Resources & Education

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline: Your Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Celebration

Planning a wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, and one of the most critical aspects of a seamless celebration is the wedding day timeline. With over a decade of experience as a wedding photographer, I've learned what makes a timeline truly effective and stress-free. A well-structured plan for the day not only ensures that each moment unfolds smoothly but also helps you stay relaxed and fully present. From choosing the time of your ceremony to incorporating unique activities and cultural traditions, this guide will walk you through creating a timeline that reflects your vision and keeps everything running effortlessly. Whether you're coordinating with a large wedding party or managing multiple venue locations, these expert tips will help you craft a schedule that is ideal for you and your celebration.

 
 

 
 

Set the Start Time for Your Ceremony

When building a timeline, I recommend starting by determining the ceremony start time. From there, work backward for pre-wedding photos and getting-ready activities, and then move forward to plan the reception events. Consider the following questions when choosing the time for your ceremony:

  • What time is sunset? Ensure you have enough time for photos after the ceremony. Having a first look can help you get most of the photos done ahead of time, reducing stress about timing.

  • Is 90 minutes after the ceremony start time an appropriate time to eat? (With a 30-minute ceremony and a 60-minute cocktail hour.)

  • Does your venue have any restrictions on ceremony timing or a curfew for the reception? If so be sure to factor those in.

 
 

Allow Time for Photos

I prefer to break up couples' portraits into 2-3 smaller sessions rather than one long photo block. This approach prevents it from becoming overwhelming and provides a variety of moods and backgrounds in the images. If you're doing a first look, completing immediate family portraits and wedding party images before the ceremony will give you more time afterward to join the cocktail hour or relax and refresh before the reception.

Here's a suggested breakdown for photo sessions:

  • 20-30 minutes for wedding party photos

  • 20-30 minutes for family photos

  • 20-30 minutes for the first look

  • 15 minutes for couples' photos after the ceremony

  • 10 minutes for golden hour photos

Each photographer works differently and may require different amounts of time for photos, so be sure to have your photographer review your timeline to ensure it fits their needs. I always assist my couples in drafting and reviewing their timelines to ensure everything runs smoothly. The larger your wedding party and families are, the more time you should budget for them.

 
 

Decide on a Getting Ready Start Time

When choosing your getting ready start time, consider several factors:

  • Location: Will you be getting ready at the same venue as the ceremony or offsite?

  • First Look: Will you be doing a first look?

  • Hair and Makeup: How much time will your hair and makeup artists need for each person?

  • Meals: What are your lunch plans?

 
 

Choose What Reception Events to Include

    • A welcome speech and/or grand entrance

    • First dance (either right after the grand entrance or later on)

    • Special dances such as parent dances or an anniversary dance

    • Cake cutting

    • Toasts or speeches

    • Cultural traditions like the Horah, the Kalamatianos, the Nunko, or the Joota Chupai

    • Tray-passed late-night snacks

    • Karaoke

    • Photo booth with props

    • Lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or croquet

    • Fireworks display

    • Live entertainment (band, caricature artist, or tarot reader)

    • Interactive stations (DIY pizza station, dessert bar, cigar rolling)

Don't feel obligated to stick to tradition; focus on the elements that feel right for you. Use these events to create structure and flow for the reception, helping guests feel more comfortable and engaged.

 
 

Include Buffer Time for Transitions

This is possibly the most crucial item on the list! Including buffer time for transitions ensures you won’t feel rushed or stressed on the wedding day, even if things don’t go according to plan. If you’ll be changing venues, I recommend adding 50% to the estimated driving time to account for traffic and the chaos of loading up cars and organizing larger groups. For example, if your ceremony location is 30 minutes away from the getting-ready location, give yourself an additional 15 minutes as a buffer.

If you have a videographer, consider adding a little extra time for the detail photos and couple portraits. Videographers often capture additional moments and angles that can extend the time needed for these sessions. When asking groups of people to move from one spot to another, add extra time as the group size increases. I’ve already incorporated buffer time into the recommended photo times above, but I also make sure photos wrap up 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. This allows for bathroom breaks, breathers, and getting everyone into place.

By planning for these buffers, you create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, ensuring everything flows smoothly and you can fully savor each moment of the day.

