Rustic wedding spaces continue to be in high demand and while barns have lingered in the spotlight, more and more brides are looking for that perfect rural space for their outdoor wedding. Most barns offer acres of picturesque scenery for outdoor events, but there is also something exceptionally romantic about saying “I do” surrounded by sprawling vineyards. After all, a bottle of wine is the official emblem of romance, isn't it?
Couples may have their hearts set on an outdoor affair with perhaps a rural feel, but shy away from hosting at a barn venue. Vineyard weddings are the solution for those who are after that rustic vibe, but are looking for something a little different beyond barns. And like we have seen with barn weddings, vineyards can be transformed into whatever style the couple is after—from laid back and casual to Napa Valley-like and luxurious.
Have we talked about the wine yet? Wine is a classic fundamental in almost every wedding, but drinking it at the vineyard where its grapes were grown creates an experience in a glass. Couples can create the ultimate experience by incorporating a wine tasting for guests during social hour and serving light bites for food and wine pairings. Many venues allow guests to stroll through the vineyards and even offer vineyard tours as part of the wedding package.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Consider the season of your wedding. Depending on the region, early summer may be the season for greenery and grapes while autumn produces those beautiful fall colors on the vines. Also, be aware of planning your wedding during harvest season.
- Many wineries or vineyard venues carry a license to serve wine and beer only—not liquor.
- Hosting an outdoor wedding comes with responsibilities. You should plan on extra expenses like microphones, linens, chair and table rentals, sound equipment, etc.
- Many of these places are open to the public. Find out from the venue if the entire facility and grounds can be rented privately. Otherwise your intimate vineyard wedding will be a little less intimate!
- Don't forget to let guests know how to dress for this kind of wedding. In other words, they are not high heel-friendly.
- It will greatly benefit you to find vendors that have either worked with the vineyard before or have experience with vineyard weddings.
- Provide transportation if the ceremony is offsite or if the hotel is not nearby. These venues are often far out into the country, making it difficult for guests to find.
- If you're hosting at a vineyard (not a winery), find out what the restroom accommodations are. You may need to rent portable bathrooms
Indiana vineyards
CHATEAU DE PIQUE
For outdoor ceremonies, this winery has its own amphitheater and is able to house up to 350 guests. As far as the reception goes, a 6,500-square foot, outdoor tent on the vineyard grounds can entertain 450 guests. There is also an indoor space in the main facility (a 19th century horse barn) that can hold smaller gatherings.
6361 N County Road 760 E, Seymour, IN 47274
(812) 522-9296 • chateaudepique.com
Elk Ridge Vineyards and Lavender Farm
There are plenty of options for hosting your wedding at Elk Ridge. The venue has indoor options like a banquet hall that can hold up to 120 guests or a covered deck that can hold 50. Outdoor spaces include pavilions, gardens, gazebos and more, situated near a pond, lavender field and six acres of rolling vineyards.
8785 Ridge Road, Shoals, IN 47581
(812) 709-0827 • elkridgeranch.net
Oliver Winery and Vineyards
Special events at Oliver Winery and Vineyards include tastings and tours for guests! The tasting room and patio holds 75 guests seated or 150 for a standing reception. There is also the Cellar and Tank room available for rent as well as a smaller banquet room. The nearby Creekbend Vineyard features 54 acres of grapes.
200 E Winery Road, Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 876-5800 • oliverwinery.com
Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards
Huber's Plantation Hall features five different rooms that can be arranged individually or as one large room that can accommodate up to 750 guests! Individual rooms can hold 250-450 guests. There is also a large patio that offers expansive views of the surrounding vineyards.
19816 Huber Road, Starlight, IN 47106
(812) 923-9463 • huberwinery.com
SHADY CREEK WINERY
Although Shady Creek is not surrounded by vineyards, the winery does offer 20 acres of expansive views. The winery facility is available to rent and the grounds can easily accommodate a large outdoor tent with views of a charming pond and fountain.
2030 Tryon Road, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 874-9463 • shadycreekwinery.com
Whyte Horse Winery
For a set price, Whyte Horse Winery offers a rental of the vineyard, grounds, banquet room and two cases of wine. Couples must rent a tent for the ground for weddings with more than 65 guests.
1510 S Airport Road, Monticello, IN 47960
(574) 583-2345 • whytehorsewinery.com
The Sycamore at Mallow Run
The Sycamore is a brand-new venue that offers three different spaces amongst their vineyards. The Sycamore's largest room has 4,700 square feet of space with a patio and panoramic views of the estate. Two smaller rooms offer options for an intimate reception or cocktail hour.
6964 W Whiteland Road, Bargersville, IN 46106
(317) 422-1556 • mallowrun.com/the-sycamore
Southwest Michigan vineyards
Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn
Hidden Vineyard is nestled in the heart of a working farm that produces grapes, soybeans, maple syrup and honey. The grounds boast a 10-acre vineyard which can be enjoyed by guests from the large covered deck attached to the barn. The 1870s barn has recently been renovated to offer over 2,000 square feet of space, restrooms, air conditioning and heat, and an attached deck offering an additional 1,111 square feet. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests.
6337 Snyder Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
(269) 408-6082 • weddingbarnmi.com
WILLOW HARBOR VINEYARDS
Willow Harbor sits upon 40 acres of grape vines, horse pastures, a polo field and ponds. The venue offers a 4,000 square foot-outdoor tent with views of Tuscany-style fountains, gazebos and pergolas located throughout. The large tent has a guest capacity of 300.
3223 Kaiser Road, Three Oaks, MI 49128
(269) 369-3900 • willowharbor.com
The Vineyard at 12 Corners
Deemed one of Southwest Michigan's most popular wedding venues, 12 Corners specializes in tented weddings encompassed by vineyards. The venue provides rentals, catering, bar service and reception coordination onsite. The tent is permanently placed and can hold around 250 guests.
1201 N Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 927-1512 • 12corners.com
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