If you are planning on walking down the aisle soon, Owensboro has seen an increase in the variety of wedding venues it has to offer. So, regardless of the size or style of wedding you prefer, you can have the day of your dreams right here at home.
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
The newly opened Bluegrass Museum on Second Street in downtown Owensboro may not come to mind when you think “wedding venue,” but the beautiful space and views will soon change your mind.
The facility is equipped to handle events both large and small, with multiple areas available to rent. Weddings with around 225 guests are a perfect fit for the third-floor event space, which has floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the river and a walkout balcony. There are smaller spaces on the second floor, outdoor space with a stage, an auditorium and lobby which can all be rented depending on your needs.
Roxanne Tromly, Director of Operations, has a background in local event planning and is ready with suggestions for anything a couple could need.
In addition to the function space, Tromly said the museum exhibits can be visited by guests during a cocktail hour.
“It’s nice because when the bride and groom go to take photos, their guests aren’t just waiting and smelling the food they can’t eat yet, they actually have something to do,” Tromly said.
Tromly said the museum is an obvious choice for people who have an interest in Bluegrass music, but you don’t have to be a fan to appreciate the facility.
“Maybe they’re just from Owensboro and they want to get married here,” she said. “It’s just a beautiful place with incredible views.”
Midweek rental prices begin at $350 and go up to $2000 on the weekend. Discounts may apply for multiple space or multi-day rentals. Rental pricing includes expert staff who will coordinate with vendors, provide layout assistance, vendor referral, room setup, tables and chairs.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.bluegrasshall.org/venue-rental/
Reid’s Orchard
If you’re looking for an outdoor event, Reid’s Orchard may be the perfect spot. The venue has an outdoor events building and locations for outdoor ceremonies, that can be held any day of the week.
Valerie Reid Reel, events planner, said the orchard has played host to just about every type of wedding one could imagine, “We’ve had it all, from simple to elaborate.”
Beyond the pure beauty of the orchard and space, one thing that makes Reid’s special is its flexibility. Couples are allowed to use any vendors they’d like or even bring in their own food. Packages vary based on event size and date, and how much the couple wants to do themselves.
“Sometimes we have do-it-yourself brides, or we can do it all for you,” said Reel, adding that they can also accommodate a crowd, with seating for 300 on hand and the ability to rent more if needed.
Wedding season runs from April to November at the orchard, and Reel said she thinks May, June, September and October are the best months.
“The brides and grooms we get grew up at Reid’s, coming on field trips and picking apples, and they remember coming with their family or school,” Reel said.
Packages start at $500 and go up to $3,750 with many options in between.
For more information visit the website: http://reidorchard.com/weddings-and-receptions/
O.Z. Tyler Distillery
For a venue that’s steeped in history and has the capacity to seat you and all your friends, consider O.Z. Tyler Distillery.
The working distillery hosts events in its Bottling House – a piece of distilling history – which can hold 400 for dinner and comes with tables and chairs. Lots of outdoor space means you can accommodate even more people if needed, or have an outdoor ceremony.
Event planner Nicole Elbehar said the venue stays busiest May through November, and fall is her favorite time there.
“The weather is always nice in the fall,” she said. “August and September can be nice as well, and late spring when things bloom is beautiful.”
Elbehar said they’ve hosted everything from rustic simple weddings to extravagant luxury events — even one with a 1920s theme.
Prices for weekday rentals start at $750 and weekends are $2,000, with optional add-ons.
For more info visit: https://oztylerdistillery.com/visit-us/private-events/
White Chateau at Cecil Farms
Owensboro’s newest event venue is White Chateau, an expansion of Cecil Farms.
The 2,500 square foot venue sits among rolling hills and 100 acres of farmland. Large windows and lots of white means the space has great natural light and an airy feel. The venue can seat 200 for dinner, and outdoor space can be tented if you need more room.
“It creates a sophisticated elegance,” said Suzanne Cecil-White, who runs the venue. “The brides make it their own and we have a variety from country style to luxury style.”
The space comes with white-washed tables and chairs that don’t require linens, and the staff does the complete setup and take down.
“We just want brides and their families to come in and have their event,” Cecil-White said.
There’s also a catering kitchen, a bridal suite and an optional farmhouse rental if needed.
While the standard wedding months are the busiest for the venue, she believes it could be very popular in the winter months thanks to a large stone fireplace.
Cecil-White said Saturday weddings are $5,000, and weekday rates are less. There are also hourly rentals available for rehearsals and showers.
For more info visit: https://www.whitechateau.com/
