unique outdoor venues in kentucky and southern indiana

As soon as I got back from New York, I started researching outdoor venues in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. We knew we wanted our ceremony and reception in the same location and we wanted something unique. Plus I was desperate for an October wedding. Lucky for me I found out that October is the driest month of the year in Kentucky (yay!) but it's also the second most popular wedding month.

With the help of due diligence momma, I came up with a list of the best outdoor venues (in my humble opinion of course). If anyone has additional suggestions, let me know!

Louisville-area locations:

Yew Dell Gardens
This is a beautiful location with some random elements that will surprise you! It's used primarily as a public garden and it has a small funky castle, two different barns and a really neat holly allee (a path lined with arched trees). Only 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, a few exits past The Summit mall.



Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead
The Preserve was just featured in Louisville Bride magazine and it looks amazing. I have not been able to visit, but would love to learn more. According to the article, it's a real working farm with lots of greenery and an old barn. Very rustic!



Gardens at Ray Eden
I can't remember where I found this location. I haven't visited but gardens are always a good option for an outdoor wedding. I've seen some wedding pics and it looks neat. This location has a Pergola(?) that would be ideal to hang lanterns, mason jars with candles or twinkly lights.




Locust Grove
This location has a old house (the steps are where most people have their ceremonies) and expansive grounds. Very popular place. Although it didn't have as much flora and fauna as I had expected from the photos.

Whitehall Gardens
Whitehall is nice because it has a historic mansion and a beautiful garden on the property. Depending on your tastes, you can have a sophisticated ceremony in the mansion or a more laid back affair in the gardens. I will say the gardens are well-kept, trimmed and tidy. If you're looking for a more natural, organic outdoor wedding, this may not be the place for you.

Southern Indiana locations:

Huber's Orchard and Winery
Huber's is a family favorite for Kentuckianans(sp?). It normally operates as family farm where you can pick apples, pumpkins, peaches, Xmas trees, etc. They also operate a winery down the road. This is definitely a place for an informal, southern wedding. The fried biscuits with apple butter are PHENOMENAL.


Wooded Glen
My best friend was married at Wooded Glen 3 years ago. It's huge and back in the boonies. Its signature feature is a beautiful covered bridge where the bride and her party will appear and walk toward the ceremony. This venue has a retreat/conference center with rooms and a reception area. The reception area is not that impressive. I would much rather have a tented reception down by the covered bridge.



Wilstem Guest Ranch
I've not been to the Ranch but I fell in love with some wedding pictures I found on the web. I have a thing for barns and so does Mr. H. This place also has a covered bridge and a big red barn where you can have the ceremony and/or reception. However, it's located in French Lick which is about an hour's drive from the Ville.