There’s so much that I love about the current state of weddings, & one major piece of that is the space couples have to create THEIR ideal wedding experience. Couples today have so much freedom when it comes to their wedding day. From the look & feel, to the location, & of course the size of the celebration, couples have more choice than ever to create the perfect wedding day to celebrate their unique love story. With this amount of freedom, intimate weddings have been on the rise & I am ALL for it! I love these celebrations, & the one of a kind experience they offer for couples to enjoy. That’s why in this article we’ll be taking a look at what makes these weddings so special, as well as some of my favorite intimate wedding venues in Indianapolis.
What is an Intimate Wedding?
Before we get into what makes intimate weddings some of my favorites to document, we first should quickly go over what they are exactly. An intimate wedding is much smaller than a traditional wedding, hence the name. They’re much more personal, small-scale celebrations of the couple’s love, typically held in smaller venues, though there are plenty of large venues that also host intimate weddings. According to Brides, an intimate wedding technically has between 50-75 guests, whereas a small wedding is less than 50 guests. These terms can be used somewhat interchangeably though, as they both have a similar purpose: a more intimate wedding day for the couple to enjoy with only their closest friends & family!
Is an Intimate Wedding Right for You?
So should you have an intimate wedding, an elopement, or a large wedding? There’s not really a cut & dry answer to this question, as there are a LOT of factors to consider! Ultimately though it will come down to you, your vision, & what you want your celebration to feel like. As it turns out I’ve actually written an entire article that breaks down everything you need to know about different size weddings to help you make this decision. I recommend you read over that article with your partner, & have an open & honest discussion about what you both envision your wedding day to look & feel like. Remember that this is YOUR wedding day, it should be what YOU want it to be! If you’re having trouble deciding, you can also consider having a multi day wedding to get the best of both worlds!
My Favorite Intimate Wedding Venues in Indianapolis
Now that we know what an intimate wedding is, & whether it’s the right fit for your wedding day, let’s take a look at some of my favorite venues in Indianapolis! I split these into two categories: full venues where you can have your ceremony, reception, or both, & then spaces that work for an intimate reception only. Let’s start things off with the full wedding venues!
Full Venue’s
1. The Indiana Statehouse
The first intimate wedding venue of Indianapolis I want to cover is one that’s become a pretty common sight on my blog, the Indiana Statehouse. I love the statehouse for a number of reasons, one of them being that I actually had my own elopement ceremony here! I’ve also written an entire venue feature on the Indiana Statehouse, so be sure to check that out if it catches your eye. The historic building is remarkably beautiful, has a prime location within Indianapolis, & offers an array of amenities that make it a must consider for anyone looking for a venue for their intimate wedding.
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- Prime Location in Downtown Indy
- Endless Portrait Opportunities Inside & Out
- Reservation Needed (for Gatherings of 10 or More)
- Rehearsal Options Available (Depending on Availability)
- Set Up & Tear Down Assistance
- Designated Staff Member to Assist
- No Getting Ready Space
- On-Site Parking
- Tables, Linens, Chairs, Stage, & Audio Equipment Included
2. Indianapolis Public Library
Our next intimate wedding venue is the breathtaking Indianapolis Public Library, specifically the Central Library. This library has three separate venue spaces, each as beautiful as the last. The Atrium is the gorgeous, glass ceilinged space that is ideal for wedding receptions big & small. Next is the Simon Reading Room whose classic architecture, warm wooden bookshelves, & marble staircase all make it a phenomenal space for a wedding. Finally there’s the East Garden which is a beautiful outdoor space that makes for a wonderful ceremony & cocktail hour space. These options, along with the service & amenities provided, all make the Indianapolis Public Library an easy choice for one of my favorite intimate wedding venues in the city.
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- Available for Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, & Reception
- Have Required Caterer & Beverage Company You Must Book
- Earliest Start Time for Weddings is 6pm (Due to it Being a Public Space)
- On-Site Parking
- Central Location & Plenty of Portrait Opportunities
- Rehearsal Space Available
- Chairs, Tables, & Linens Included
- No Audio / Visual Equipment Provided
3. Industry
Another unique intimate wedding venue that I absolutely love in Indianapolis is the aptly named Industry! Industry sits in a gorgeous 1900’s brick building that was formerly a metal shop. The historic & industrial feel of the space from the exposed brick walls gives it a wonderful atmosphere, while the modern amenities & upgrades make it ideal for any & every wedding today! The venue also lends itself greatly to couples looking to make the space feel like them with their own décor, though you really won’t need much with just how stunning the space is.
