There's nothing quite like the magic and natural light an outdoor wedding offers. Between beautiful and organic backdrops for portraits, a natural setting for intimate ceremonies, and stunning sunsets perfect for celebratory receptions, there are countless reasons to say your vows outside. And if you're looking for some of the prettiest outside wedding venues in Lexington, Kentucky or near the city limits, this post is for you!
Whether you're shopping for a venue or you've just started the planning process, be sure to take a look at some of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Lexington Ky that are sure to give you the pre-wedding butterflies.
The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm
Love the idea of a woodsy and rustic outdoor wedding? The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm has exactly what you're looking for.
This horse farm has been family owned and operated for over 40 years, and includes a variety of outdoor areas to choose from for weddings -- most of which are shaded by sycamore, oak and maple trees to keep away the heat during summer.
Check out this wedding photographed at the Polo Barn at Saxony Farm to get a better idea of this lovely venue!
Talon Winery
What goes better together than wine and weddings? Napa Valley isn't the only beautiful place to get married at a vineyard! For a romantic wedding near rolling hills of grapevines, look no further than Talon Winery Wedding Venue right here in Lexington.
With over 300 acres of lush, green space, a historic 18th-century tasting room, and a large outdoor covered pavilion, there is a lot to love about this venue!
Garden Branch
If downtown Lexington is more your scene, but you still want an organic style for your wedding day, The Grand Reserve's Garden Branch venue may be just the place for you. It's an intimate space that still offers enough room for larger weddings (up to 400 seated theatre style!) without losing a warm and inviting feel -- a wide variety of plants including rosebud trees, hydrangeas and Virginia creeper surround the space, making it a hidden gem in the middle of the city!
Outdoor Venues with an Indoor Backup Option
Worried about rain or snow? Want a nice blend of a scenic outdoor ceremony and an air-conditioned reception? No matter the reason, having a location with the option to host your wedding inside is a smart idea.
The Apiary Wedding Venue
For a truly unique and elegant indoor/outdoor venue right in the heart of Downtown Lexington, The Apiary is a top choice. With an outdoor garden area next to a historic brick building with over 8000 square feet in usable space, this location is a hidden gem unlike any other in the area. It's a fantastic option for urban weddings with an old-time style.
Keeneland Wedding Venue
The venues at Keeneland beautifully balance Kentucky history with modern elegance. Two of their wedding location options, the Entertainment Center and Keene Place, offer couples the flexibility of celebrating their big day both outdoors and indoors. The Entertainment Center & Keene Barn is a venue that's perfect for larger weddings: tall ceilings inside and a large lawn outside provide plenty of space for a wedding with a high guest count to still feel inviting and comfortable.
Keene Place is more suited for smaller, more intimate weddings with a Southern charm. Tall trees near the lawn of this historic home can give some cooler shade even for weddings in the hottest months of the year. Keeneland also has a few other indoor options that vary in space and style, so it's definitely one to consider for those who love a variety of options!
The Round Barn
You could also consider saying your vows on the lawn outside of a Lexington historic landmark: the Round Barn Stable of Memories! This beautiful building has been around since the late 1800s, and has since been turned into an elegant space for weddings. The inside of the four-story barn is a perfect indoor location for receptions, and even has enough room for over 200 guests to sit and mingle comfortably for your big day.
The Carrick House
Looking for a location with a classic look and historic vibe that offers the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor options? Take a look at The Carrick House Wedding Venue!
It's a beautiful, white mansion that is commonly used for outdoor ceremonies on the lawn and indoor receptions. And one of the best perks of this spot is that it's in the heart of town, with easy access to hotels and other weekend activities for your wedding guests!
The Loudoun House
For couples looking for a wedding venue unlike any other in Lexington, the Loudoun House Wedding Venue is one of the best options around. Not only is this building a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, but it's a wonderful choice for an outdoor wedding with a unique backdrop. And one of the best perks? You have the option to use the inside of the building as well, which doubles as an art gallery during the day.
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
Few other venues in Lexington offer such an elegant Southern charm as the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa does. Couples who get married here get to choose between the Mansion Lawn and the Overlook by the lake for a beautiful, classic outdoor wedding ceremony. It's a fantastic option for those who love history, since it's an authentic 19th-century mansion, complete with chandeliers, tall white pillars, and a grand staircase.
Outdoor Wedding Venues Near Lexington
Willing to expand the search to include nearby towns within 30-45 minutes of the city? These are some other fantastic choices in the surrounding area.
Castle & Key Distillery | Frankfort, KY
One of the best parts about living in Kentucky is that there is a variety of places with rich history that have been turned into modern event spaces -- and Castle & Key Distillery Wedding Venue is by far one of the best. Originally founded in the 1800s, the authentic limestone castle at this venue is a stunning piece of architecture that can make any couple feel like royalty on their wedding day.
Also on site are gardens and gazebos, which are all top-notch choices for an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception. And one of the best parts about this place? It's only a half an hour's drive from Lexington!
The Glenlary Estate
With over 80 acres of bluegrass, grazing horses, and and view, this serene outdoor wedding venue option is sure to please. Located in Paris, Kentucky you'll be "just far enough" away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you'd like to stay the night, accommodations for up to 19 are available.
The Glenlary Estate is perfect for small, intimate weddings, or large, tented weddings.
For more info, visit The Glenlary Estate Website.
The Kentucky Castle | Versailles, KY
Previously known as CastlePost, this gorgeous wedding venue is by far one of the most elegant and upscale wedding venues in the state, and another great indoor/outdoor option. The Kentucky Castle Wedding Venue looks like it's straight out of a European castle magazine, complete with tall, stone-covered walls outside and luxurious decor in every room. Picture yourself dancing with the love of your life underneath vaulted ceilings during your reception, right after a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the roof (one of their most popular ceremony spots)!
Walnut Way Farm | Shelbyville, KY
Another outdoor wedding venue worth considering just outside of Lexington is the Walnut Way Farm. It's the perfect mix of Southern elegance, rustic style and an organic setting. For ceremony and reception options, couples have the choice of a barn, lakeside lawn or garden -- all of which offer tons of natural light and beautiful backdrops for an upscale country wedding.
Contact a Lexington Wedding Photographer Team
We’re Jeff and Michele, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!
We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online! We look forward to hearing from you!
Learn more about Louisville Wedding Photographers and Lexington Wedding Photographers, Jeff & Michele!