 
 

Additional Timeline BUILDING Resources

If you're seeking further guidance, Here Comes the Guide offers a comprehensive list of questions to consider when drafting your timeline. Additionally, this article on The Knot provides a detailed example timeline that can serve as a valuable reference. Both resources are excellent for helping you fine-tune your plan and ensure everything is well organized. For a more in-depth look, you can also explore my full wedding day guide here.

Creating a well-structured timeline is essential for allowing you to fully enjoy your wedding day. By considering the advice in this guide and exploring the additional resources provided, you'll be well on your way to planning a celebration that flows effortlessly and enables you to be fully present in each moment. The example timelines shared here offer a starting point and inspiration for tailoring your own schedule. Remember, every wedding is unique, and adapting these elements to fit your specific needs will help ensure your celebration is both memorable and stress-free. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Here’s to crafting a beautiful and relaxed wedding day!

 
 

Example wedding timelines:

  • 1:00 - photographer arrives at airbnb, begins with detail photos

    1:20 - Spouse 1 dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    1:40 - Spouse 2 dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    2:00 -  first look & couple portraits at airbnb

    2:15 - travel to venue

    2:45 - couple portraits at venue

    3:15 - wedding party photos (full wedding party, each side of the wedding party)

    3:45 - immediate family photos (grandparents, parents, siblings & any partners or kids of those folks you want to include)

    4:15 - couple hides/bathroom break while photographer documents reception details & ceremony details

    5:00 - ceremony

    5:30 - cocktail hour

    5:30 - couple portraits (15m) and buffer time for missed group photos (15m)

    6:00 - couple can eat a meal alone together, take a breather, or join cocktail hour

    6:30 - guests asked to find seats

    6:45 - entrance & welcome

    7:00 - dinner

    7:45 - quick golden hour photos while guests finish their meal

    8:00 - cake cutting & toasts

    8:19 - sunset

    8:20 - special dances

    8:30 - open dancing

    9:00 - photography ends

  • 2:00 - Photographer Arrives, Begins with Detail Photos

    2:30 - Spouse 1 dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    3:00 - Spouse 1 solo portrait, portraits with their side of the wedding party, and their immediate family

    3:30 - Spouse 2  dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    4:00 - Spouse 2 solo portrait, portraits with their side of the wedding party, and their immediate family

    4:15 - Couple hides/bathroom break while photographer documents reception details & ceremony details

    5:00 - Ceremony

    5:30 - cocktail hour

    5:30 -  Immediate Family Photos (Grandparents, Parents, Siblings & any partners or kids of those folks you want to include)

    5:50 - Wedding Party Photos (Full wedding party, each side of the wedding party)

    6:10 - Couple Photos

    6:30 - Guests asked to find seats

    6:45 - Entrance & First Dance

    7:00 - Dinner

    8:00 - Cake Cutting

    8:05 - Special Dances

    8:15 - Open Dancing

    8:45 - quick golden hour photos

    9:00 - photography ends

    9:10 - sunset

  • 12:15 - Photographer Arrives at Airbnb, Begins with Detail Photos

    12:45 - Getting ready images

    1:15 - Spouse 1 dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    1:45 - Spouse 2  dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    2:15 -  First Look & Couple Portraits

    2:45 - Wedding Party Photos (Full wedding party, each side of the wedding party)

    3:15 - Immediate Family Photos (Grandparents, Parents, Siblings & any partners or kids of those folks you want to include)

    3:45 - Couple hides/bathroom break while photographer documents reception details & ceremony details

    4:30 - Ceremony

    5:00 - cocktail hour

    5:00 - Couple Portraits (15m) and Buffer Time for Missed Group Photos (15m)

    5:30 - Couple can eat a meal alone together, take a breather, or join cocktail hour

    5:45 - Guests asked to find seats

    6:00 - dinner

    6:30 - golden hour photos while guests finish dinner

    7:00 - sunset

    7:00 - Cake Cutting & Toasts

    7:20 - Special Dances

    7:40 - Open Dancing

    8:45 - guests line up outside for send-off

    9:00 - send-off

    9:15 - photography ends

  • 1:45 - photographer arrives, begins with detail photos

    2:10 - Spouse 1 dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    2:30 - Spouse 2  dresses and adds final details (jewelry, tie. veil, cufflinks, etc.)

