Choosing your wedding venue comes early on in your wedding planning process and is the first major thing you need to book for your wedding. There are so many great choices in central Kentucky, and yes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed.
As a wedding concierge for couples here in Lexington, KY, a large part of my job is to guide you through options that fit your budget, style, and requirements for your wedding. That means getting to know local venues very closely. I see and work with a number of impressive venues, but every couple has unique needs and visions. As you begin your planning, I hope this overview of the types of venues available in Lexington and the surrounding area will serve as a good starting place.
Barns
Location: 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504
Built in 1882 and a mix of Kentucky history and style, The Round Barn sits next to the Red Mile Harness Track. With two levels that can be rented, it can hold 250-320 guests for a wedding reception and around 400 for cocktails. There are several great spots outside of the property for a ceremony and the inside is big enough for a backup rain plan! The Round Barn is managed by Bayou Bluegrass Catering, they serve as the in house caterer as well! Learn more about The Round Barn and Bayou Bluegrass Catering on their episode of The Wedding Whisperer Podcast.
The Round Barn photos by Franzetti Photography
Location: 2284 Barnes Mill Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
Just 20 minutes south of Lexington, Chenault Vineyards contains 500 acres of gorgeous outdoor property with all around views and is a family owned and operated winery. With 5 unique venues of different styles and sizes, find the perfect spot to say, “I do.” They are most known for their Paige Hill Reception Hall, but their barn is absolutely stunning with gorgeous chandeliers for an elevated Kentucky feel! Stacie Settle is the Assistant General Manager and Director of Weddings and you can hear her on The Wedding Whisperer Podcast here to learn more about what Chenault has to offer!
Chenault Vineyards photos by Shelly Dawn Images
Distilleries
Location: 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601
Originally built in 1887, Castle & Key Distillery was shut down during Prohibition and left in ruins. Luckily, the property has been beautifully restored and is now operating once again! With the option of a few locations for your wedding backdrop, this romantic castle setting could be what you’re looking for. Even if you don’t go with Castle & Key for your wedding day, it’s a great tour for your out of town guests visiting the area!
Castle & Key photos by Veronica Sparrow Photography
Location: 225 Dee Head Rd, New Haven, KY 40051
The Log Still Distillery is run by the Dant family and boasts several different areas to house your ceremony, reception, and cocktail party. Stay on site and get ready in the included bridal suite! This venue is actually about an hour away from Lexington, but I wanted to share it because we are so limited on distillery venues in central Kentucky. Kelliejoy Films has filmed several beautiful weddings at the property and I wanted to share some of those videos!
Videography by Kelliejoy Films
Hotels
Hotels can be a great option for your wedding venue as they are all inclusive including the venue, rentals (tables, chairs, linens, china, and flatware), food and beverage! They’re also a convenient option for your bridal party and out of town guests as they can stay there as well. Often times when couples go with a hotel, they will utilize the property for a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, wedding festivities and morning after brunch! It’s a great way to spend the weekend with your family and friends! Hotels often have a lower rental fee because you will have a food and beverage minimum with them. Win-win!
Location: 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504
With 6 unique spaces to choose from depending on your guest list size and needs, The Campbell House can be as grand or intimate as you desire. If you haven’t been in The Campbell House since their renovations that were completed in 2020, you must go see it! It is beautiful! And, their restaurant is fabulous. I’m not just saying that – it really is beautiful and delicious!
Photos by Shelly Dawn Images
Location: 369 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507
Conveniently located in Downtown Lexington, the Hilton has two beautiful ballrooms, The Grand Ballroom with a high ceiling and mood lighting for larger guest sizes and my personal favorite, the Magnolia Ballroom. The Magnolia Ballroom was recently renovated and is a neutral color that can fit any wedding look. The property has gotten a face lift over the past few years as well, including a brand new restaurant, lobby area, bar seating, outdoor area, outdoor mural and decor and they’re currently finishing a grand staircase in their lobby as of July 2024. The Hilton also offers room blocks for your guests. We often recommend the Hilton for guests getting married at Harper Hall, Manchester Music Hall and The Clerestory. To learn more about room blocks at the Hilton, hear from Wedding Coordinator Abby Wise.
