As an Indiana-based wedding coordination team, we’ve been fortunate to work at many Indianapolis wedding venues. We may be biased, but we believe the city and its surrounding towns have some of the most beautiful and unique places to get married! Whether you envision a sophisticated downtown soirée or a rustic gathering at a wildflower farm, there’s something for you. Today, we’re sharing ten of our favorite venues to aid you in your search for the perfect one! Plus, stay tuned for an extra special bonus “venue” at the end!
01. ARTISAN ACRES ESTATE – NOBLESVILLE, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Spring, summer, or fall—with the flower farm as a backdrop!
UNIQUE FEATURES:
Artisan Acres is a husband and wife-owned venue on 12 wooded acres, operated exclusively by Ritz Charles Catering. The property boasts a beautiful flower farm, perfect for taking photos or as the backdrop to your tented reception! The outdoor surfaces are unique, made of crushed pebbles that are easy to walk on (even in heels!) compared to grass or dirt. The charming barn has ample patio space and would be the perfect place to host a cocktail hour or set up your dance floor. Moreover, you can get ready onsite in the private bridal house!
BIGGEST TIP:
Have a tented summer wedding with the flower farm as your backdrop. You won’t regret it!
Artisan Acres image credit: Ivan & Louise Images
02. RITZ CHARLES GARDEN PAVILION – CARMEL, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Spring, when the garden is in full bloom and the temperatures are mild.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
This venue is so unique! We haven’t seen any other Indianapolis wedding venues like it. It’s entirely encased in glass, allowing natural light to pour in and make the mid-sized pavilion feel more spacious. It’s virtually a “blank slate,” so brides have lots of room to flex their creative muscles! You could put together an extravagant design with draping, chandeliers, and florals, or keep it simple. Either would complement the space perfectly! This venue even has an onsite chapel if you prefer to exchange your vows in a sacred space.
BIGGEST TIP:
While this venue is already gorgeous, you can elevate it by decorating the ceiling with white draping, allowing the light to bounce and brighten the space even more.
Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion Image Credit: Rebecca Shehorn Photography
03. THE BLUFFS AT CONNER PRAIRIE – FISHERS, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Spring, summer, or fall.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
The indoor and outdoor spaces at this venue are incredible! The outdoor space feels intimate and features a gorgeous iron gate that can be adorned with flowers for photos or turned into your ceremony backdrop. Meanwhile, the ballroom has a cozy and rustic vibe with wooden beams and vaulted ceilings. It also features a stunning fireplace that would work perfectly as a backdrop for your head table or dancing photos.
BIGGEST TIP:
Take advantage of the indoor-outdoor feel of this venue by hosting your ceremony or cocktail hour outside, then heading into the warmth of the ballroom for a cozy evening of drinks and dancing.
The Bluffs at Conner Prairie Image Credit: Jessica Strickland Photography
04. MUSTARD SEED GARDENS – NOBLESVILLE, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Summer or fall (but don’t discount winter or spring weddings as the barn is heated!).
UNIQUE FEATURES:
Mustard Seed Gardens has the facilities to host your entire wedding day from start to finish! The renovated farmhouse has a fully functional kitchen and is ideal for bridal parties to get ready. Then, you can head outside to exchange your vows under the giant maple tree before heading to the beautiful patio for cocktail hour. Finally, you can dance the night away in the historic barn. It’s husband and wife-owned and boasts original hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, and a crystal chandelier that hangs right over the dance floor.
BIGGEST TIP:
While this is a year-round venue, we recommend booking a date in the summer or fall to take advantage of the beautiful grounds.
Mustard Seed Gardens Image Credit: Left Image- courtesy Mustard Seed Gardens; Right Image- Sara Ackerman Photography
05. LAUREL HALL – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Summer or fall, when you can host an al fresco dinner on the gorgeous, European-inspired terrace.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
This venue has a stunning solarium that looks like it came out of a wedding photographer’s dreams. It’s the perfect place to spotlight your cake, snap some getting ready portraits, or share your first dance. We also love this venue’s stunning terrace, where you and your guests can dine underneath bistro lighting.
BIGGEST TIP:
Take advantage of this venue’s unique layout to host different aspects of your wedding among the many rooms! For example, you could host your ceremony in the chapel and reception in the ballroom or exchange vows on the lawn before dining on the terrace and heading indoors to dance in the solarium. You could even arrange a private cake cutting in the solarium or set up your dance floor on the terrace underneath the bistro lights. The options are endless!
Laurel Hall Image Credit: Top Image- SB Childs Photography; Bottom Images- Michelle Beller Photography
06. DANIEL’S VINEYARD – MCCORDSVILLE, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Spring or summer, when the temperatures are warm.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
The winery at Daniel’s Vineyard is gorgeous and makes a stunning ceremony backdrop. Then, you can head into the large ballroom for your reception, featuring a beautiful crystal chandelier and an enclosed outdoor patio space perfect for enjoying the warm evening air and a stolen moment or two. Moreover, this venue provides bartending services for every wedding. So, you can toast with local wine made on the premises!
BIGGEST TIP:
Take advantage of the crystal chandelier by draping it with fabric or florals. We also love the all-white brick wall as the backdrop for the head table!