    2:50 -  first look & couple portraits

    3:20 - wedding party photos (full wedding party, each side of the wedding party)

    3:40 - immediate family photos (grandparents, parents, siblings & any partners or kids of those folks you want to include)

    4:00 - couple hides/bathroom break while photographer documents reception & ceremony decor

    4:30 - ceremony

    5:00 - cocktail hour

    5:00 - golden hour couple photos

    5:30 - sunset

    5:30 - couple can eat a meal alone together, take a breather, or join cocktail hour

    6:00 - guests asked to find seats

    6:15 - entrance & welcome

    6:20 - dinner

    7:15 - cake Cutting & toasts

    7:30 - special dances

    8:00 - open dancing

    8:45 - photography ends

7 Unique Engagement Photo Locations in Louisville

Choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos can be overwhelming. If you've already hired me as your photographer, rest assured that I provide customized location recommendations, tips for getting the most out of your session, and advice on wardrobe selection. However, if you're still in the planning stages or simply eager to explore your options, you're in luck!

Louisville, KY, offers a wealth of unique engagement session locations. Whether you're drawn to scenic parks, sentimental neighborhood spots, or prefer the idea of a personalized date-night theme, this guide has something for you.

Discover the top engagement session spots in and around Louisville, complete with essential insights on permits, accessibility, and stunning images showcasing each location's beauty throughout the seasons.

 

Jump to each engagement session location here:

 

1. The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork

The Parklands, spanning nearly 4,000 acres across Louisville, offer unparalleled diversity in their landscapes. From tranquil hiking trails winding through lush woods, babbling streams, and serene ponds to meticulously maintained stone paths meandering through woodland gardens, there's a backdrop to suit every taste. You'll find yourself amidst open meadows, expansive fields, and even rolling hills full of vibrant wildflowers.

Comprising Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run Park, The Parklands provides endless opportunities for discovery. And with the ever-changing seasons, no two visits will be the same. From the delicate flowers of spring to the golden fields and evergreen views of winter, every photography session feels unique.

Another great perk is year-round access to clean and spacious restroom facilities, complete with single-seat and gender-neutral options. The parks cater to diverse interests and abilities, offering a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, fishing, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Accessible, paved paths ensure that everyone, including those using mobility aids, can fully enjoy the beauty of the parks. Plus, with its dog-friendly policy, furry companions are welcome to join in on the outdoor fun and exploration.

While photographers are required to purchase an annual permit for sessions within The Parklands, it's absolutely worth it. By supporting the upkeep of these community spaces, photographers contribute to the preservation and accessibility of these facilities for years to come. Simply fill out the online form to obtain your permit!

2. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Just thirty minutes south of Louisville lies one of my favorite destinations for both photography sessions and hiking! Bernheim offers an expansive array of backdrops, boasting a variety of trees that brightly bloom in the spring and put on a colorful show in the fall. Picturesque lakes, numerous ponds, a breathtaking canopy tree walk, meandering creeks, inviting hiking trails, expansive fields, and captivating site-specific artwork provide endless opportunities for creative exploration.

Emphasizing ecological stewardship and conservation, Bernheim is not only a stunning setting for your photo sessions but also a cause worth supporting through the purchase of a photo permit. Their commitment to impactful initiatives includes hosting recurring residency programs for visual artists, participating in ongoing scientific research studies, collaborating with schools and communities on tree-planting efforts, and much more.

Bernheim is dog-friendly, ensuring your four-legged companions can join in for your photos. While the restrooms are spacious, please note that they are gendered. There are numerous paved areas accessible for those using mobility aids that provide quite a bit of flexibility, but the options are slightly fewer compared to the Parklands.

Photographers should be mindful of planning their start time carefully at this location. Forest Hill Drive closes one hour before the main gate, and Guerilla Hollow shuts down thirty minutes before the main gate, with park rangers limiting access approximately half an hour before their respective closings. Additionally, the park's closing time varies with the seasons, ranging from 5 PM in winter to 9 PM in the height of summer. Familiarizing yourself with the timing and the movement of light within the space is key to a seamless experience. If you're new to photographing here, I highly recommend a visit beforehand to acquaint yourself with the surroundings and plan accordingly when bringing clients.

3. Your Favorite Date Spot

To create a relaxed and natural atmosphere, I often encourage my couples to approach their engagement sessions as dates. Choosing activities that resonate with both partners not only showcases each of your personalities but also allows for spontaneity, resulting in more genuine candid images.

