I’m going to start off by stating the elephant in the room: venue shopping is the WORST. Between budget, figuring out your guest count, making sure it’s relatively close to your ceremony site, and trying to find something that has a little bit of style /doesn’t feel like a stuffy traditional venue, by the end of it you’ve downed the entire bottle of congratulatory engagement champagne and you’re looking at elopement options. Trust me, I FEEL YA.
But haaayyyyy look! I gotchu. If you’re in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, or surrounding areas, I’ve compiled a list of my very favorites. This doesn’t even close to cover the amount of venues, but these are the ones that have some unique touches and should give you a head start in the whole venue search. Deep breaths and let’s get this wedding party started.
Baker Street
I got married here so I’m biased. But it has major classic architecture vibes and is so different than anything else in Fort Wayne. Also make sure you get a good DJ (aaayye Quattro Systems), cause the echoing is a bit intense with the arched ceiling. The only con is that Goeglein’s Catering is the exclusive caterer, but they offer a taco bar so is it really even a con?
Stalk Couples: Alexis & Adam // Kali & Jon // Becky & Michael
Union 12
The new girl in town. EVERYONE is flocking to this space and I don’t blame em. It’s gonna be hard to grab a date here but make sure to inquire about Fridays & Sundays! They do a non-Saturday discount and you’ll have more date options. Has some rustic/boho/chic vibes and has the prettiest bridal suite for wedding day prep.
Favorite things: You can have an outdoor ceremony or dance floor. They have a covered back porch! Gorgeous bridal suite. Little nooks like fire pits and a lake for guests to explore and socialize around.
JPS Events at the Regions Tower
Rooftop GOALS. They also have mechanisms to hang floral decor from the ceiling which adds so much oomph. A seirously classly place that can go boho chic in an instant. The gorgeous old woodwork has my heart too.
Stalk Couples: Elise + Ryan
Bergstaff Place
The closest thing you’re gonna get to an industrial feel in the heart of downtown. The porch is awesome for guests to get a breather from the reception and it’s soooo fun if you’re feeling a cigar bar! Ceruti’s is the exclusive caterer!
Stalk Couples: Jourdan + Trevor // Lauren + Matt // Alex + Greg // Josie + Joe
The Charles
A little industrial flair without going overboard + a pretty gazebo to get married under. This place does it all too – catering, DJ, officiating, etc.!
Stalk Couples: Kaitylnn + Steven
Embassy Theatre
You can’t get more classic downtown Fort Wayne than at the Embassy. Gorgeous ceremony and reception options. If you’re luck and have a summer wedding on a night of a TinCaps game, you can hang on the rooftop and watch the fireworks!
Stalk Couples: Taylor + Andrew // Jess + Dan // Yecenia + Samson
Botanical Gardens
Hellloooo earthy boho vibes. They have an outdoor area with tent set-up for large summer weddings and a few smaller indoor options for intimate or colder season weddings. It’s a super great place for guests to explore and gives them something to do between the ceremony and reception gap if you have one.
Stalk Couples: Abby + Danny
Pine Valley Country Club
Newly remodeled and the best for outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions. The patio overlooks the golf course and it’s freaking gorgeous. If your ceremony gets rained out, they have backup indoor options too. Their food is also incredibly good.
Stalk Couples: Karlie + Garrett
Sylvan Cellars
Up in Rome, IN and has some serious classic rustic charm. Throw in some eucalyptus and some market lights and you have yourself a boho chic wedding. Lots of land for guests to explore and offers you indoor/outdoor options.
Empyrean Event Center
Heellooo Fort Wayne skyline. This is at the top of the PNC building downtown and you can’t beat the views. The staff here is incredible and lets you customize just about anything. They have two levels which makes the flow from ceremony to reception seamless. If you need more convincing, just go check out their bathrooms. The sinks are serious goals. They also do florals, decor, cakes, catering, the works.
Stalk Couples: Shelby + Stephen // Hillary + Drew
White Rose Event Center
Okkk this one isn’t actually in Fort Wayne but the drive is WORTH IT. It’s in Decatur and will fulfill all your industrial hopes and dreams. I actually haven’t shot here, but if you book it for your 2019 wedding and want a lil photography discount, come see me 😉
Goeglein’s Homestead
Another solid place if you’re wanting an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. Rustic touch and has such pretty gardens. One of the best places in Fort Wayne to sneak out for sunset photos!
Stalk Couples: Kassie + Kris // Emily + Adam
Coppes Commons
Another good industrial one that has plenty of room and the ability to do both ceremony and reception in one place. The only downside is that it doesn’t allow alcohol, but hey, I’ve seen plenty of impressive dance floors without it. Plus it saves you major money.
Stalk Couples: Ariel + Derrick
Bread & Chocolate
This is up in Goshen and I LOVE IT HERE. A few different rooms to choose from based on the size of your guest list and if you’re doing the ceremony there, which I love. Plus the chairs they include in the package are actually pretty. It’s a small thing but don’t underestimate the aesthetic power of attractive chairs.
Stalk Couples: Sarah + Alex
Industry
Another place where I’m throwin in a little discount to shoot at! It’s a short trek down to Indy area but who doesn’t love a good little weekend getaway? Guests will be fiinnnee and definitely won’t mind once they get a kick ass view of Lucas Oil Stadium from Industry’s windows.
Sycamore at Mallow Run
Wine + vineyards + market lights + rustic. Hell yeah. It’s a super fun place for guests to socialize with all the firepits and outdoor seating. Gorgeous for a summer wedding but they also have great light for indoor weddings as well!
Stalk Couples: Kristin + Gabe
Good luck guys!
xx,
Morgan
Midwest based wedding photographers servicing Chicago, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and beyond.