Can't find venue that allows self catering

You should research hot topics on here before posting. Self catering is a HUGE no no. Don't do it!!

Here's a tip : don't do it.

You can't find a venue that will allow it because it's a liability.

Here we go...

Don't do it.

Even if all I'm serving is a cake from a local bakery and punch?

If you are getting it from local bakery, they are technically your caterer. You can ask that bakery which venue they have delivered before and go from there.

If you're getting a cake from a bakery then how are you self catering?

I guess I should have clarified- I just meant we aren't planning to do a meal or hor d'oeuvres and every venue I've looked at seems to have a food minimum/won't talk to me when I say I'm not interested in serving a meal.

What time is your wedding?

I agree with the other ladies. Normally you need to find a venue first, then a caterer. However, in your situation I would find a baker, then ask them what venues they usually work with.

We're planning to have an afternoon wedding (like 1 or 2) so people can eat lunch beforehand and having it end at 6 or so. Thank you for the advice to talk to our baker, she might be able to assist/give advice- I had been waiting to contact her until we had a venue set up but that's proving to be much more of a problem than I anticipated.

You are hosting people for approximately 5 hours? You need to have something other than cake.

Something like this needs to end by 4 at the latest. At 5 you're hitting dinnertime, and at that point it is incredibly inconsiderate to not serve a meal.

Dessert/cake and lunch receptions aren't generally party atmosphere receptions. Don't expect it to last anywhere near as long as a dinnertime reception.

That's probably part of why you're having trouble finding a venue: they can hold out for someone serving a meal during your times and make far more.

The Springs, allows it!

I imagine most venues aren't going to book off their venue for your exception because they won't be making money. It's better for them to wait for an event with a served meal to book. In addition most venues dislike self-catering because of the liability.

Listen to PP, they have great advice.

Have you looked at community centers, VFWs, Rotary Clubs? Museums? You will probably have to think outside the box as traditional wedding halls will want to sell (their) food. It's how they make their money after all. They have a minimum because that's how much it costs to staff the hall.

You have about a year and a half until your wedding. Is it possible to save up a little bit more so you can at least feed your guests some sort of meal?

How many guests are you having?

I think your looking at the wrong type of venues. Obviously if they have in house catering or restaurant already they will not let you use an outside source. Have you looked at local community centers or church halls? I agree with pp, contact local caterers and see what venues they have worked with in the past. It would be nice if you could serve something other than dessert, it doesn't have to be a full meal. Cheese, crackers, dips, veggie, small sandwiches. What are you serving for drinks?

There's nothing wrong with cake and punch, but most venues aren't set up to accommodate it. Getting suggestions from your bakery is a great idea; otherwise you may want to look at places that just rent rooms for events. Community centers, Elk's clubs, VFWs - that kind of thing. You could also try your local parks department and see if they have pavilions or picnic shelters available for rent.

Seconding the advice to look at parks and things like Knights of Columbus halls.

Also edit your post title. What you are doing isn't self catering, you're having a dessert and punch reception. Agree with PPs look outside the box, museums, halls like VFW or Elks lodges, a local botanial harden?