig Hartman has a culinary background that draws on his experiences in the Outer Banks, the rarefied air of Colorado’s esteemed Cliff House, and Charlottesville’s own Keswick Hall and Clifton Inn. He’s settled down now and enjoys running his barbeque joint in Gordonsville, watching the sun rise through the smoke and enjoying the outside kitchen, a dramatic departure from toiling in the bowels of some of the finest hotels on the east coast for over 30 years. He imbues the food with hickory smoke and a passion for good food, and brings these unique fine dining skills to bear on the tastiest pork, brisket, chicken and of course, bacon. He’s been experimenting with bacon, sausage and even that esteemed Virginia product, Virginia cured ham. When he’s not playing with bacon, he’s home gardening or hanging with his grandkids and family. Come by the restaurant to see the value of having over three decades of fine dining experience contributing to your wedding or special event.

Jaclyn has worked her way into the wedding business from nearly every restaurant angle. Relocating to central Virginia from a position in New York running the cafe and events for the Roosevelt Estate, she moved into catering and events for Red Light Management. After cooking for a few musicians, she settled into a kitchen position at Barboursville Vineyards. Three years later she was back out of the kitchen and in charge of weddings and winery events. When the opportunity to help build a new business in Gordonsville arose, she leapt at the opportunity. Catering only 2-3 weddings per month, she is able to devote a high level of attention to each bride, ensuring a satisfactory experience. You’ll work with her to craft your menus, design reception layouts and coordinate rentals and vendors to bring together your vision for your wedding day. She’ll be onsite from beginning to end, to organize and set up the entire event, as well as breaking down and cleaning up so you can enjoy the entire event happy in the knowledge that everything is being done to your expectations! When not at the restaurant or playing wedding planner, she can be found at home, in her extensive gardens, or out on the motorcycle, enjoying the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average catering price per person for plated service?

$110

What is the average catering price per person for buffet service?

$85

What is the average catering price per person for stations?

$85

What is the average catering price per person for hors d'oeuvres?

$24

Which of the following are included in the cost of your full service wedding catering?

Set Up
Clean Up
Cake Cutting
Cocktail Reception
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$24

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)

What event services do you provide?

Delivery
Set Up
Clean Up

What catering services do you provide?

Buffet
Cake Cutting
Cocktail Reception
Custom Menu
Hors d'oeuvres
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What types of cuisine do you cater?

American
Asian
BBQ
French
Italian
Local
Mediterranean
Mexican
Southern
Spanish

What dietary needs can you accommodate?

Gluten Free
Lactose Free
Nut Free
Organic
Vegan
Vegetarian

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Open Bar
Champagne Toast
Signature Drink

Which of the following items can you provide?

Chairs
Tables

Which of the following items can you provide?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
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Any other questions?

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5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
112 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples

53 User photos

112 Reviews See all
Hope
Hope T. Getting married on 09/30/2023
5 out of 5 rating

A Culinary Triumph: Exchange Events Exceptional Review!

It is with immense joy and gratitude that we write this review for Exchange Events, who played a pivotal role in making our wedding day an absolute culinary triumph. From the first bite to the last, they exceeded all our expectations, leaving our taste buds dancing and our guests raving.

From the initial tasting to the wedding day, Exchange Events displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence. They took the time to understand our culinary preferences, dietary restrictions, and vision for the menu. On the big day, they executed flawlessly. Our guests were treated to a gastronomic journey that left everyone eager for more. The hors d'oeuvres were a delightful prelude to the main meal, and the carefully curated signature drinks and late night snack elevated the dining and overall experience for our guests to new heights.

We were also impressed by Exchange Events flexibility and ability to accommodate special requests. They effortlessly catered to the dietary needs of our guests, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the feast without worry. Their willingness to customize certain dishes to align with our preferences was greatly appreciated.

Working with Deandra at Exchange Events was a pleasure throughout the entire wedding planning process. She was responsive, professional, and always ready to answer our questions and address our concerns. Her experience and expertise in the industry shone through in her guidance and recommendations.

