As a photographer and creative, there are certain locations that catch my eye! Sometimes I’ll be driving on a highway and even see a pretty field I want to shoot in.  So, it goes without saying that I have dream wedding venues I would love to photograph, just like brides have dream venues where they want to tie the knot.  Since I spent the last three years of my career living in Virginia, I haven’t had as much opportunity to shoot at all the dreamy venues in Kentucky!

There are definitely some gorgeous venues in the Bluegrass state that have made it onto my bucket list, and today I’m going to share them with you!  If you’re a couple getting married at one of these venues, I would LOVE to hear from you!!

So, in no particular order, here are 8 venues I would love to photograph!

1. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Oldham County, Kentucky– Yew Dell’s unique beauty and gardens make for a stunning backdrop on a wedding day!  I love all the variety and possibilities!  It’s almost like getting married at a castle.  From the website: “Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is the former home, garden, and commercial nursery of the late nursery-industry leader Theodore Klein. Starting in 2001 and continuing to today, his unique collection of rare garden plants, display gardens, and eclectic architectural features have been developed into a major horticultural display, education, and research center. Because of its natural beauty, Yew Dell is a wonderful setting for weddings…”
2. Gardencourt Louisville Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky– Very few people actually know that I inquired about this location when planning our wedding.  I love the outdoor space for a more formal, classic wedding ceremony.  The setting is breathtaking.  From the website:  “From its tree lined drive to its formal gardens the stately home and its extensive grounds speak softly of a time when fine craftsmanship was honored and painstaking attention to detail was the height of beauty.”
3. Ashford Acres Inn Cynthiana, Kentucky– This might seem a little random, but I found this venue on Kentucky Bride’s instagram!  I just love their newly renovated, all-white, spacious “barn” (if you can even call it that!) This B&B has plenty of space and options for a wedding day!  It’s a gorgeous, classic twist for a barn wedding.  From the website: “With various ceremony and reception locations on the property, including the new event barn, the Antebellum main house, the beautiful veranda, the expansive front porch, and numerous other locations on the surrounding 64 acres of Kentucky rolling hills, we have a location to match what you have been dreaming of.”
4. Whitehall House & Gardens Louisville, Kentucky- I have to be honest, this was my dream wedding venue.   I didn’t care if my wedding ceremony was indoors or outdoors.  Unfortunately, it just did not work out.  But, I am still in love with this gorgeous venue, and it’s just down the road from my home.  It’s just absolutely stunning and classic.  From the website: “One of  Louisville’s most popular and elegant wedding venues, our 19th century antebellum home offers stunning interiors and expansive yet intimate gardens, making a beautiful setting for your day.”
5. Hermitage Farm Goshen, Kentucky-  This venue has an easygoing sophistication that is hard to find.  It seems perfect for the understated, classic bride who knows exactly what she wants.  I’m dying to shoot here!  From the website: “Located on 700 pristine acres in the heart of Kentucky, Hermitage’s historic charm and natural beauty provide an elegant backdrop to events of any scale – from intimate dinner parties to grand outdoor celebrations.”
6. Speed Art Museum Louisville, Kentucky– The Speed Art Museum was undergoing renovations basically the entire time I was in undergrad!  It’s so neat to see the transformation this space has undergone!  I would love to photograph a space right on the campus that means so much to me.  I love the modern, and unique appeal of the museum.  From the website: “The museum’s spaces range from the elegantly traditional to the strikingly modern. With an open design and surrounding reflecting pool, the new Atrium is well suited to ceremonies and pre-dinner cocktails, while the newly built Grand Hall features state-of-the-art acoustics that make it ideal for wedding receptions and that first dance as a married couple.”
7. The Henry Clay Downtown Louisville, Kentucky- Short of The Brown Hotel, I’m not sure you can get more Louisville than this stunning venue.  It’s charming, historic, classic, and definitely has that “wow” factor.  I love that it’s downtown, which makes it perfect for weddings with lots of out-of-town guests.  From the website: “In the heart of downtown Louisville, The Henry Clay has a long-standing reputation as an elite venue of pure elegance and indulgence. Our stylish ballrooms and surrounding historic location set the scene for a breathtaking event. Whether it be an intimate event for 50 or a wedding for 400, The Henry Clay is considered the premier establishment to make any event unforgettable.”
8. The Olmsted Louisville, Kentucky– It’s classic and gorgeous.  And, it’s just a few minutes away from my house!  I love all of the classic elements this venue has to offer.  From the website:  “The perfect location for small or large weddings, on-site ceremonies or stand-alone receptions.  With its vast green space surrounding the historic building, ample parking, nicely appointed event space, The Omsted makes for the perfect venue for your once in a lifetime celebration.”