Over the years, I've enjoyed documenting couples incorporating various date-like activities into their sessions. From cozying up with board games at their favorite neighborhood bar to leisurely bike rides through scenic parks, or even indulging in creative art nights, each session is uniquely tailored to reflect the couple's personalities and interests. Other popular choices include pottery classes, nostalgic bowling outings, baking sessions, arcade adventures, playful rounds of miniature golf, or immersive distillery tours. With so many options available, couples have the freedom to curate a session that truly captures their unique relationship.

4. Your Neighborhood + Local Park

There's a unique charm in capturing your photos in a neighborhood you love and frequent. While locations like The Parklands or Bernheim may offer more natural diversity, your local area can hold sentimental value—maybe it's the park where you had your first date or the neighborhood where you currently live together. Moreover, parks nestled within neighborhoods provide opportunities to blend your session with other activities, like taking a page from the date night section and grabbing coffee or cocktails nearby. Or you could start with an in-home session and then walk to your favorite park. Permitting will vary depending on location, but you can find permit info for Metro Parks here.

A few combinations I’ve found successful include:

  • Saint James Court + Central Park

  • The Highlands + Cherokee or Tyler Park

  • Nulu or Butchertown + Waterfront Park

  • Frankfort Ave + Crescent Hill Reservoir

  • Beechmont + Iroquois Park

5. Falls of The Ohio

If you're torn between a cityscape or a nature-inspired session, The Falls of the Ohio offers the best of both worlds. With its rugged rocky outcroppings, lush canopy of trees, and unique driftwood, it's a versatile location. Plus, when photographing towards the river, you have the bonus of the Louisville skyline in the backdrop. It’s also close enough to the city to allow for seamless integration with downtown or Nulu, adding even more variety.

To check conditions for your shoot, you can conveniently view the current river level on their website to confirm accessibility to the fossil beds. While the Interpretive Center is open year-round, it closes at 5 PM along with its restrooms. Many areas are ADA accessible, but please note that the paved path down towards the fossil beds doesn't extend all the way down. There can be some fairly large steps and general scrambling when exploring the beds, so it's something to be mindful of when planning your outfit and session logistics.

Additionally, obtaining a permit is necessary for photography sessions at The Falls of the Ohio. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources permit covers all Indiana State Parks and many other natural areas, including Charlestown State Park and Deam Lake, both of which also offer breathtaking backdrops.

6. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

If you're seeking meticulously manicured gardens and are willing to invest in a day pass, then Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is the ideal destination for you! Boasting a diverse array of backdrops, from a romantic stone castle to picturesque Yew-lined paths, secluded woodland nooks, and a lush cottage-garden style garden, Yew Dell offers endless areas for stunning photographs. Additionally, you'll find a greenhouse, a historic cabin, a walled garden, and a sunken rock garden with a tranquil pond and beautiful Japanese maples.

It's important to note that photography sessions are restricted to open hours, which may pose limitations, especially if you're aiming for golden hour photos, as the gardens close at 4 PM. However, despite this constraint, there are still plenty of areas that offer excellent opportunities for photography, even during harsh afternoon sunlight. On occasion, photographers may be allowed access later in the day during special events, although this is typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All sessions must be scheduled in advance.

Notably, Yew Dell hosts "Hounds on the Grounds" most Sundays, allowing leashed dogs to accompany visitors. Additionally, the majority of the Yew Dell property features paved paths, ensuring wheelchair accessibility, including the route to the restrooms— and although they are not gender-neutral, they are spacious and accommodating.

7. Your Own Home

In-home sessions capture your genuine connection in a cozy, familiar setting where you feel completely relaxed. Picture yourselves enjoying your favorite activities together—whether reading, gardening, playing a game, cooking, or simply snuggling with a warm cup of tea on the couch. These sessions offer an ideal environment for introverts, providing a comfortable space where they can truly be themselves. The resulting photographs serve as timeless reminders of this exact moment in your lives, capturing the depth and significance of your connection. 

Ready to book your engagement session?

Reach out and let me know what you have in mind! If you’re wanting more inspiration, check out additional engagement sessions here.

Best Wedding Venues in Louisville, Kentucky

As a wedding photographer, I’ve photographed ceremonies at well over one hundred different locations over the last decade. I’d be lying if I said I’ve seen it all, but I sure have seen a lot. During that time, a few venues have really stood out for being not just wonderful to photograph, but also providing an experience that my couples seem to love.

