Wedding DJs at The Cattle Barn in Central Washington
Music and moments with All Out Entertainment
Written by Hope Montgomery for The Cattle Barn | Interview September 25, 2026 | Revised October 19, 2026
Mike Engelhart of All Out Entertainment provides wedding DJ and emcee services at The Cattle Barn near Cle Elum, Washington. In an interview with Hope Montgomery, he shared how he works with couples on their music, keeps guests involved, and coordinates announcements throughout the celebration.
For couples planning a wedding at The Cattle Barn or elsewhere in Central Washington, his experience offers a look at what a DJ does beyond playing songs. From checking that the caterer is ready for dinner to making sure the photographer is prepared for the first dance, Mike described the communication behind those moments.
Choosing a wedding DJ starts with your date, venue, and the atmosphere you want. Discuss music preferences, emcee responsibilities, sound coverage, and service hours, then compare written quotes for the same needs. Mike’s examples show what those decisions can look like during the celebration.
The Cattle Barn recommends All Out Entertainment as one option for couples considering entertainment. The venue and entertainment company are separate businesses, and couples choose and book their own DJ.
What does a wedding DJ do beyond playing music
A wedding DJ may also act as the emcee, making announcements and coordinating their timing with the couple and other vendors. For Mike, that means checking with the caterer before calling guests to dinner and making sure the photographer is ready before a special dance begins.
He also gives guests notice before an activity so they can gather and take part. An announcement about upcoming toasts, for example, gives people time to have a drink ready. The work happens between songs as well as during them.
Clear communication helps the reception run smoothly, but DJ and emcee duties are distinct from full day-of wedding coordination. Couples may work with a wedding planner who has guided the entire planning process and will be present on the wedding day, designate a family member to coordinate activities, or engage a day-of coordinator.
Whatever the arrangement, the person overseeing the wedding and the DJ should coordinate the timeline, announcements, and transitions so everyone knows what happens next.
All Out Entertainment offers day-of wedding coordination as a separate service. Couples should confirm who will manage the overall timeline and clarify which responsibilities are included in their DJ booking.
How do we choose music that feels like us
Start with favorite songs, preferred genres, and anything you do not want played. A complete playlist is not necessary to begin the conversation.
“Music to me is the heartbeat of the soul,” Mike said.
After couples sign a contract, Mike gives them a reception planner with space for song choices and a do-not-play list. The planner, along with conversations about the celebration, helps him understand their tastes. If they are unsure about individual songs, he asks for a genre and works from there.
That leaves room for the music to change with the evening. During cocktail hour, guests might want to talk and catch up. Later, the couple may want a fuller dance floor. Sharing both partners’ preferences gives the DJ direction without asking them to select every track in advance.
Making room for guests and for the couple
Guest involvement can begin before dancing. During buffet service, Mike sometimes uses trivia to decide which table goes next. A correct answer sends the whole table to the serving line, giving people something to participate in while they wait.
Couples can supply their own questions, or he can use general, family-friendly ones. When children are present, he includes questions just for them. The activity is optional: couples who prefer table numbers can keep that approach.
One of his favorite moments comes at the other end of the reception. While guests prepare for the send-off, the couple can stay inside for a private final dance. Mike described closing the barn doors so they have a moment together to reflect on a day that has gone quickly.
Neither idea needs to become another item every couple must include. They are examples of how the entertainment can reflect the people getting married, whether they want a quieter evening or an energetic dance party.
Where should the DJ set up at The Cattle Barn
A DJ should be close enough to see the dance floor and respond to guests. Mike’s preferred location at The Cattle Barn is beside the dance floor, just to the right of the main window.
Being close to the dancers helps Mike follow the energy of the room and choose what to play next. His advice is to “keep them close to your dance floor.”
The floor plan is therefore part of the entertainment conversation. Review the equipment location with Nancy and your DJ alongside seating, serving areas, and walkways. The venue’s dimensions and barn layout can help with that discussion.
How will guests hear the ceremony and reception
Sound planning should cover each space guests will use. At The Cattle Barn, Mike described providing two full PA setups: one for the ceremony and another inside the barn, with additional speakers for guests outside and around the room.
With both systems ready, music can continue as guests move from the ceremony to the reception. The additional speakers help guests hear announcements when they are away from the dance floor, including in the outdoor gathering areas.
For your own wedding, discuss microphones for the ceremony and speeches, the spaces that need coverage, and how outdoor equipment will be protected if the weather changes. Backup equipment and power arrangements are also useful questions to include in the planning conversation.
How many hours of DJ service should we book
Match coverage to your ceremony and reception schedule, and ask exactly when paid time begins. In the September 25 interview, Mike described six hours beginning at the start of the ceremony, with setup and teardown not charged separately.
His example was a 4 p.m. ceremony with service ending at 10 p.m. That was an illustration of his coverage, not a statement that every Cattle Barn wedding must end at 10 p.m. The venue’s published rule is that outside music must move indoors by 10 p.m.; music and celebrating can continue afterward inside The Cattle Barn until 2 a.m., with the back doors closed.
Mike also said he tries to attend rehearsals so couples can practice with their music. Discuss rehearsal attendance, any additional hours, and the current package directly with All Out Entertainment before booking. The agreement should make the service and finish times clear.
What should we ask about pricing and availability
Contact All Out Entertainment with your wedding date and venue to request availability and a written quote. Mike asks for both because travel between events affects which bookings he can accept. He recommends reaching out as early as possible.
There is no need to have every song chosen before that first inquiry. Explain the celebration you have in mind and ask what the quote includes: service hours, ceremony and reception sound, microphones, emcee duties, travel, and any additional charges. Compare those details across providers rather than comparing totals alone.
Mike directs couples to contact the company for pricing. No fixed package price is presented here, and the services described in the interview should be checked against the written offer for your date.
Planning your wedding music at The Cattle Barn
The playlist gives a wedding its sound, but Mike’s examples point to the conversations that help the evening come together: checking that dinner is ready, giving guests time to gather, and leaving the couple a final moment on the dance floor.
To discuss DJ services, email AllOutEntertainment@Outlook.com, call (509) 607-1371, or visit https://alloutentertainmentpnw.com/. Include your date and venue when asking about packages and availability.
To explore a wedding at The Cattle Barn, visit https://cleelumweddings.com/ or call Nancy, the venue’s manager and host, at (509) 304-9050 with questions or to book a tour. Bring your guest estimate and ideas for the ceremony and reception so you can consider the layout together.
About this article
Hope Montgomery interviewed Mike Engelhart and Desiree of All Out Entertainment on September 25, 2026. This article focuses on Mike’s DJ services. Direct quotations and accounts of his approach come from that interview; general planning suggestions are from The Cattle Barn. Company contact details and DJ/emcee services were checked against All Out Entertainment’s website on October 18, 2026. Confirm current offerings, pricing, and availability directly with the company.
Related planning resources: The Cattle Barn Planning Guide