I'm getting married and need some ideas...

Another place to try might be Shall We Dance in Anchorage. It used to be the old Train Station Restaurant. A friend of mine was going to hold her wedding there in September (wedding was canceled) but from what I understand, it was VERY reasonable, and allowed you to bring your own caterer.

http://www.dancestudioky.com/private-events

Congratulations Jessica!

I got married 22 years ago at the Brennan House on 5th street.
Cathy Carey and La Peche Catered!

I love all the suggestions folks have made, and some of my favorite places for a wedding would be
Henry Clay, Mellwood, and Yew Dell.

Another idea might be the Gillespie.

http://www.thegillespie.com/weddings2.htm

"Included in your rental are 12 hour rental (guest must exit by 12am you must allow 2 hour cleanup), 30x- 60" round tables, 6x- 8' rectangle tables, 5x- 6' rectangle tables, 300x- gold chiavari chairs w/ cushions, built in dance floor, set up and tear down of tables & chairs, an onsite event staff member."

It also looks like if you book your wedding before 12/31/10 they'll throw in the Bridal suite for free.

Does anyone know anything about Jim Miller Hall in J-town? It's an old gutted church where the Thoroughbred Chorus meets. There's a picture of the outside on their website, but I can't find anything showing the inside.

What about the Belle of Louisville?

The Belle is over $3000.

Congrats.

I'll second the Gillespie - we went to an event there recently, and it's very nice inside.

We had ours in the Rathskellar Room at the Seelbach, and it was a perfect fit for 150 people. It's a beautiful room, with a grand old oak bar. Tons of fun. Unfortunately, we didn't pay for it, so I have no idea what the $$$ was. They give nice deals to guests that want to stay at the hotel, and the event coordinator was good to work with, to the point of giving us an extra hour at no additional cost after I made the request 15 minutes before the reception was supposed to end (this meant that for them, it was also an extra hour of free booze, since we paid a flat per person booze fee).

Also, if you're getting married in the middle of the summer, give some extra caution to outside venues. Not only does it rain often, but your guests will be miserable if it's 90 degrees and 100% humidity. We got married in August a few years back, and it was sweltering, even in the evening. It would have been a disaster had we had an outside reception.

Jess,

I attended a luncheon at the Gillespie recently and was actually thinking that it would be a good place for a large wedding. It looked like there was additional space upstairs, but I didn't venture up. BTW - congrats!

My sister held her wedding in July '05 outside at Locust Grove. From what I understand, it is a popular spot, so it might be filled up. There are a number of garden areas in the back. We had the ceremony on one side (120 people or so) and the reception under the tent on the other side. I really liked it. The weather was pushing 90, but the evening cool down was nice. My sister - well the whole family - made programs that doubled as fans. That was a nice touch and seemed to help the guests. Granted, myself and another groomsmen were standing in the direct sun. Luckily, the ceremony was less than 15 minutes, as I've been told that it looked like I wouldn't have lasted another 5. But don't let the July weather scare you off. It was a beautiful day, just a little hot for the ceremony. The reception was great.

My cousin was married at Pinecrest on Newburg. Have also been to nice events at the Water Tower and Glassworks. I'd recommend all three of these locations. I'm not exactly how you go about reserving park property - and you seem to want to have both events at the same place - but I would think Willow Park and Central Park could both be nice locations (they seem to be in the pictures I have seen).

http://www.mistyvalleyweddingchapel.com/pages/1/index.htm

Talk to Andrea, she says she might be able to work with you on cost. Wedding in the chapel upstairs and the reception area is downstairs. It's a little way out, but Andrea and Sharon are wonderful and the venue is beautiful.

I really appreciate all the suggestions. I've been a busy little wedding bee over the past couple of weeks. I have decided to get married at St. James Episcopal in Pewee Valley. I am still trying to narrow down which venue for the reception.

The Water Tower Gallery
Olivia's on Goss
The Beaux Arts Ballroom at The Henry Clay
The Women's Club of Crescent Hill

Decisions, decisions...

My sister held her wedding in July '05 outside at Locust Grove. From what I understand, it is a popular spot, so it might be filled up. There are a number of garden areas in the back. We had the ceremony on one side (120 people or so) and the reception under the tent on the other side. I really liked it. The weather was pushing 90, but the evening cool down was nice. My sister - well the whole family - made programs that doubled as fans. That was a nice touch and seemed to help the guests. Granted, myself and another groomsmen were standing in the direct sun. Luckily, the ceremony was less than 15 minutes, as I've been told that it looked like I wouldn't have lasted another 5. But don't let the July weather scare you off. It was a beautiful day, just a little hot for the ceremony. The reception was great.

My cousin was married at Pinecrest on Newburg. Have also been to nice events at the Water Tower and Glassworks. I'd recommend all three of these locations. I'm not exactly how you go about reserving park property - and you seem to want to have both events at the same place - but I would think Willow Park and Central Park could both be nice locations (they seem to be in the pictures I have seen).

We got married at Pinecrest too- highly recommend!! Beautiful gardens, you can bring your own caterer and liquor, and wonderful owners. But no indoor option ( you rent a tent) .

Deb

Hi Jessica,
Glad to hear that Olivia's On Goss is in the running, it is a beautiful space. I'm the Chef and the Catering Consultant so give me a call if you need anymore info.

Chef Michele Brinke
www.oliviasongoss.com

Well I went to work this morning and saw that I have a appointment with you and your mom tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to meeting you.

Michele

This looks like a very good listing of places to have a wedding: http://www.eventective.com/USA/Kentucky/Louisville/Wedding-Receptions.html .
I know someone planning an event at the old medical school building downtown. I haven't been there before but it looks like a neat venue. Also, the Gillespie on Market St. is a beautiful older building that looks interesting.