Outdoor Wedding Venues Near Indianapolis
A covered pavilion and forest views on 125 acres. Indoor reception space and a weather backup for weddings of up to 200 guests.
Plan an Outdoor Ceremony in Brown County
Couples searching for outdoor wedding venues near Indianapolis can explore The Wilds in Brown County, near Bloomington. The covered ceremony pavilion opens toward the forest, with an indoor reception space and an outdoor patio on the same property.
Your wedding rental runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the venue hosts one wedding or event per day. On a private tour, see how guests would move between the spaces and discuss the season you have in mind.
Photo: Stephanie Long Photography
The Ceremony Pavilion
The ceremony pavilion has stone columns, vaulted timber ceilings, custom benches and a pergola framing the forest view. Its permanent roof offers cover while the sides remain open to the outdoors.
An outdoor ceremony still needs a weather plan. The Great Room can host your ceremony indoors when conditions make the pavilion unsuitable. Work with the team on an alternate floor plan and the timing of any change.
Aerial: Brian Faulkner
Explore the Grounds and Guest Routes
The 125-acre property includes rolling hills, forest trails and prairie grass fields. Talk with your photographer about portrait locations, seasonal light and the time you want to spend away from your guests.
During your tour, walk the route from arrival to ceremony and reception. Discuss parking, mobility needs and any guest transportation you want to arrange, especially if your guests are traveling from Indianapolis.
- A Brown County setting near Bloomington and Nashville, Indiana
- One wedding or event per day
- Optional overnight accommodation at The Villa, booked separately
- Indoor ceremony and reception options in the Great Room
Photo: Courtney Carney Photography
The Reception: Great Room + Open Patio
The Great Room offers a modern farmhouse setting for dinner and dancing. The open-air patio has string lights, a stone indoor-outdoor fireplace and two fire features managed by the venue team.
The Great Room accommodates up to 200 guests with a full dance floor, DJ or musician area, dessert table, and common mingling areas. Tables, chairs, and decor rental collections are included — with setup and teardown handled by the on-site team.
Photo: Meagan Lawler Photography
Getting Ready and Staying Nearby
Decide where you want to prepare for the day and where guests will stay afterward.
The Homestead and Bridal Suite provide getting-ready spaces. Coordinate access and your preparation timeline with the team as part of planning the day.
The Villa is an optional overnight booking for up to eight guests. Confirm availability, cost and check-in arrangements separately; a venue rental does not automatically include a Friday-to-Sunday stay. Ask about other lodging and transportation options for your guests.
Photo: Complete Weddings + Events
Plan for Your Wedding Season
The Wilds offers weddings throughout the year. For winter or unsuitable outdoor conditions, discuss an indoor ceremony and reception in the Great Room. The covered pavilion is open air, so consider temperature and weather when choosing your plans.
Review the current venue pricing and inclusions for the year, season and day you are considering. Compare the full offer, including required arrangements and any optional services, before deciding on a date.
- Pricing varies by wedding year, season and day
- Review taxes and required event arrangements with your budget
- Plan an indoor ceremony option with the team
- Ask how the patio and outdoor spaces suit your season
What to Check for an Outdoor Wedding
Use a venue visit to work through these practical decisions.
| Your Plans | Discuss on Your Tour |
|---|---|
| Guest count | Review a floor plan for your celebration, up to 200 guests. |
| Weather plan | See the covered pavilion and the Great Room indoor ceremony option. |
| Guest travel | Check directions, parking, mobility needs and transportation arrangements. |
| Complete budget | Review venue pricing, catering, bar service and optional accommodations. |
See the actual spaces and policies before deciding what works for your celebration.
What’s Included in Your Rental
Venue Rental and Planning Support
- All furniture (tables, chairs)
- Decor rental collections with setup & teardown
- On-site team for the full 12-hour event
- Floor plan setup per your custom plan
- Online Wedding Planner spreadsheet suite
- 100+ page Booked Client Resource Guide
- Email check-ins and task reminders
- Preferred vendor list
- Post-event cleaning and trash removal
- Golf cart tours of the property for photos
- Battery-operated candles to borrow
Catering, Bar and Other Vendors
Arrange and budget for these services separately from the venue rental.
- Approved, licensed and insured outside catering
- Alcohol service exclusively through Get Wilds
- Photography & videography
- Florals & decorating team
- DJ or live music
- Officiant
Is The Wilds Right for Your Wedding?
Explore the setting and talk through the details that will shape your day.
Picture Your Celebration
- Vows beneath the covered, open-air pavilion
- Forest views and portraits around the grounds
- Dinner and dancing in the Great Room
- An outdoor gathering on the patio when conditions suit
- Furniture and decor arranged to your plan
- Getting ready on site within your agreed access times
Discuss with the Team
- Your guest count, up to 200 people
- Your preferred season and indoor weather plan
- Guest mobility needs and routes between spaces
- Catering, beverage service and your complete budget
- Lodging or transportation for guests traveling to Brown County
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we budget for an outdoor wedding at The Wilds?
Start with the current venue pricing and inclusions for your date. Add catering, beverage service and other vendors to your budget, along with any optional lodging or transportation. Your total will depend on your guest count and choices.
Is The Wilds located in Indianapolis?
The Wilds is in Brown County at 6483 E Kent Rd, Bloomington, Indiana. Couples traveling from Indianapolis should check directions from their starting point. Visits are by appointment.
What happens if outdoor conditions are unsuitable?
The Great Room can host an indoor ceremony and reception. Discuss an alternate floor plan with the team before your wedding, including how and when to move indoors.
How do we arrange a venue tour?
Choose an available one-hour appointment through the tour calendar. A tour reserves time to visit, not a wedding date. The team confirms wedding bookings after speaking with you.
See The Wilds in Person
Choose an available one-hour appointment to see the pavilion, Great Room and patio. Bring your estimated guest count, preferred season and questions about the outdoor and indoor options.
Schedule a Tour