Although Northwest Indiana weather is infamous for being volatile, we actually have quite a few outdoor wedding venues. I’m going to take you on a tour of a few of these in this article.

Keep in mind that many banquet halls in the area such as Avalon Manor, Villa Cesare and more have outdoor gazebos available to you. However, in this article I’m going to concentrate on those that are known for their outdoor beauty and photo opportunities on site.

Some of these venues even have open air reception areas to keep you covered and yet give you the feeling of the outdoors.

Four Corners Winery

This hidden gem is located in the middle of farmland in Valparaiso, Indiana. In addition to a variety of sites for outdoor ceremonies, it also features an open air reception barn (complete with a tin roof) in a very unique shape. A small bridal suite is also on site.

The Pavilion At Sandy Pines

Located in Demotte, indiana, this golf course wedding venue features outdoor weddings in their pavilion area as well as the open air reception concept. A HUGE and beautiful bridal suite is on site and the entire grounds are professionally landscaped and feature spectacular viewpoints for scenic wedding photos.

Friendship Botanical Garden

This is another hidden gem located off of Rt. 12 in Michigan City, Indiana just south of the beach. You will be astounded when you walk the path to view this wonderment of nature. There are at least a half a dozen outdoor wedding ceremony locations and there is a covered option in case of rain.

They also have an open air reception are with a roof if you would like to stay on site.

White Oak Farm Venue

If you are looking for that barn wedding vibe, but would like it to be climate controlled and with the most modern amenities, then you will love White Oak Farm Venue in Michigan City, Indiana.

The bridal suite in the Cedar Barn is spacious and has an adjacent loft that I absolutely love for photos. It also makes for a great entrance down the stairs and into the reception.

White Hawk Country Club

A beautiful golf course wedding venue in the heart of Crown Point, Indiana features outdoor wedding ceremonies in their gazebo area overlooking the golf course.

After the ceremony, get whisked away on a golf cart for pictures all around the grounds before returning to the clubhouse for the indoor reception.

Fair Oaks Farms

A little bit south of of Northwest Indiana proper, is Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana. They recently built a large hotel on the property, making this a great one stop venue.

The outdoor wedding ceremony area overlooks miles of farmland with an adjacent indoor ballroom for dinner, dancing and celebrating.

County Line Orchard

The Hobart, Indiana rustic wedding venue has two outdoor wedding locations - The Room of Trees and The Big Oak Tree area.

The barn wedding venue also has the option to open the doors to the south and north barns for an open air feel to the wedding reception.

Lighthouse Restaurant

There are two spots for outdoor wedding ceremonies at this Cedar Lake, Indiana wedding venue. The gazebo along side the restaurant is best for possible bad weather and the ballroom balcony give a bird’s eye view of the lake although seating is limited.

The upstairs ballroom is where receptions occur but the balcony is open to guests for socializing. This venue is a great spot for sunset photos as well.

Circa 1856

This barn venue is located in LaPorte, Indiana and features outdoor ceremonies in front of a beautiful lake with an open air reception layout. You can even dance outside underneath the stars.

Briar Ridge Country Club

This golf course venue in Schererville, Indiana has a sizable outdoor ceremony area just out side the reception ballroom. It’s also a great all in one wedding venue with a bridal suite as well as a wonderfully landscaped grounds in which to take beautiful wedding photos.

Gabis Arboretum

If you like the idea of a wedding ceremony in a nature preserve, then this outdoor wedding venue in Valparaiso is perfect for you. There are several locations within the vast park to hold your ceremony. If you are planning a small reception, you can even have it here as well. There are many photo opportunities and the park changes colors every few months with all of the exotic plants and flowers within it.

I shoot pretty often in Illinois and southwest Michigan, so perhaps I will do another article on those areas soon.

Once you have your venue booked, do Contact Me here about your wedding photography and video.