Bluegrass Venues: A Guide to Wedding Venues in Kentucky

Are you still searching for "something blue" on your big day? How about making the Bluegrass State your wedding destination? Kentucky is known for many things: bourbon, derbys, and folk music being a few. But it's the stunning scenery and unique venues that make Kentucky the perfect romantic location to say "I do".

Whether you're planning a lavish affair or a simple ceremony, you'll find something you love in this guide to wedding venues in Kentucky.

Bourbon Distilleries

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In many ways, bourbon is the lifeblood of Kentucky; it's the foundation of the tourism industry and a cornerstone of the economy. With a history dating back to the 1700s and a deep cultural tradition, you cannot overstate how essential the bourbon industry has been to shaping the state into what it is today. What better way to celebrate your love than surrounded by the barrels and heritage of Kentucky's finest distilleries?

Bourbon Distillery Venues:

Castle & Key Distillery: If you are looking for a location that will leave your guests in awe, check out Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Every inch of the grounds is stunning, from the literal castle built in 1819 to the peaceful gardens that surround the distillery.
Buffalo Trace: Also located in Frankfort, Buffalo Trace is one of the rare distilleries that managed to operate before, during, and after Prohibition. Known for its rustic charm and rich history, Buffalo Trace offers several event spaces, including the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse and the Clubhouse Lawn.
Marker's Mark: If you want the perfect balance of fairytale and history, try Markers Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY.. This National Historic Landmark delivers an intimate setting surrounded by nature, limestone buildings, and a sense of authentic Kentucky craftsmanship.

Tips for planning a wedding at a distillery:

Book well in advance: locations that are still operating as active distilleries may require advanced planning to ensure production is not disrupted and tours are not booked during the wedding.
Ask about extra inclusions: Consider asking the venue about any package add-ons for your guests, such as guided tours, bourbon tastings, open bars, or even specialty bottles to commemorate the event.
Consider Venue policies: Some distilleries may have age restrictions, vendor restrictions, or other policies that may impact planning. Make sure to meet with the event coordinator to clarify all venue policies in advance.

Kentucky Wineries

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wedding aisle with rose petals leading to a vineyard

Kentucky wine may not be as well-known as its bourbon, but the wine scene is rising. Vineyard weddings combine rustic romance and sweeping views of rolling hills in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.

Kentucky Wineries:

Lover's Leap Winery: If the name alone isn't enough to want to book a wedding here, the beautiful views and delicious wine should be. Located in Lawrenceburg, Lover's Leap Winery offers both indoor and outdoor locations for your special day.
Talon Winery: Want a more country vineyard vibe? Then the Talon Winery in Lexington may be for you. You can choose from an indoor wedding in Ca"Barn"et Barrel Barn for a rustic chic aesthetic or the Monarch Pavilion for something more relaxing.
Cave Hill Vineyard & Winery: Feel like family when you have your wedding at Cave Hill Vineyard & Winery in Eubank. Set among rolling hills, this family-owned vineyard features a charming event barn and amazing service. What more can you ask for?

Tips for planning a wedding at a winery:

Ask about the bottle service: the vineyard will expect to provide some wine for the reception, but policies may vary. Some may hold a certain number of bottles in the pricing, some may ask you to pay in advance, and some may include a minimum or maximum purchase amount.
Consider the weather: Vineyard weddings offer beautiful scenery, but Kentucky's weather can vary. Discuss options to move the party indoors in case of rain, and shady seating for hot summer days.
Plan for perfect photos: Take advantage of the scenery for your photos. The vineyards offer great backdrops any time of day in summer and fall, but for the best photos, plan for a golden hour photoshoot.

Farms and Gardens

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With lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged mountains, Kentucky is a gorgeous state. For couples dreaming of an open-air celebration beneath Kentucky's big skies, farms and botanical gardens provide idyllic backdrops for your vows. Here are a few venues you could choose.

Outdoor Venues:

Burdock's Farms Events: A working farm turned premier wedding destination, Burdoc Farms Events offers several barns and outdoor locations to choose from. Located in Crofton, Kentucky, this venue keeps wedding planning simple by offering several packages, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
The Thoroughbred Center: Horsegirls can plan the wedding of their childhood dreams at The Thoroughbred Center! This venue offers both covered and open-air spaces surrounded by Kentucky's equestrian legacy in Lexington, Kentucky.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens: Get married among the flowers at the Yew Dell Botanical Garden in Crestwood. This romantic garden setting features meticulously maintained landscapes and stone structures that will rival any luxury venue in the state.
Gardens at Ray Eden: Enjoy a wedding filled with serenity and joy at the Gardens at Ray Eden in Louisville, KY. This 14-acre estate features a spring-fed lake, multiple distinctive gardens, and ponds for a magical wedding experience.

Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Plan for Weather: Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but come with risk of rain. Always have a backup indoor location or tent, just in case.
Temperature Management: Kentucky temperatures can fluctuate drastically throughout the year, so plan on offering fans or blankets depending on the season.
Add extra lighting: If you are planning on an evening wedding, plan on adding some lighting to tables, or even offering lanterns to guests to keep the night bright.
Pest Control: Don't let mosquitoes crash the wedding. Discuss pest control options with the venue in advance.

Unique Experiences

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Kentucky may have some deep-rooted traditions, but that doesn't mean that you can't have a wedding that's fun and unexpected. If you are looking for something outside the box, Kentucky is home to unforgettable, unconventional wedding venues for adventurous couples. Here are a few ideas.

Potential Venues:

Lost River Cave: Have you ever considered getting married in a cave? Well, you can in Bowling Green! Host your ceremony inside a real underground cave or riverside location at Lost River Cave. The best part? All your venue rental fees go toward conservation!
Kentucky Derby Museum: Cross the finish line between dating and marriage at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, KY. Whether you love the thrill of the race or have a passion for fashion, the Kentucky Derby honors the pageantry and tradition of Derby life in Kentucky.
The CQ Princess Yacht Charters: Imagine saying "I do" on a romantic wedding cruise. You can do just that on The CQ Princess. Impress your guests with this 2-level, luxury yacht venue. Enjoy a sunset ceremony on the water with white glove service. Talk about a memorable experience.
Earth Joy Treehouse Weddings: Live your woodland-elf dreams at Earth Joy Treehouse Weddings! This Brooksville venue is woodsy, whimsical, and romantic, making it perfect for couples looking for a touch of fantasy for their nuptials.
The Kentucky Castle: The second castle on our list is even grander than the first. The Kentucky Castle in Lexington is a regal location for a fairytale wedding. Enjoy royal treatment from beginning to end at this iconic wedding location.

Tips for unconventional venues:

Ask about accessibility: Unique venues may present unique challenges. Check accessibility and guest capacity limits early on, and address them with the venue's staff.
Consider the theme: depending on the venue, you may need to be creative about the decor or guest attire due to safety concerns. Discuss your wedding plans with the venue coordinator in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Photographer Safety: Make sure your photographer is up for the adventure! If your photographer gets seasick or has claustrophobia, some of the venues listed above may not be suitable for their work.

Intimate Elopements

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family raise glasses together in a backyard

Not a fan of big weddings? No problem. For couples seeking a low-key, romantic ceremony with just a few loved ones, Kentucky's bed and breakfasts offer charm, intimacy, and a touch of Southern comfort. Here are a few you can try.

Bed and Breakfast Venues:

Bluegrass Country Estate: Located in La Grange, Bluegrass Country Estate is a beautiful and modern countryside retreat, perfect for small weddings and weekend stays.
Grand Victorian: With vintage flair and modern comforts, this stately inn near Mammoth Cave is full of character. Located in Park City, the Grand Victorian Inn is perfect for couples looking for a small but elegant wedding.
Maple Hill Manor: For a touch of historic charm, book your wedding at Maple Hill Manor in Springfield, KY. Not only is the location beautiful, but the venue offers all-inclusive elopement packages for easy planning.
Riverside Inn: Luxury meets casual elegance at the Riverside Inn in Warsaw, KY. The historic riverside manor is the perfect blend of modern comfort and classic southern charm that only Kentucky can offer

Tips for Small Venue Weddings:

Try a mid-week date: Weekend rates tend to be higher and book sooner. Consider weekday dates for more flexibility in price and date range.
Book for the week: Book the entire inn leading up to the main event. You and your guests will have somewhere to stay, and you can oversee the preparations on-site.
Enjoy the Amenities: Take advantage of the inn's amenities for a stress-free stay and celebration, whether it's a hot tub to unwind or delicious meals to keep you fueled for the big day.

Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky

Wherever you are planning your wedding, you can find amazing accommodations for you and your guests with the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky. From historic houses with stately suites to cozy cottages in the country, you can find a nearby B&B to meet your needs.

Start planning your unforgettable Kentucky Wedding today!