Top 5 Indianapolis Wedding Venues with Old World Elegance
What style of wedding do you think of when you think of Indianapolis? You may not have thought of the elegance of an Old World wedding in a booming metropolis, but it’s totally possible. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients at a variety of venues all across the city, and these are a few of my favorites that offer a touch of Parisian Old World opulence!
Laurel Hall
First up is Laurel Hall, located off Emerson Way on the east side of Indianapolis. This gorgeous event venue bills itself as, “The day you’ve always dreamed of, set against a backdrop you’ll never forget.” Laurel Hall gives me all the Parisian feels, with old historic architecture and multiple bright and airy locations to choose from for your ceremony, reception, and photos. You can get married in the chapel, in one of the rooms, or on the grounds, and the reception can be held outdoors as well – every part of your wedding is customizable!
Work with the Laurel Hall staff to decorate the entire house to fit your theme, and it will be like you are living your best Bridgerton life! I especially love photographing couples in the bright solarium with its gorgeous arches, and on the stairway that is unlike any other venue I’ve seen. Laurel Hall is perfect if you want to get married in Paris but you want the comforts of your home in Indy.
Newfields and the Lilly House
If you’ve lived in Indianapolis for very long, you’ve probably visited Newfields and the Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries, but did you know that the on-grounds Lilly House is actually an authentic Old World home? Built in the early 1900s, the Lilly House and its magnificent gardens offer you and your guests a one-of-a-kind experience. From the architecture to the landscaping, there are so many incredible locations for wedding – or engagement – photos at Newfields. When you look back at your wedding album, it will truly look like you got married in the Parisian countryside.
For outdoor weddings, the Formal Garden provides a beautiful ceremony backdrop for larger weddings. For more intimate affairs, you can also choose the Lilly House’s trellised garden entrance and Apple Orchard hedge. And for your reception, you can take in the garden views from the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion, a huge ballroom with two-story windows and a skylight, which can hold 300-600 people depending on your plan for a dance floor.
The Ritz Charles in Carmel
Next up on our Old World wedding tour, we’re heading north to Carmel's Ritz Charles event venue. Their onsite chapel offers a blank space that is fully customizable for a bright and romantic ceremony atmosphere with a touch of Old World glamour. And for an indoor reception, customize one of their five ballrooms featuring polished floors and soaring ceilings. It will truly feel like you are having a celebrity wedding when you choose the Ritz Charles for your venue.
The grounds are full spots to take your wedding photos, including the glamorous Garden Pavilion, with full-length windows to offer you that perfect bright and airy lighting for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or a smaller reception. The experienced Ritz Charles event specialists can help you choose from their endless possibilities the best venue for each stage of your Old World wedding. Plus, they even partner with other locations across Indianapolis – including Coxhall Gardens, Artisan Acres, Chatham Hills, and more – to plan your perfect day.
Hotel Carmichael in Carmel
The Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection in downtown Carmel is a modern hotel built for Old World opulence. The architecture in this luxury hotel feels like you stepped right into Old World Paris, and as a bonus, you can host your guests for an overnight stay in their boutique rooms. The Cole Porter Grand Ballroom will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale, right down to the details like the classic crown molding and beautiful chandeliers. Weddings always feel very posh and luxurious at the Hotel Carmichael.
Well-appointed suites are available for you and your wedding party to get ready in style, and we can take just a few steps into the heart of Carmel for photos on the Monon Trail or at the steps of the Carmel Performing Arts Center. Planning a winter wedding? Your event at the Hotel Carmichael will overlook the beloved Carmel Christkindlmarkt and all its small-town charm. This European-style space has everything you could ever need for an elegant Indiana wedding.
Black Iris Estate between Carmel and Fishers
The Black Iris Estate on the west side of Carmel knows how to turn on the Old World charm, and is another event venue with a variety of onsite location combinations to plan your perfect day. You and your wedding party can get ready for the big day in the Bridal Suite and the Man Cave, offering great spots for pre-ceremony photos. Inside the mansion, we can take photos on the magnificent grand staircase before you head into your ceremony or reception in the ballroom, which you’ll find filled with chandeliers and Old World details
Out in the Gardens, you’ll have several open-air ceremony or reception options (and photo opportunities) too, including a 22’ tall gazebo and charming barn backdrop. For spring and summer weddings, I highly recommend the Willow Chapel for your ceremony. Known as a “living chapel,” this recent addition is filled with trained willows that will continue to grow and fill in the structure for years to come – and trust me, it feels just like an Old World fairy tale to get married to the love of your life surrounded by all that gorgeous fauna.
No matter where you host your Old World wedding in Indianapolis, I’ll be there to capture every moment. As a hybrid photographer, I specialize in dreamy photos captured in a timeless, romantic way on both digital and film. I live for a European wedding aesthetic (including shooting weddings actually in Europe!) so if that’s your vibe, let’s talk. Reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation with Kristen Bowen Photography today!