The great thing about getting married in Indiana is that there are so many amazing wedding venues to choose from. From charming historic spaces to modern industrial settings and scenic outdoor spots, there’s truly something for every couple and every style. As a wedding photographer, I’ve enjoyed capturing events at many of these beautiful venues, and it’s always exciting to return to the places I love. Picking the right wedding venue is so important —it sets the tone for your entire day! To help make your search a little easier, I’m sharing some of my favorite Indiana wedding venues that offer the perfect blend of beauty, character, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Indiana University Alumni Hall
Alumni Hall is in the Indiana Memorial Union, and it is in the heart of Indiana University’s campus. I love this venue because it allows couples to host a big party! This stunning space can host up to 650 guests, making it perfect for large weddings where you want to dance the night away surrounded by all your favorite people. It’s also incredibly versatile. The unique wall panels add a sophisticated touch and create a beautiful backdrop, but the venue is truly a blank canvas you can style to match your vision.
And let’s talk about the photo opportunities! Think charming stone buildings, lush green spaces, and historic architecture. Outside the venue, there are so many options for photos, allowing endless space for wedding parties and couple portraits. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to photograph, and every time I return, I find something new to fall in love with. Alumni Hall isn’t just a venue. It’s a piece of IU history that adds meaning and beauty to your wedding.
Clayshire Castle
Clayshire Castle is perfect for smaller weddings since they can only host up to 60 people. Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Bowling Green, this charming bed and breakfast is a full-fledged Medieval-inspired castle that offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This makes it the perfect place for a unique wedding with storybook-worthy photos. They accommodate outdoor and indoor events, and there are so many amazing options for photos. So, if you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a castle, Clayshire is perfect for you!
FAR Gallery
For couples dreaming of an intimate and artful celebration, FAR Gallery in Bloomington is a hidden gem. As a working art gallery, this venue offers a creative and sophisticated atmosphere that’s perfect for smaller weddings and celebrations. It is located close to downtown Bloomington, which makes travelling to take photos in a different location convenient. Not to mention, it combines a historic yet modern design for a unique wedding feeling. Plus, you can customize the experience even more by renting out the garden for additional outdoor space or using the cozy library as a stylish dressing room. Whether it’s the art-lined walls, the soft natural light, or the charming outdoor spaces, the photo opportunities both within and outside of the gallery are endless.
Pete Dye Pavillion at French Lick Resort
The French Lick Resort has many venues, but my favorite is the Pete Dye Pavillion. Couples can get ready at a hotel room at the French Lick Resort, use the grounds at the hotel and the golf course for photos, and have their ceremony and reception at the Pete Dye Pavillion. The Pete Dye Pavillion has gorgeous grounds with panoramic views of Mt. Airie. With space to accommodate up to 150 guests, it’s ideal for intimate to mid-sized weddings. The space combines rustic charm with elegant design, and I guarantee we’ll find amazing spots for photos here!
The Newfields
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that effortlessly combines art, history, and natural beauty, The Newfields is truly unmatched. It features multiple spaces, including a historic home, a lush greenhouse, and expansive gardens filled with vibrant blooms year-round. It even has several outdoor sculptures created by well-known artists. The great thing about Newfields is that there are a variety of places you can hold your ceremony and reception. Not to mention, all the amazing spots for photos! You can get some lovely portraits in the gardens with the various backdrops and different types of flowers that bloom year-round. I just love the different spaces in Newfields.
Freedom Barn
The Freedom Barn is a historic barn in Indianapolis. They have a lovely gazebo, a wooded area, and a slab that provides a unique look. The greenhouse nearby is yet another opportunity for great photos. I love the space because every booking helps fund the aftercare program at the HOPE Center. HOPE is an organization that provides support and vocational training to women escaping human trafficking in Indiana and other areas.
Rustic Gatherings
Just outside of Martinsville, Rustic Gatherings is a barn that used to board horses for a local farm. They even kept some of the horse stall panels. This Indiana wedding venue offers indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony as well as beautiful farm tables for a reception. They have a variety of décor that you can use to make your wedding beautiful. Personally, my favorite detail is the fun swing hanging from a large tree just outside the barn!
Neidhammer
Neidhammer is in a restored 1901 historic building and has many different spaces that couples can use for their ceremony and reception. The Grand Hamilton Theater is absolutely gorgeous with 25-foot ceilings and huge windows that let in tons of natural light. I love Neidhammer because of its industrial look and variety of unique backdrops. My favorite is the exposed brick walls!
Ritz Charles
There are tons of venue spaces to choose from at Ritz Charles. From the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Garden Pavilion, you can really make your wedding your own. The Garden Pavilion in particular is an absolutely gorgeous space with amazing natural lighting. This Indiana wedding venue is perfect for both small and large weddings. Ritz Charles is also great because they offer consultations to booked couples during which they can sample their menu, choose table designs, and finalize wedding day details.
With all of these amazing Indiana wedding venues, it can be difficult to choose! Picking a venue that can accommodate your guest count is important, but you also want a venue that fits in with the theme and feeling you’re going for. There’s a lot to consider, but it’s always exciting finding the perfect venue!
It’s always so much fun both shooting at venues I love and shooting at new venues. No matter where you’re getting married, I can capture those wonderful moments for you. I’d love to hear all about your upcoming wedding, so reach out to me!
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