Kentucky has a wide variety of wedding venues to suit every taste. While many of them are classic plantation homes, historical mansions and outdoorsy barn venues, these settings aren't for everyone. If you and your soon-to-be spouse are seeking a ceremony and reception space that is a little more out of the box and farther away from the norm, we've got you covered. Take a look at some of the top unique wedding venues in Kentucky below to host a wedding your guests will never forget!
Unique Wedding Venues in Louisville
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Wedding Venue
With a castle, an exotic garden area perfect for a ceremony, a interesting, geometric-styled ceiling covered reception location, and string-lit cocktail section, Weddings at Yew Dell are ipso-facto unique—it’s a given when it comes to unique wedding venues in Louisville. You can find anything from tons of various cactus, a foliage covered greenhouse, and even a fairy garden here.
Be sure to check out our Yew Dell Wedding post on our blog to see more of this unique Louisville wedding venue!
2. Weddings at Speed Art Museum
Whether you simply aren't a big fan of traditional or historic settings, or you're planning a wedding with a more modern style, check out Speed Art Museum. The architecture of this building alone -- tall windows and metal framing surrounding an open Atrium -- provides an upscale and urban vibe any modern bride will love. Combined with a variety of seasonal art exhibits that are perfect for portrait backdrops, this venue is sure to make your wedding feel unlike any other.
3. Weddings on The Belle of Louisville
No need to fly to the coast for a cruise wedding -- Louisville's very own riverboat cruise, the Belle, offers a memorable wedding experience unlike any other in Kentucky. Some of the top perks include hosting ceremonies on the ship, having the Captain perform the cermony, and watching the sun set over the Ohio River.
4. Louisville Palace Theatre Wedding Venue
For a truly epic wedding day that will have your guests talking about it for years to come, few venues are as incredible as the Louisville Palace Theatre. Whether you love the performing arts or you're planning a wedding that stands out from the rest, this event space may be a great fit for you!
This downtown Louisville venue not only has a lot of history (almost 100 years old!) but it has stunning Spanish Baroque-style architecture throughout that is perfect for breathtaking wedding portraits and videos. One of the best perks? It's in downtown Louisville and has enough space to comfortably host hundreds of guests.
5. 21C Museum Hotel
Another modern venue that is a must-see for couples who love fine art is the 21C Museum Hotel. It's one of our personal favorites -- and for good reason! The inside of the building offers several different rooms for weddings of various styles and sizes, while the outside includes a private rooftop and overlook where your guests can enjoy watching the sunset over the Ohio River.
Unique Wedding Venues in Lexington
6. The Apiary
Having a hard time choosing between historic and urban? Find a balance by hosting your wedding at downtown Lexington's The Apiary. The building itself offers original brick walls dating back to the industrial era, but has since become a luxurious event space with a warm and inviting style: floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of natural light, and crawling ivy outside of the building all make the place feel intimate.
See a wedding at The Apiary Lexington here!
7. 21C Museum Hotel Lexington
No, you read that right. There is another 21C Museum Hotel in Lexington, and it's just as beautiful of an option as the one in Louisville! This boutique hotel boasts its own unique set of exhibits located in more than 7,000 square feet of gallery space filled with contemporary art. It's a fantastic choice for a modern and creative wedding, right in the heart of historic downtown Lexington.
8. The Livery
Another unique wedding venue in Lexington is The Livery, a premier event space right on Main Street. This former horse-and-carriage stable was repurposed in 2013, and is now a venue that blends rustic charm with an elegant touch. Wood beams and string lights overhead make the place feel warm, while the open floor plan and bare brick walls allow you to personalize this blank canvas into something that speaks to you and your loved one's style.
9. The Kentucky Castle
If you're looking for one of the most unique wedding venues in Kentucky -- not only in the state, but in this entire region of the US -- the Kentucky Castle can't be beat.
Only about a 20-minute drive from Lexington, this authentic castle wedding venue is a popular choice for couples who truly want to feel like royalty on their big day but don't want to have to fly to Europe to do so. From the stone-covered walls and vaulted ceilings, to the upscale, vintage furniture and decor, you'll fall in love with this place instantly.
Other One-of-a-Kind Venues in Kentucky
10. Red River Gorge
One of the most breathtaking natural areas in the state is the Red River Gorge, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Although not a typical wedding venue with all the bells and whistles, this stunning geological area is a fantastic option for outdoorsy couples who are looking to have a non-traditional wedding day.
With dozens of rock formations and natural sandstone arches, there's a lot for adventurous couples to love about this place. And if you plan to have a small wedding with less than 75 guests, no permit is required.
11. New Riff Distillery, Newport
If you and your fiancee love specialty cocktails and bourbon tours, you'll have to take a look at the Tower Room at New Riff Distillery. It's a modern space located on the top floor with tons of natural light, and includes a full bar, roof deck, an outdoor fire pit and views of Cincinnati and the Ohio River.
12. Lost River Cave, Bowling Green
Last but definitely not least is the Lost River Cave. Although getting married in a cavern probably wasn't your first thought when beginning your wedding venue search, it's by far one of the most unique venues in all of Kentucky. This cave has been transformed into an unforgettable wedding experience, complete with a crystal chandelier, historic bar and white drapery.
Talk with a Husband Wife Wedding Photographer Team in Louisville Ky!
Once you've selected a date and venue, you should start looking for the right wedding photographer (or photographers!) for you. We’re Jeff and Michele, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!
We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online or give us a call at (502) 551-5799. We look forward to hearing from you!
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