 

Jump to Venue Information

 
 

21c Museum Hotel

Artistic & Modern Downtown Wedding Venue

With ever-changing artwork and a huge variety of spaces to choose from, 21c Louisville is a perfect spot to get married whether you are eloping with just the two of you or having 100 guests. I love the amazing light in the rooftop apartment, the view from the garden terrace, and the drama of the atrium. Their Asleep in the Cyclone room makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled just by stepping inside— and is a fun space for unique photos.

21c is an ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible, and LGBTQ+-friendly venue. They do not have public gender-neutral bathrooms, but events in the rooftop apartment would have access to the hotel room’s individual restrooms. A variety of other spaces are available for rent including five galleries, a private dining room, and the atrium. All rentals include an event manager, room planning and set up, assorted tables, chairs, linens, votive candles, custom printed menus, and cleaning services.

Site fees and food and beverage pricing are highly dependent on a variety of factors, but the majority of their wedding events fall in the range of $100 - $150 per person.

View a full wedding from 21c Museum Hotel Louisville here.

3rd Turn Oldham Gardens

Romantic & Botanical Greenhouse wedding venue

3rd Turn Oldham Gardens is one of those spaces where you just want to spend more time. As soon as you step under the wisteria vines you’ll see a long wooden table under dappled light— the focal point of their beer garden. If you keep walking through the venue you’ll find the frames of old greenhouses that break the space up into areas for the ceremony, lawn games, and dinner. I love the celosia and hydrangea throughout the gardens and how it’s easy to find a private spot to slip away without feeling like you’re separate from the group. Protip: if you book the venue on a Sunday they are closed to the public so you can have the full beer garden all to yourself!

3rd Turn is fully wheelchair accessible, however since they are an outdoor venue the terrain can be a mix of grass, gravel, and rock pavers that can cause some trouble for electric chairs and other mobility aids. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and have gender-neutral restrooms. Their rental fee varies depending on the day, space required, and time needed. They have in-house catering, alcohol service, and a majority of in-house rentals. They can seat 200 people in a rain-contingency-controlled space, but have 1.5 acres of space available that can be used for multiple configurations. Since their site is geared towards outdoor offerings, they do not offer cold-weather weddings.

View a full wedding from 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens here.

610 Magnolia

InTIMATE Old Louisville Wedding venue with Courtyard

610 Magnolia is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding. Tucked away in Old Louisville, 610 is wheelchair accessible, LGBTQ+ friendly, and has gender-neutral bathrooms. They do not charge a room rental fee unless the guest count goes below 12— their pricing is per person since they are primarily a restaurant. The maximum number of guests that can be seated in the wine studio for dinner is 30, however, cocktail parties and events that use the outdoor courtyard can accommodate a larger group.

View a full micro-wedding at 610 Magnolia here.

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Casual & Woodsy Outdoor Wedding Venue

While not technically in Louisville, Bernheim is so close to the city and holds a special place in my heart so I had to include it! There are a variety of locations couples can choose for their ceremony at Bernheim, but the most popular are the Big Prairie Overlook and the Quiet Garden. The Magruder Picnic area is also available for wedding rentals and provides a peaceful wooded setting for those looking for something more intimate. Weddings can be held seven days a week for a 2-hour period anytime between 7 AM until two hours prior to sunset and the rental fee is $1,000. There are also indoor rental options including The Garden Pavilion building which is easily accessible at the edge of Lake Nevin, the Sassafras Room inside the visitor’s center, and the education center. Since Bernheim has 16,137 acres, the accessibility of different locations varies considerably. Luckily, they have an extensive accessibility guide so you can plan your visit. Bernheim is LGBTQ+ friendly, but they do not have gender-neutral restrooms.

Copper & Kings

Unique & Modern Butchertown Wedding Venue

Copper & Kings is one of the most unique venues in Louisville. I love their outdoor space and the variety of ways it can be used! Guests always enjoy getting to go on distillery tours during cocktail hour and I love that they have a monarch butterfly habitat at the front of the property. The light is always fun to play with in their space — plus there are lots of Airbnbs really close by to make your wedding day effortless.

