This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Dreaming of a wedding that’s intimate, memorable, and stress-free? Micro weddings are all the rage, and for good reason! They let you focus on what truly matters—celebrating love with your closest family and friends without the overwhelming presence of a huge guest list.
If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue in Kentucky, you’re in luck! From rustic barns to elegant gardens and cozy historic inns, the Bluegrass State is packed with dreamy locations that make saying "I do" feel extra special.
Whether you’re thinking of a countryside escape or a stylish city hideaway, we’ve rounded up the best micro wedding venues in Kentucky to help make your big day feel just right.
Common Questions About Small Wedding Venues in Kentucky
What is an Intimate Wedding Venue?
An intimate wedding venue offers a warm and inviting space where love takes center stage. Small wedding venues create a thoughtfully designed space that fosters warmth, closeness, and genuine connection among guests.
Typically ranging from 10 to 75 people, these micro venues prioritize ambiance, affordability, comfort, and exclusivity, creating an environment where every guest feels like a special part of the celebration. Ultimately, regardless of the location or decor preference, the goal of an intimate wedding venue is to offer a space that reflects the couple’s personality and unique love story.
With fewer guests, couples can allocate their budget towards enhancing the experience—such as gourmet dining, exquisite floral arrangements, or even a destination-style micro wedding in a breathtaking location. Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage of choosing an intimate venue is the ability to focus on quality over quantity.
How Much is a Small Wedding Venue in Kentucky?
The average wedding price in Kentucky is about $20,000 (but you can totally keep it under that!). Venue costs are usually the biggest part of the budget, but if you go small, you can save big.
The typical cost of small wedding venues in Kentucky varies based on factors such as location, amenities, and the time of the year. On average, small wedding venue prices in the Bluegrass State range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Here are a few tips to save more when choosing a small wedding venue in Kentucky:
Get married on a weekday (venues tend to give discounts)
Consider off-season months like January or February
Look for state parks or local community centers
Kentucky is full of hidden gems when it comes to small wedding venues, and this is what the rest of this guide is all about. Consider us your new wedding BFF as we help you find your perfect micro wedding venue in Kentucky based on your budget and style.
Ok, so you've decided on a micro wedding—intimate and more personal. Great choice! But if you’re not sure where to start, as your new and fun wedding BFF, we’ve curated a list of our top recommendations in the next few sections, detailing everything from venue type guest capacity to price.
Before we jump straight into the venues, here are a few tips to follow to help you find the best small venue for you in Kentucky:
Decide on your style.
Join Facebook groups and find these using keywords like “Kentucky wedding”
Search for Airbnbs. Yes, you can rent a private estate, a cabin, or even a farm for your wedding! Some Airbnbs even allow small weddings for less than $1,500!
Search for local parks and botanical gardens. Many state parks and botanical gardens in Kentucky have stunning ceremony spots for less than $500.
Check out possible small venues like:
Red River Gorge (for an epic cliffside “I do”)
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens (a fairytale garden setting)
This is just a small glimpse of what this beautiful state has to offer. Stay with us for more hidden gems!
Popular Wedding Locations in Kentucky
The best part about planning your micro wedding in the Bluegrass State is the numerous options to choose from. Known for its rolling countryside and southern hospitality, Kentucky has something for every couple. From the rolling horse farms of Lexington to the bustling bourbon scene in Louisville, Kentucky, it offers a perfect mix of Southern charm, natural beauty, and unique wedding locations.
Lexington
known as the Horse Capital of the World—offers the perfect mix of Southern hospitality, stunning venues, and unique experiences that make it a memorable wedding destination.
Lexington is surrounded by rolling horse farms, lush gardens, and scenic countryside, providing a stunning backdrop at most small wedding venues. You can expect to find venue types varying from historic mansions to modern city lofts, horse farms, or museums. Most of them have easy accommodations for guests.
A few popular options found in this popular area include:
Bell House
The Barn at McCall Springs Wedding and Event Venue
The Josephina Event Venue
Germantown Gables
Louisville
From bourbon-inspired venues to garden elegance, Lousiville is another popular wedding location in Kentucky with a lot to offer.
Louisville counts with a variety of gorgeous mansions and botanical garden venues perfect for intimate weddings. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic garden ceremony or a chic city celebration, Lexington has the perfect match for you.
Here are a few options found in this popular area:
Horine Conference Center
Mellwood Art Center
Hazelnut Farm
The Louisville 21C Art Museum Hotel
Now that you have all the insights on choosing a small wedding venue in Kentucky’s major cities, let’s dive straight into our expanded guide!