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- 24 Hour Venue Rental (with Weekday Hourly Rentals Available)
- Freedom of Vendor Choice
- Just Outside of Downtown Indianapolis
- On-Site Getting Ready Space
- Tables, Chairs, & On-Site Parking
- Planning Package Options
- Outdoor Patio
- Pet Friendly!
- An Array of Other Amenities Listed on Their Site
4. Conservatory at Evergreen
Looking for a venue with a more natural feel that still has all the best modern amenities? The Conservatory at Evergreen HAS to be on your radar! This amazing intimate wedding venue is on the very northwest edge of Indianapolis, & offers a completely unique setting for a wedding in Indy. The all glass building of the lakeside conservatory gives you unobstructed views of nature’s beauty, while also providing shelter & space for year round wedding celebrations. Conservatory at Evergreen really goes the extra mile with their amenities as well, & is easily a front runner not just for intimate wedding venues, but wedding venues in Indianapolis as a whole!
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- 2 On-Site Getting Ready Houses
- Freedom of Choice for All Vendors Aside from Catering (7 Catering Options)
- Provides All Beverages for Your Wedding
- 2 Management Meetings Pre-Wedding
- On-Site Rehearsal
- Tables & Chairs with Staff Set Up & Tear Down
- Venue Manager & Management Assistant On-Site
- On-Site Parking
5. Indianapolis Zoo
The next intimate wedding venue I want to bring to your attention is another that provides couples with a totally unique experience for their wedding day, the Indianapolis Zoo! The Indianapolis Zoo shines in many areas as a wedding venue, the multiple options when choosing where to celebrate being a huge one. The 4 venue options include the St Vincent Dolphin Gallery, Bicentennial Pavilion, Efroymson Wedding Garden, & the Hulman Riverhouse. Each space provides a totally unique setting, & that’s just the start of what makes this place so special!
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- Endless Portrait Opportunities in the Zoo
- Option to Add-On Animal Encounters for You & Your Guests
- Exclusive Caterer & Alcohol Provider
- Full Set Up & Tear Down Assistance
- On-Site Parking
- Tables, Chairs, Linens, AV Equipment Included
- Rehearsal Available the Day Prior
Reception Spaces
6. Harry & Izzy’s
When it comes to reception venues for your intimate wedding in Indianapolis I’m a bit biased to recommend Harry & Izzy’s as it’s where Ryan & I had ours (thanks Kriztelle for taking our photos!) There are two different Harry & Izzy’s locations in Indianapolis, & both offer options for private dining experiences. The food here is phenomenal, the restaurants themselves are gorgeous, & they really provide a top of the line experience for couples looking to celebrate here!
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- Private Dining Rooms with Capacities Ranging from 16 to 100
- Private Events Manager
- Variety of Menu Options
- Photo Opportunities Inside & Out
7. St. Elmo’s Steakhouse
Another incredible option for an intimate reception space is St Elmo’s Steakhouse. Found in the heart of downtown Indy, this restaurant has 8 private spaces available for rental that all have a similar classy yet rustic style to them. St Elmo’s is also part of the same family of businesses as Harry & Izzy’s, so you can count on receiving a similar level of care & quality from them!
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- 8 Private Dining Rooms with Capacities Ranging from 12 to 70
- Custom Menu
- Floral Arrangements
- AV Equipment
- Great Wine Selection
- Wonderful for Indoor & Outdoor Portraits
8. Anthony’s Chophouse
Alright so technically Anthony’s Chophouse is in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel, but it’s such a fantastic option for a reception space that I just HAD to include it! A delicious menu with tons of options? Check. Multiple spaces to choose from including a rooftop lounge & patio? Check. An attention to detail to provide the best experience possible? Also check! Anthony’s Chophouse is seriously a must consider for your elopement celebrations!
Notes & Amenities at a Glance
- 4 Private Dining Rooms with Capacities Ranging from 15 to 35
- Comfortable & Luxurious Spaces
- Charming Outdoor Portrait Opportunities
- On-Site Event Coordinator
Those are 8 of my favorite intimate wedding venues in Indianapolis! These venues are all phenomenal options, & each offer a wholly unique experience for your wedding day. If any of these caught your eye, be sure to inquire with them through their contact pages to check their availability, & if you’d like me to document your celebration I’d love to hear from you too. Head to my contact page to send me an inquiry so we can start planning your intimate wedding day together ASAP!
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