When it comes to weddings, the setting is as crucial as the vows themselves. For couples who dream of tying the knot amidst nature’s splendor, Kentucky offers a plethora of scenic venues. From majestic mountains to tranquil lakes and enchanting forests, the Bluegrass State is a haven for nature lovers seeking the perfect backdrop for their big day.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most breathtaking wedding venues in Kentucky, highlighting those nestled near forests, lakes, and mountains. Here are some of the top venues to consider for your nature-themed wedding
1. Red River Gorge Weddings – Slade, KY
The Venue:
Nestled in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is a dream come true for couples who want to exchange vows surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. This venue is ideal for adventurous couples who appreciate rugged beauty and want a wedding that feels like an escape into nature.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Red River Gorge offers multiple outdoor ceremony sites, each more stunning than the last. Whether you choose to say your vows under the iconic Natural Bridge or in a secluded forest glen, your guests will be in awe of the natural splendor. The area is also perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and camping, making it ideal for couples who want to turn their wedding into a weekend retreat.
Contact Information:
- Website: Red River Gorge Weddings
- Phone: (606) 668-6613
- Email: info@redrivergorgeweddings.com
2. Lost River Cave – Bowling Green, KY
The Venue:
For couples looking for a wedding venue that blends nature with history, Lost River Cave offers a truly unique setting. Located near Bowling Green, this venue is known for its stunning underground cave, serene nature trails, and picturesque blue hole.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Lost River Cave provides the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. Couples can opt for a ceremony inside the cave for a dramatic, one-of-a-kind experience or choose the more serene Riverwalk or Butterfly Habitat for an outdoor wedding. The cave’s history as a natural wonder adds a magical element to any event, and the surrounding forested area is rich in wildlife and beauty.
Contact Information:
- Website: Lost River Cave
- Phone: (270) 393-0077
- Email: weddings@lostrivercave.org
3. Ashford Acres Inn – Cynthiana, KY
The Venue:
Located just a short drive from Lexington, Ashford Acres Inn offers a peaceful, countryside setting with an air of refined elegance. This historic estate is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful farmland, making it an idyllic spot for a nature-themed wedding.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
The expansive grounds at Ashford Acres Inn feature lush gardens, stately trees, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Couples can choose to exchange vows beneath a grand oak tree or on the charming lawn. The property also offers indoor options that bring the outdoors in, with large windows showcasing the stunning landscape.
Contact Information:
- Website: Ashford Acres Inn
- Phone: (859) 298-2982
- Email: weddings@ashfordacresinn.com
4. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Harrodsburg, KY
The Venue:
Set in a beautifully preserved 19th-century village, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a wedding experience that combines history with nature. Located in Harrodsburg, about 30 minutes from Lexington, this venue features over 3,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and meadows.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Shaker Village is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Couples can choose from multiple scenic ceremony locations, including a meadow surrounded by wildflowers, a charming orchard, or a stately garden. The village’s pastoral charm, combined with its tranquil natural surroundings, makes it a perfect setting for a rustic-chic wedding.
Contact Information:
- Website: Shaker Village Weddings
- Phone: (800) 734-5611
- Email: weddings@shakervillageky.org
5. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park – Jamestown, KY
The Venue:
For couples who have always dreamed of a lakeside wedding, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park offers an unbeatable setting. This park is located on the shores of Lake Cumberland, one of Kentucky’s largest and most beautiful lakes, and is known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Lake Cumberland provides a serene, water-centered backdrop for your big day. Couples can exchange vows on the lake’s shore or opt for a more elevated view from the park’s bluffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest. The park also offers cabins and lodges for guests, making it a perfect destination for a weekend wedding retreat.
Contact Information:
- Website: Lake Cumberland Resort Park
- Phone: (270) 343-3111
6. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens – Crestwood, KY
The Venue:
Located just outside Louisville, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is a botanical wonderland, perfect for couples seeking a natural, garden-inspired wedding venue. With its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and scenic walking paths, Yew Dell is an oasis of tranquility.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Yew Dell offers several outdoor ceremony locations, each surrounded by the stunning beauty of the gardens. Couples can exchange vows in front of the stone castle, in the secluded Secret Garden, or beside the serene lake. The venue’s focus on conservation and sustainability also makes it a great choice for eco-conscious couples.
Contact Information:
- Website: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
- Phone: (502) 241-4788
7. The Barn at Cedar Grove – Greensburg, KY
The Venue:
Tucked away in the Kentucky countryside, The Barn at Cedar Grove is a rustic wedding venue that offers both charm and natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, this venue is ideal for couples who want a secluded, intimate wedding experience.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
The Barn at Cedar Grove offers a gorgeous outdoor ceremony space, surrounded by trees and fields, with a charming rustic barn as the reception venue. Couples can exchange vows under the towering trees, with the sound of birds and rustling leaves in the background, making it a perfect setting for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Contact Information:
- Website: The Barn at Cedar Grove
- Phone: (270) 405-9923
- Email: info@thebarnatcedargrove.com
8. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – Corbin, KY
The Venue:
Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is a spectacular natural wonder located in southeastern Kentucky. The park surrounding the falls offers a variety of outdoor ceremony locations, all with stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding forest.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
For couples who want a dramatic, water-themed wedding, Cumberland Falls is the ultimate destination. Imagine exchanging vows with the thunderous sound of the falls in the background or hosting a reception in the park’s beautiful lodge, surrounded by towering trees and mountain views. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and romance.