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Bells House is a charming venue that blends Southern charm with timeless elegance.
Conveniently located in the heart of Lexington, the venue is easily accessible for guests and surrounded by local attractions, making it one of our top favorite small wedding venues in Lexington. This historic estate offers a picturesque setting for couples looking to say “I do” in a romantic and serene atmosphere.
With beautiful landscaped gardens, unique architecture, and inviting indoor spaces, Bells House provides an effortlessly romantic and elegant backdrop for intimate gatherings and lavish celebrations. Whether planning a traditional celebration or a vintage-inspired affair, the Bells House offers a classic setting for any type of wedding.
Key Features
Price: Rental of $100 per hour
Reservation Policy: Reservations must be made 30 days prior to the event
Max Guest: Theater capacity - 150 Banquet Capacity - 75 Number of Rooms - 3
Type: Banquet Hall or Theater
Customer feedback: Ranking as a favored choice for intimate weddings in Lexington, couples often highlight the venue's character and convenient downtown location. They appreciate the historic charm, reasonable pricing, and supportive staff.
Mellwood Art Center
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that screams intimate, unique, and just the right size for a small but mighty celebration, then the Mellwood Art Center in Louisville, KY, might be your match. Mellwood offers industrial-chic vibes, tons of character, and a variety of spaces to fit any wedding style.
With exposed bricks, high ceilings, natural light, and unique art all around, Mellwood can make a great intimate wedding venue in Kentucky for couples who love a little edge with their elegance.
Plus, there's built-in charm—so you don’t need to overdo the decor. Bonus: It’s super close to downtown Louisville, making it easy for out-of-town guests (no GPS nightmares here!).
Space Available
Choose from multiple event spaces, whether you’re going for an intimate gathering or more of an intermediate type of celebration.
The Mellwood Art Center provides five customizable event spaces: The Picasso Room, The Monet Room, The Van Gogh Ballroom, The Da Vinci Room, and the Pigment Gallery. Each space serves as a blank canvas, allowing you to design your perfect event.
Key Features
Price: The rental rate can vary from $800-$5,995, depending on your room of choice.
Capacity: 60-1,000 depending on the room of choice
Reservation Policy: There is no waiting time. You must pay a rental deposit of 50% at the time of booking, and the other 50% must be paid 90 days before the event.
Max Guest Capacity: 60-1,000 depending on room of choice
Customer Feedback: Many customers appreciate the venue's industrial and rustic charm, ample natural light, and spaciousness. Several reviewers also commend the helpfulness and professionalism of the Mellwood staff.
Horine Conference Center
The Horine Conference Center, nestled within Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville, KY, offers an intimate and picturesque wedding venue for couples who love nature.
Surrounded by wooded trails and scenic overlooks, this venue provides a peaceful, classic setting away from the city.
The rustic charm of the conference center, with its open gathering spaces and natural backdrop, makes it ideal for laid-back celebrations and warming wedding photographs. The center accommodates up to 75 guests, featuring a main room, two breakout rooms, a galley-style kitchen, and a deck offering beautiful views of Louisville.
These attributes and more make the Horine Conference Center a compelling choice for couples seeking a charming and cost-effective wedding venue in Kentucky.
Key Features
Price: Rental rates are competitive, with weekday weddings priced at $750 and weekends at $1,000, plus a refundable damage deposit.
Guest Capacity: up to 75 guests
Customer Feedback: Couples have praised the venue's picturesque setting and affordability.
Perhaps we’ve saved one of our top recommendations when it comes to small wedding venues in Kentucky for last. Tucked away in the center of Kentucky and with consistently high ratings, the 7-bedroom luxury estate offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty—creating a utopian yet intimate setting for your big day.
With expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, couples can exchange vows against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush gardens, and scenic views. This estate offers over 12,000 square feet of space, blending historical charm with modern luxury. It's less than five minutes from the renowned Valhalla Golf Club and approximately 20 minutes from downtown Louisville.
The grand interiors feature elegant décor, spacious suites for wedding parties, and amenities to ensure a memorable celebration. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a lavish affair, 3 Minutes to Valhalla offers the ideal balance of luxury, comfort, and romance.
Key Features
Price: Contact the owner directly for rental prices.
Guest Capacity: Not specified, but the estate's expansive size and seven bedrooms suggest it can accommodate many guests.
Customer Feedback: With consistently high ratings, couples have highlighted the estate's elegant design and expansive grounds, which provide a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Wiedemann Hill Mansion
Wiedemann Hill Mansion, located in Newport, Kentucky, is a National Historic Landmark renowned for hosting intimate weddings.