Copper & Kings is wheelchair accessible, LGBTQ+ friendly, and has gender-neutral restrooms. They are also a member of Inclusive Kentucky Weddings! Spaces that are available for rental include their gorgeous courtyard, second-floor gallery, as well as their rooftop bar— or a full facility rental.

Gheens Foundation Lodge

Modern & Romantic Wedding Venue in a Park

With floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded by nature, it’s easy to see why so many couples are drawn to Gheens Foundation Lodge in Beckley Creek Park. 

The main building at Gheens is wheelchair accessible, but there is a bit of uneven ground going from the side lawn to the concrete. They are LGBTQ+ friendly. While they do not have gender-neutral bathrooms, there is a private bathroom in the hospitality suite that could be provided for that purpose if discussed ahead of time.

Their weekend rental fee is $3,750 from January through March and is $4,250 the rest of the year. While their capacity for seated guests is 300, they usually don’t go over 250 for weddings. Clients are required to hire approved vendors for all food and drink services outside of desserts. Caterers charge a 15% facility fee. An added bonus is that all rentals help support The Parklands!

View a full wedding from Gheens Foundation Lodge here.

Hazelnut Farm

Thoughtful Wedding Venue with a view

Melissa Montgomery, the property manager, shared, “We feel our venue is the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor features to incorporate Kentucky's beauty with all the comforts and weather backups the building offers.  With a blend of modern and traditional styles in the architecture & details, Hazelnut Farm perfectly suits a limitless range of event designs and every wedding is completely unique to that couple.  

When you book with Hazelnut Farm, we consider you family!  We want to set you up for success with a full vendor referral booklet as soon as you sign, expert staff to offer quick and thorough answers during your planning journey, and a team to be onsite the day of your event.  We even offer all couples married here complimentary lifetime access to use the property for photo sessions before or after the wedding!  You can make the planning even more seamless and comprehensive with the addition of our in-house planning/coordination services.”

Hazelnut Farm is fully ADA-compliant with a ramp graded for wheelchair access.  Their entry doorways are wheelchair accessible as are the restrooms.  The only spot within the venue not wheelchair accessible are the two upstairs dressing suites, but they can provide a supplemental private dressing suite on the main level when needed. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and have two gender-neutral restrooms. They can host events with up to 350 guests, however, their typical guest size is 150-250 people. 

Hazelnut Farm has a pre-approved list of caterers that clients can choose from — those caterers add a 15% facility fee to the cost of food and beverage for the use of their catering kitchen and dumpster services. The rental fee begins at $4,500 for weekday events and weekend rates range from $7,000 - $12,500 depending on the day and the season. All rentals include tables, chairs, set-up, staff onsite, security, and a variety of furniture and smaller decor items that can be used.

View a full wedding from Hazelnut Farm here.

Hockensmith Barn

Casual & Rustic Barn Wedding Venue in a Park

Hockensmith Barn in Turkey Run Park is the perfect wedding venue if you’re looking for cozy & casual rustic barn vibes at your wedding! The space accommodates up to 225 people, and the rental includes the adjacent lawn that can be tented and used for wedding ceremonies or other events as well! Though the barn was raised in traditional Amish style, it’s ADA accessible and offers restrooms, parking, and a food prep space for approved caterers. The side cocktail area does have some uneven ground, but no steps. Since the wood slats make the space pretty open, it is only available to rent from the middle of May to the middle of October. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and all of the nearby restrooms are gender-neutral bathrooms. Caterers must be approved and charge a 15% fee. Rentals help support the Parklands— the rental fee is $2500 for May - October—except for July and August when it is $2000. Bonus: guests have access to the large yellow silo, which has a great view during the sunset.

Ice House

Industrial & Dramatic Downtown Wedding Venue

I asked Bailey Rose, Ice House’s Brand Manager what couples who are considering their venue should know, she said, “Our team truly cares about our couple's experience from beginning to end. We want to know all about your story, your love, and how you envision your big day! Knowing that every couple is unique and so their celebration should reflect that. We understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming but we hope to bring more excitement and ease to the process than anything else. With Crushed Ice Catering and The Ice House, you're in good hands.”

Ice House is fully ADA accessible and LGBTQ+ friendly. They do not have gender-neutral bathrooms. They can host events with up to 500 guests for a cocktail-style gathering or up to 300 for a seated event. They work exclusively with Crushed Ice Catering. 