Contact Information:
- Website: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Phone: (606) 528-4121
9. Talon Winery and Vineyards – Lexington, KY
The Venue:
Located in the rolling hills of Lexington, Talon Winery offers a breathtaking vineyard setting that’s perfect for couples looking to add a touch of wine country charm to their wedding. With 300 acres of lush vineyards, ponds, and open fields, this venue combines rustic elegance with natural beauty.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Talon Winery is all about wide-open spaces and scenic views. The outdoor ceremony space is nestled among the grapevines, giving couples a romantic, pastoral backdrop for their vows. Guests can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside as they sip wine from the vineyard during the reception.
Contact Information:
- Website: Talon Winery
- Phone: (859) 971-3214
- Email: info@talonwine.com
10. The Kentucky Castle – Versailles, KY
The Venue:
Situated just outside Lexington, The Kentucky Castle offers a fairy-tale wedding setting with a unique blend of luxury and nature. This medieval-style castle is surrounded by farmland, rolling hills, and gardens, making it a stunning location for a wedding that’s as elegant as it is grounded in nature.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
While the castle itself is the main attraction, the grounds offer breathtaking outdoor spaces for ceremonies. You can exchange vows in the lavender garden, by the pond, or under the pergola, all surrounded by the beauty of the Bluegrass countryside. The castle also offers farm-to-table dining experiences, using ingredients sourced from the surrounding land.
Contact Information:
- Website: The Kentucky Castle
- Phone: (859) 256-0322
- Email: weddings@thekentuckycastle.com
11. Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort, KY
The Venue:
For couples who want to celebrate Kentucky’s famous bourbon heritage while surrounded by nature, Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort offers a historic and scenic venue. The distillery is located on the banks of the Kentucky River, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and ancient oak trees.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Buffalo Trace has multiple outdoor ceremony options, including a beautiful garden courtyard and scenic riverside views. The distillery’s history and natural surroundings offer a unique blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, perfect for couples who want a one-of-a-kind, Kentucky-themed wedding.
Contact Information:
- Website: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Phone: (502) 696-5926
- Email: events@buffalotrace.com
12. The Duncan Estate – Paris, KY
The Venue:
The Duncan Estate, located in Paris, Kentucky, is an elegant country estate surrounded by beautiful gardens and mature trees. This venue is perfect for couples who want a nature-filled wedding with a touch of Southern charm.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
The estate’s outdoor spaces are ideal for nature-loving couples. Ceremonies can be held in the beautifully landscaped gardens or beneath the towering oak trees. The estate’s historic charm and natural surroundings create an intimate, romantic setting for any wedding.
Contact Information:
- Website: The Duncan Estate
- Phone: (859) 987-0707
13. Elk Creek Vineyards – Owenton, KY
The Venue:
Elk Creek Vineyards, located in Owenton, offers a picturesque vineyard setting nestled in the hills of northern Kentucky. This venue is perfect for couples who want a serene, romantic wedding surrounded by nature and rolling vineyards.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Elk Creek Vineyards offers several scenic spots for your wedding ceremony, including a charming gazebo overlooking the vineyards and a pond surrounded by lush greenery. The vineyard’s rustic elegance and quiet charm make it an ideal choice for couples who want a relaxed, nature-centered wedding.
Contact Information:
- Website: Elk Creek Vineyards
- Phone: (502) 484-0005
- Email: info@elkcreekvineyards.com
14. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest – Clermont, KY
The Venue:
Located near Louisville, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest offers a peaceful woodland setting for couples who want to get married surrounded by towering trees and natural beauty. The arboretum is home to hundreds of plant species, miles of hiking trails, and tranquil gardens.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
Bernheim Forest offers several outdoor ceremony sites, including a beautiful woodland amphitheater and serene garden spaces. For couples who are passionate about conservation and nature, Bernheim is a perfect choice, as it’s dedicated to preserving the natural environment.
Contact Information:
- Website: Bernheim Arboretum
- Phone: (502) 955-8512
- Email: weddings@bernheim.org
15. Hickory Grove Hideaway – Campton, KY
The Venue:
Hickory Grove Hideaway is a secluded venue located in the hills of Campton, Kentucky, near the Red River Gorge. This venue offers a rustic, intimate setting for couples who want to immerse themselves in nature on their wedding day.
Why It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers:
The venue is surrounded by dense forests and offers stunning views of the Kentucky hills. Couples can exchange vows in an open meadow or by a peaceful pond, creating a serene, nature-inspired backdrop for their special day. The venue’s rustic charm and natural surroundings make it ideal for an intimate, outdoor wedding.
Contact Information:
Website: Hickory Grove
Phone: (606) 668-6999
Conclusion
Kentucky offers an abundance of breathtaking wedding venues for nature-loving couples. If you’ve always wanted a lakeside celebration at Lake Cumberland or a woodland ceremony in the Red River Gorge, the Bluegrass State offers the ideal backdrop to make your special day beyond remember. Each of these venues offers not just a beautiful backdrop, but an experience that will immerse you and your guests in the natural beauty Kentucky is known for.
No matter which venue you choose, the key to a perfect nature-themed wedding is embracing the beauty around you and letting the landscape take center stage. Be sure to book your venue early, as these scenic locations are highly sought after by couples from across the state and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time of year for a nature-themed wedding in Kentucky?
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for outdoor weddings in Kentucky. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers cooler weather and stunning foliage. However, summer can also be a great time if you’re planning a lakeside or mountain wedding.
2. Are these venues suitable for large weddings?
Most of the venues listed here can accommodate both small, intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations. Be sure to check with each venue to understand their capacity limits.
3. Do these venues offer indoor options in case of bad weather?
Yes, many of these venues offer indoor spaces or covered outdoor areas in case of inclement weather. Always have a backup plan when planning an outdoor wedding.
4. How far in advance should we book a wedding venue in Kentucky?
It’s recommended to book your venue at least 12-18 months in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