The venue offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, each providing a unique and picturesque setting. Outdoor ceremonies can be held in the garden area, which boasts views of the scenic Cincinnati skyline. The mansion's historic architecture and elegant interiors provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere for indoor ceremonies.
The first floor is dedicated entirely to your event, featuring multiple dining rooms, a parlor, and a covered veranda. Additionally, the second floor offers four private guest suites, each equipped with a small drinks bar and full bath, providing convenience for your small wedding party.
Whether you're saying "I do" under a golden sunset on the veranda or toasting with your closest loved ones in a candlelit parlor, this venue is all about creating unforgettable moments.
Key Features
Space Type:
Indoor Spaces: The mansion offers elegantly furnished indoor areas, including the entire first floor, which is available for events.
Outdoor Spaces: The venue boasts a garden area with a view of the Cincinnati skyline.
Price: Starting price of $4,250 for receptions.
Guest Capacity: Up to 62 guests.
Customer Feedback: Many appreciate the venue's intimate atmosphere, historic elegance, professional staff, and picturesque views of the Cincinnati skyline.
The Barn at Chrisman Mill
The Barn at Chrisman Mill is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kentucky. This intimate wedding venue is perfect for couples who want a small wedding with a BIG personality!
Whether you envision a dreamy sunset ceremony or a cozy, candlelit reception, The Barn offers the perfect blend of elegance and earthly charm.
Say "I do" surrounded by your closest family and friends, enjoy locally inspired cuisine, and dance the night away under the stars.
Key Features
Space Available:
Indoor Amenities: The venue offers a bridal dressing room, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and a warming kitchen equipped with a stove, two refrigerators, and a microwave.
Outdoor Amenities: Features a cozy outdoor gazebo suitable for ceremonies.
Price:
The minimum is $1,500 for up to $50 guests, and additional guests up to 99 are charged $20.
$2,480 maximum for 99 guests.
15% discount for events in June and July on Monday–Thursday.
Guest Capacity: Up to 99 guests
Customer feedback: the venue boasts a perfect 5.0 out of 5 ratings, with 100% of couples recommending the venue. Reviewers endorse the venue's beauty, affordability, and the helpfulness of the owners.
Hemlock Springs
Tucked away in the heart of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, Hemlock Springs is a woodland escape for couples looking to say “I do” in an enchanting setting. Perfect for small weddings, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking forest backdrop, a stunning open-air pavilion, and just the right touch of modern comfort charm.
With flexible packages, professional coordination, and picturesque surroundings, Hemlock Springs is another ideal choice for couples seeking a memorable and stress-free small wedding. Couples enjoy exclusive access to the property, ensuring a stress-free experience with a dedicated team handling details.
With its unique blend of nature and modern amenities, Hemlock Springs is perfect for couples seeking an unforgettable, nature-inspired celebration in a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Key Features
Price: $4,250-$8,600
Guest Capacity: Up to 100 guests with an additional $20 for additional guests up to 150.
Customer Feedback: Couples frequently praise the venue's picturesque setting, attentive staff, and seamless event coordination. They also often appreciate the all-inclusive elopement package, which many couples highlight as perfect for the small wedding they envisioned.
The Blue Grass Palace offers a picturesque setting for small weddings. With natural elegance, rolling green pastures, and timeless Southern charm, this venue effortlessly transforms to match your vision.
The Blue Grass Palace provides a warm, inviting atmosphere with its beautifully restored barn, soft string lights, and cozy indoor spaces that blend historic charm with modern comfort.
This venue also offers top-tier accommodations for guests, including a solarium, an indoor pool, a library with hand-carved cherry woodwork, and a theater, enhancing the overall experience for wedding parties and attendees. You can also rest assured the staff is dedicated to making your day seamless.
Key Features
Price: Contact the property owner directly for rental prices
Guest Capacity: up to 75 guests
Customer Feedback: Guests have praised its expansive space, featuring a ballroom, indoor pool, movie theater, and enough rooms to accommodate guests.
No matter your style—historic, laid-back, elegant estate, or scenic outdoor ceremony—Kentucky offers dreamy venues for all types of intimate micro weddings.
As you plan your special day, remember that a smaller guest list doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty, romance, or personal touches. With the right venue, your micro wedding in Kentucky can be just as magical and memorable as a grand affair. Be sure to visit our blog for more tips and guidance on finding the perfect venue for your intimate wedding!
Author Bio
Jennie Swenson is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
png.png)
.jpeg)