Tables, chairs, event security, housekeeping, reception coordination, event set-up, and event breakdown are included with all of their wedding packages which begin at $4,000 for Saturdays during peak wedding season.

View a wedding reception held at the Ice House here.

Mellwood Art Center

Adaptable & Industrial Factory Wedding Venue

All of Mellwood’s event rooms are wheelchair accessible— accessible parking is farther from some event rooms, but all rooms have an area nearby where guests can be dropped off as well. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and a founding member of Inclusive Kentucky Weddings. The facilities do not have gender-neutral bathrooms, but the Pigment Gallery, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci Rooms all have their own private event restrooms which couples can designate however they like during their event! They have an open vendor policy and their guests may use any vendors they like with no additional fees.

Rental fees vary by room and date. The smallest room, The Pigment Gallery, seats 60-80 guests and is $1000 on Saturday, whereas the largest room, the Da Vinci Room, seats up to 1000 guests and is $7,800 on a Saturday. There are discounted rates for weekdays and off-season rentals, with their smallest rooms priced at $800 for Monday-Thursday rentals.

Marketing & Communication Director Jamie Shepherd added, “We have an 18-hour rental period, the longest in town that we know of, from 8 am on your event date until 2 am the following morning. And above all else, we have tons of free parking so that your guests don’t have to pay to park to attend your wedding!”

You can view a full intimate wedding from Mellwood Art Center here.

MozzaPi

Cozy & Eclectic Pizza Restaurant Venue

With exposed brick, tall windows, and a spacious interior, MozzaPi in Anchorage is an intimate and unique venue choice for your wedding! Their pizzas are delicious and their beignets are heavenly. Guests love it as different types of pizza keep coming out of the oven throughout the reception so they can try all the different types while they are hot!

MozzaPi is wheelchair accessible on their main floor— the loft seating requires about 20 stairs to access. They are LGBTQ+ friendly, but do not have gender-neutral restrooms. Their rental fee is $5000 per day— this price allows up to 100 guests. Their catering begins at $22 a person and a standard menu includes focaccia, fire-roasted olives, varieties of pizza, and homemade marshmallow smores. They also have a full alcohol license and can staff bartenders for events— beverage pricing is by request only and based on event size.

Patrick O'Shea's

Historic Downtown venue with Exposed Brick

Patrick O’Shea’s offers a unique venue right on Main Street. With three separate floors that each contain elements of the original building alongside updated decor, you have lots of beautiful spaces to choose from for your wedding. The Whiskey Cellar accommodates 100 seated or 150 cocktail style and the rental fee starts at $500 with a food & beverage minimum of $1,000. The Grand Loft can host 150 seated or 250 for cocktails. The room rental for weddings starts at $1,900 with a food & beverage minimum of $2,000. The Penthouse & Rooftop Garden seats 80 or can host 200 for cocktails. The room rental starts at $2,000 for weddings and the food & beverage minimum is $2,000 as well. They have also recently added a couple of smaller room options as well with smaller minimums! They are LGBTQ+ friendly and a founding member of Inclusive Kentucky Weddings, but I am waiting to hear back if they have gender-neutral restrooms.

The Refinery

Industrial Wedding Venue with tall Ceilings

My favorite part about the Refinery has to be the tall ceilings and tall windows— the way the light comes in is so pretty! They are not technically a Louisville venue, but since they are just across the river I thought it was only fair to include them on the list. My couples have said they really love how many different options they had for the arrangement of their day in the space— especially with the courtyard!

All of The Refinery’s facilities are wheelchair accessible. They are LGBTQ+ friendly but do not currently have gender-neutral restrooms. Pricing varies, but begins at $2,000 for weekday rentals of either the Refinery North or the Refinery South and goes up to $7,500 for Saturday rentals of the entire facility. Their rentals include tables, linens, chairs, set-up and break-down of Refinery-provided equipment, on-site staff, and the option to update to all-day access to the rented spaces for $500. Guest capacity varies, but the recommended max capacity for a seated dinner in the Refinery South is 410 guests. While they do not offer in-house catering, they allow clients to bring in whatever vendor that they like (with proof of proper licensing and proof of insurance.) Their venues do not charge fees for bringing in outside catering. They are also pet-friendly!

View a full wedding at The Refinery here.