Industrial
Location: 101 W Loudon Ave, Lexington, KY 40508
Have a unique vision for your wedding? The Clerestory can help bring it to life! Its open floor plan of 6,000 square feet allows flexibility for your seating arrangements and design while its many windows provide a source of great natural light. It is one of the most versatile venues in Lexington and no two weddings are going to look the same there! Want an outdoor ceremony – check! Want an indoor ceremony – check! So many options – plus, they won best bathroom award in Lexington! Yes, that is a real thing! Learn more about their property from Taylor Swanson, Venue Manager on The Wedding Whisperer Podcast!
The Clerestory photos by Franzetti Photography
Location: 177 N Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507
A recently restored 2-floor venue in downtown Lexington with an open layout designed to hold ceremonies and/or cocktail hour downstairs while the party can move upstairs for your reception. Or thinking outdoor ceremony? Gratz Park is just one block away! Harper Hall has a bridal suite included or you can add on an Airbnb just a block away! Take the stairs or ride the elevator up to the reception venue where you’ll find a beautiful built in bar, luxurious seating area and more. With an open catering policy Harper Hall is a must see when looking for venues.
Photo by Kevin and Anna Photography
Location: 899 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508
Located in The Distillery District in downtown Lexington, Manchester Music Hall offers a variety of wedding packages to fit your needs. Check out their upstairs balcony view and its flexible space to house both your ceremony and reception. The space is very versatile and you can bring this space to life with whatever look you are dreaming of! Learn more about their property and all that it includes from General Manager Whittney Johnson on The Wedding Whisperer Podcast.
Manchester Music Hall photos by Love the Renauds
Location: 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Long time Simply Love Studio preferred vendor, The Thoroughbred Center (owned by Keeneland) offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, an experienced staff to assist you and onsite-free parking. The Thoroughbred Center is definitely worth checking out–especially if you love horses or rich Kentucky heritage. Anytime a couple goes to tour The Thoroughbred Center I tell them they are in great hands with Emily, the venue coordinator – hear from her on The Wedding Whisperer Podcast here!
The Thoroughbred Center photos by Veronica Sparrow Photography
Museums
Location: 167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Looking for a contemporary space? 21c Museum Hotel Lexington might just win you over. The boutique hotel that’s also an art museum and restaurant can be found inside the historic Fayette National Bank Building downtown. Host your ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner inside their art galleries and take photos with the famous blue penguins. Learn more about their history and property on The Wedding Whisperer Podcast.
21c photos by Shelly Dawn Images
Location: Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport
Are airports or planes significant in your relationship? Maybe you’re just looking to give your wedding guests an experience they will remember. A truly unique space, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky allows you to rent out their hangar facilities for your wedding or event!
Aviation Museum photos by Jessica Lynn Hatton Photography
Wineries
Location: 2284 Barnes Mill Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
Just 20 minutes south of Lexington, Chenault Vineyards contains 500 acres of gorgeous outdoor property with all around views and is a family owned and operated winery. With 5 unique venues of different styles and sizes, find the perfect spot to say, “I do.” Does this name sound familiar? It’s because we mentioned it above under the barn category too! It’s such a versatile venue!
Photos by JD Photography. To see more from this wedding, click here.
Location: 7086 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
Talon Winery & Vineyard is another popular location for weddings in Lexington. Located on a 5 acre vineyard, choose from the indoor/outdoor Ca”Barn”et Barrel Barn or outdoor Monarch Pavilion for your wedding backdrop.
Photos by Veronica Sparrow Photography
Still unsure of where to get started when it comes to finding your perfect venue? I can help! We have more than 75 incredible venues in the area in all different types and budget ranges! I offer completely free (not catches, no gimmicks) meetings with couples to help them through all stages of wedding planning here in Lexington, Kentucky.
Schedule your meeting here with me, Sarah Burton, today!
featured image taken at Rackhouse Tavern at The Campbell House by Shelly Dawn Images