Exchange Events elevated our wedding day to a culinary masterpiece. Their dedication to exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and genuine passion for creating memorable dining experiences were evident in every aspect of our wedding meal. If you're in search of a caterer who can turn your culinary dreams into reality, look no further! Our wedding was a feast for the senses, and we are forever grateful to them for making it an unforgettable culinary celebration. We wholeheartedly recommend Exchange Events to anyone looking to savor every moment of their special day.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth G. Married on 03/25/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best of the BEST!

Jaclyn and her team at Exchange Events are the best. We worked with Jaclyn throughout the wedding planning process. She knows all the best tips and all the best vendors. She was quick in her communication and made the planning process so easy. Our wedding day was so smooth and easy due to Jaclyn's amazing leadership! Our guests loved the menu Exchange Events put together and we loved how great the catering staff were.
K
Kelly J. Married on 12/03/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Hire this team

If amazing food & service is something you want for your wedding, look no further than Exchange Events. We booked them as a full service catering company + partial event planning (Jaclyn was instrumental) for our December '22 wedding and were absolutely thrilled with the outcome. Everyone was personable, professional, and accommodating. The food and cocktails that were created for us were incredible. Like, to the point where people are still complimenting us on the menu selection. Food was always a top priority for us on our wedding day & we were thrilled to have everything go off as smoothly as it did. While it is BBQ, it's an elevated form of BBQ that lends itself to formal events while still being comforting. I'm so glad Exchange Events also operates as a BBQ restaurant, because we will be back to celebrate our first anniversary :)

If you're in need of planning services & Jaclyn is accepting clients, book with her. She was so helpful in making our day cohesive, recommending additional vendors, and just generally being a friend throughout the whole process. We didn't feel the stress of wedding planning because we knew we had her to help us make decisions & keep us sane. I'm so thankful for all the work she did with us & behind the scenes - our perfect day would not have been perfect with out her.
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Awards

112
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

Pricing

Team

Hannah Dubit
Hannah Dubit
Catering Sales Manager

Hannah got her start in weddings catering through college. She moved to Charlottesville in 2011 to pursue a career in hospitality and soon after started working in wedding sales at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards.

Hannah joined the Exchange Events team in 2017. She loves working with clients to bring their vision to life. Event design is one of Hannah's passions and she can never be found far from her box of ribbons. Wedding day is one of her favorite days from checking in vendors and setting tables to father of the bride toasts and creative exits!

Hannah loves everything to do with food, wine, and weddings and on her days off can be found exploring local restaurants and wineries and soaking up as much sunshine as possible.

Jaclyn  Grieger
Jaclyn Grieger
Director of Catering and Events

Jaclyn started her restaurant career working on a farm, learning how to can and preserve, as well as appreciate the hard work that goes into raising vegetables and chickens, sheep, cows and more. Once she was old enough to work in a kitchen, she started working for a catering company in southern Maine, cooking for beautiful seaside weddings up and down the coast. After culinary school in New York, she relocated to central Virginia. When the opportunity to help build a new business in Gordonsville arose, she leapt at the opportunity.

You’ll work with her to craft your menus, design reception layouts and coordinate rentals and vendors to bring together your vision for your wedding day. She’ll be on site from beginning to end, to organize and set up the entire event, as well as breaking down and cleaning up so you can enjoy the entire event happy in the knowledge that everything is being done to your expectations!

When not at work, she can be found at home, in the garden, or out on the motorcycle, enjoying the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Professional Network & Endorsements

6 Endorsements
MS Events MS Events Wedding Rentals

Great food, great service, and a great team! We love working with BBQ Exchange!

Eve Watters Eve Watters Wedding Musicians

Fabulous food, from top professionals, who just happen to be about the best folks on earth! I've worked with them over 20 years, and never known them to lose sight of what really counts--treating each person with love, care and respect- and a great sense of humor.

DJ Derek Tobler DJ Derek Tobler Wedding DJs

mmmmmmm... delicious BBQ perfectly prepared and served with a smile. Love their food and service. Great company to work with!

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