Tips for Choosing an Outdoor Wedding Venue in Kentucky

The Barn at Belle Hills • July 2, 2025

Outdoor weddings are beloved for a reason. From getting married with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop to dancing beneath a dark sky lit with fairy lights, nothing beats the great outdoors when it comes to your special day. Of course, nature can be unpredictable – especially in the Bluegrass State! If you’re looking for outdoor wedding ideas that help you and your guests have a fun, memorable night, you’re in the right place. Here are some of our tips for choosing an outdoor wedding venue in Kentucky:

A bride and groom are kissing while the bride is holding a bouquet of flowers.

TIP 1: consider the season

Each season in Kentucky brings equal parts beauty and potential setbacks, such as rain, thunderstorms, heat, humidity, and cold fronts that can put a damper on your big day. When selecting an outdoor wedding venue near you, we recommend asking about the venue’s “rainy day” plans. That is, do they have a plan if it rains? Can they bring your guests inside if needed? Do they offer a covered tent rental?

 

Regardless of what the weather does, the more options you have, the more confident you will feel as you get closer to the big day. At The Barn at Belle Hills, we provide spaces to go to in case it rains and air conditioning should guests need a reprieve from the heat.

tip 2: Mind the time

Like the seasons, being conscious of your time slot is another pro wedding tip we recommend for those choosing an outdoor wedding venue. Since the afternoon sun can be hot and uncomfortable during the warmer seasons, we suggest a late afternoon ceremony followed by a golden-hour reception. If your ceremony is in the late evening and the reception dips into the night, we recommend adding string lights, lanterns, or even candles throughout the venue to set the mood and keep the celebrations going even when the sun goes down.

TIp 3: Keep comfort in mind

Outdoor weddings can involve long stretches of grass, rolling hills, and gravel pathways. With this in mind, you will want to adapt your style to the terrain. For example, if you’re saying your vows on a grassy field, block heels or wedges might be an excellent suggestion to add to the dress code section of your wedding website. Lightweight clothing (such as linen) and UV-protective gear (such as parasols) in the summer and spring months are also recommended so everyone can celebrate in comfort and style.

TIp 4: Use the outdoors as decoration

Nothing is more beautiful than Kentucky in the spring, summer, or autumn months. So, why not bring that beauty into your décor? Rustic barns for photograph backdrops, aisles adorned with wildflowers, and string lights under trees can keep things simple yet elegant. By weaving the beauty of Kentucky into your ceremony and reception, you can maximize the outdoor venue and create something truly magical for you and your guests.

Outdoor wedding venue near crittenden, kentucky

The great outdoors may be unpredictable at times, but its beauty is second to none. By planning for varying weather, keeping comfort in mind, and integrating nature into your décor, you can create the outdoor wedding of your dreams – and our team is here to help!

 

At The Barn at Belle Hills, we’re happy to work with you and your fiancé to explore outdoor wedding ceremony ideas. Contact us today to schedule a tour!

 

The Barn at Belle Hills is located in Crittenden, Kentucky, and proudly serves the greater Crittenden, Kentucky, area, including Grant County, Owen County, Harrison County, Falmouth County, Gallatin County, Pendleton County, Boone County, Kenton County, Bracken County, Campbell County, and Scott County, Kentucky.

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