The Speed Art Museum

Classic meets modern Museum Wedding Venue

I still remember the feeling of walking into the renovated Speed for the first time— I was so overwhelmed and excited that this was in *our city!* I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the exhibitions that have come through since then and every time I get to photograph a wedding there I’m over the moon! The huge staircase in the atrium makes for a dramatic entrance and I love that guests can explore the museum during cocktail hour! With Wiltshire catering, the food is always amazing and the Grand Hall is the perfect reception spot with its state-of-the-art acoustics and big windows.

The Speed is ADA compliant and has designated parking for persons with disabilities in the parking garage as well as wheelchair access available in the entrance located near the security office. All restrooms at the Speed are wheelchair accessible, and they have three elevators throughout the galleries for guest use, as well as an elevator within the Speed parking garage, wherein accessible parking is available on every floor. If you need one, wheelchairs are available to borrow at Guest Relations. The Speed is LGBTQ+ friendly and has gender-neutral restrooms available on the second floor of their North Building, right outside the Modern and Contemporary gallery. I am waiting to hear back in regard to rental fees.

View a full wedding at The Speed Art Museum here.

Whitehall House and Gardens

Romantic & Botanical venue on a historic property

The gardens around Whitehall are truly magical— they weave along the side of the property and seem to go on forever! I love the variety of plants and the architectural elements throughout the garden that tie everything together with a classic look. Inside the main house, there are a variety of vintage wallpapers that make for unique backdrops and beautiful photos of getting ready.

Whitehall is wheelchair accessible— they have a ramp into the mansion and all of the gardens can be accessed without changing levels. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and have individual gender-neutral restrooms inside of the main house. Wedding rental fees vary based on the spaces rented, time of the year, and day of the week with weekday off-season rates starting at $1,000 and weekend summer rates for the mansion and gardens at $4,500. 

Tented events have a maximum capacity of 300 guests while events inside the historic home are able to accommodate 100 for a cocktail reception or 75 for a seated dinner. Couples can choose from their preferred catering list and they charge a 15% service fee for use of the commercial kitchen. Outdoor music does have to stop at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday nights and 9:00 PM on Sunday nights due to being in a residential neighborhood.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Lush & Modern Garden Wedding Venue

Yew Dell is a venue that immediately had my heart as soon as I saw it. As a horticulture nerd, I love watching how their landscape changes and shifts through the seasons! As a photographer, the hardest part about weddings here is narrowing down what areas to use for photos— there are so many beautiful and unique spaces from the expansive arboretum to the rock garden to the big meadow and the greenhouse.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is mostly wheelchair accessible— there is a paved path around the garden, to Gheens Barn, and the Lower Pavilion. With advanced notice, they can also provide gift cart service to the Event Lawn. They are LGBTQ+ friendly and have two gender-neutral restrooms by the Lower Pavillion. Rentals of the grounds with the Rounsavall Pavilion are $7,700 and without the Rounsavall Pavilion, $5,400. Additional fees apply for events with over 350 guests. Their list of approved catering companies is on their website.

You may notice a few familiar venues left off this list such as Hermitage Farm, Blackacre, Oxmoor Farms, Locust Grove, Farmsley-Moremen Landing, and Farmington Historic Plantation. While these are beautiful locations, many of which I have previously photographed, I personally believe that plantations should not be used for weddings. Many of these sites work to educate the public — for example, Oxmoor Farm, Locust Grove, Farmsley-Moremen, and Farmington formed The Louisville Coalition on the History of the Enslaved to “to interpret and share the stories of the men, women, and children enslaved on our sites, and to find relevance between these stories of the past and the events of the present.” However, other venues such as Hermitage make no mention of their history on their websites. This is not a judgment on anyone who has gotten married in these locations— I just don’t want to further promote weddings where people were enslaved.

Sarah Katherine Davis (she/they) is an award-winning, inclusive wedding and elopement photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. Specializing in authentic and candid photography, Sarah creates intimate, joyous, and genuine imagery through a timeless blend of documentary and fine art approaches. With a strong commitment to fairness and inclusion, she loves working with other LGBTQ+ couples and individuals of any race, body size, or ability. Recognized as The Knot's Best of Weddings pick for KY by reviewers for ten years, Sarah is dedicated to thoughtfully capturing your unique love story.

Louisville Wedding Photographer // Kentucky Wedding Photographer