Daniels Vineyard Image Credit: Wandering Heart Photo
07. THE SIXPENCE – WHITESTOWN, IN
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
This venue is heated and air-conditioned, making it the ideal all-season venue! But the gorgeous outdoor spaces make us partial to summer weddings at The Sixpence.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
This venue opened in 2021 and is family-owned. One of the owners is a former photographer who thought through the design and details of the space with lots of natural light in mind! They painted all the walls and ceilings white and installed large windows to give the space a bright and airy feel.
BIGGEST TIP:
Enjoy the versatility of this “blank slate” venue! You could host a wedding of any style here. For example, you could choose a rustic theme to reflect the country setting. Or, you could plan a modern affair that complements the white-on-white déco
The Sixpence Image Credit: Rachael Kazmier Photography
08. CROWNE PLAZA AT UNION STATION – DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Anytime! We love this venue for a summer wedding because it can get dark inside, and the light is at its peak in the warmer months. However, this venue is also perfect for a winter wedding because you can host your entire wedding indoors. The ballroom is ideal for ceremonies and receptions, while the gorgeous 360-bar will deliver all the sophisticated downtown vibes you want for cocktail hour.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
Hands down, the ceiling! It’s ornate and incredibly high. So, it supports fun installations like hanging flowers, balloons, and more (check out the incredible floral chandelier a past bride of ours had!). Other standout features include the stained glass wagon wheel window and historic architecture at this venue that was once a train station.
BIGGEST TIP:
Be sure to grab some portraits in front of the wagon wheel window! Also, take advantage of the high ceilings with draped bistro lighting or a hanging installation over the dance floor.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Image Credit: Left Image-Sara Ackermann Photography; Right Image- Sami Renee Photography
09. CENTRAL LIBRARY – DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Spring, for the best lighting! You’ll enjoy lots of natural light during the afternoon and early evening but a gorgeous ambiance at night for dinner and dancing.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
The downtown Indianapolis Central Library has a grand feel, with high ceilings and modern architecture. Light pours into the space through the glass-enclosed atrium! Whether you play off the library theme or simply use the space to host your elegant event, it’s a fun and one-of-a-kind venue. We especially love the area near the marble staircase for hosting cocktail hour!
BIGGEST TIP:
The tall ceilings in this space make it the perfect venue to feature elevated floral designs.
Indianapolis Central Library Image Credit: Left Image-Wandering Heart Photo; Right Image- Danielle Harris Photography
10. SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL – DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
Anytime! However, we love this venue for winter weddings since you can host everything inside.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
The cathedral is a historic venue with a stunning, all-wooded ballroom! The stained glass windows and crystal chandelier add to the elegant Old World feel. But the interior isn’t the only highlight! The outside of the structure is also gorgeous, with a staircase perfect for photos.
BIGGEST TIP:
Consider taking advantage of the ballroom’s unique layout to do your first dance before your guests enter the reception space! At the end of cocktail hour, have your DJ or band introduce the bridal party, then the two of you. Then, enter the floor for your first dance while your guests watch from the mezzanine above! Your pictures will look incredible since all the focus will be on you. Moreover, we suggest elevating the space by hanging draping from the mezzanine for an added touch of elegance.
Scottish Rite Cathedral Image Credit: Left Image- Bobbi Photo; Right Image- Traci & Troy
11. BONUS: INDIANAPOLIS PRIVATE RESIDENCE WEDDINGS
If you’re getting married in Indianapolis, you don’t just have your pick of these incredible venues. You can also get married at a place more meaningful to you, such as your childhood home or private residence! While these kinds of weddings take more planning and logistics, they’re a unique option we think all couples should consider.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED:
It’s best to have your private residence wedding in the summer or fall, when warm temperatures are more likely.
UNIQUE FEATURES:
The options are endless! Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having your first dance on the patio of your childhood home, or perhaps you’ve just purchased a plot of land for your future home and want to use the space to begin this next chapter together. One thing’s certain: your special day won’t be short on sentimental moments with an Indianapolis private residence wedding.
BIGGEST TIP:
Hire reputable, trusted vendors to bring your vision to life. While private residence weddings are SO fun, they also come with unique challenges! For example, you want to hire a caterer who has worked at private residences before and can provide food and waitstaff since you won’t have a traditional venue’s staff to rely on. They’ll handle serving, clearing, replenishing, garbage management, bartending, table and chair rentals, and more. So, it takes more than a quick Google search to find a company that’s up to the task!
Moreover, we recommend hiring a wedding coordinator (like us!). This vendor will account for every detail behind the scenes, so you don’t have to worry about your vision coming together. They’ll also be your honorary best friend who’ll handle anything you need on the day of, whether it’s a quick pep talk, rounding up relatives for photos, or troubleshooting any mishaps!
Indianapolis Private Residence Wedding Image Credit: Top Left- Emily Strait Photography; Top Right- SB Childs Photography; Bottom- Foreground Design Studio
Working With An Indianapolis Wedding Coordinator
Whether you’re interested in an Indianapolis private residence wedding or tying the knot at one of these incredible venues, we hope these recommendations are helpful as you continue your planning journey. And if you are looking for a Wedding Coordinator to assist with your Indianapolis Wedding, reach out to us! We coordinate every little detail of your wedding day to ensure that you experience the event you’ve spent months planning.
XO,
The JDWC Team
