Gardencourt in Louisville feels like it was taken right out of the most glamorous movie set. If you’re looking for a Louisville wedding venue, you must take a look at this!
Gardencourt, Louisville Kentucky
This is really one of those locations where pictures are worth a thousand words. The old world charm and luxe, classic feel of Gardencourt is truly something special.
A wedding at Gardencourt makes an elevated and timeless statement. Your guests will arrive awe-inspired and absolutely wowed at how incredibly beautiful it is. Now we know you might be wondering what makes it so one-of-a-kind.
To start, this 1906 classic three-story Beaux Art home – read: the academic architectural style taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, particularly from the 1830s to the end of the 19th century – is actually owned by the Louisville Seminary and just so happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
And did we mention it’s stunning?!
You’ll be dazzled by all the space you have just on the first floor of this home, 4,000 square feet to be more precise. Each inch of the home is touched with fine details from rich woodwork and marble fireplaces, stately high ceilings, and a grand staircase which also happens to make a photo-worthy backdrop for your wedding pictures. Seriously, no detail has been left out.
But it goes without saying that everywhere you look at Gardencourt, there are picturesque places to pose for a photo. In fact, we haven’t even mentioned one of the best parts yet! You simply have to see the outside to take in the total grandeur of Gardencourt.
First, imagine yourself standing on the porch under a regal colonnade draped with sheer white curtains while sprawling green ivy climbs the brick walls. A crystal chandelier hangs elegantly overhead and well-thought out pieces of stylish furniture await your arrival to sneak in a few minutes of quiet.
It’s here that you can capture the brightest, most intimate, and marvelous photos as the sun streams through to give you that late afternoon glow. The entire scene feels like something you would find in a fancy magazine.
Now wander into the backyard and you’ll find a tranquil fountain in the yard that is reminiscent of European style homes. Maybe it’s the bountiful blooming rose gardens and being surrounded by lush arbors. And here’s a fun fact, the arbors were actually created by the Olmsted Brothers who are the next generation from Frederick Law Olmsted.
Here on the 14-acre estate you can find overlook views of Cherokee Park below, another Frederick Law Olmsted gift of talent and expertise. And if you can quite place his name, this is the award winning landscape artist who brought well-known gems like Central Park to life.
In the spring, summer and fall seasons, couples will enjoy using this backyard space to welcome their guests alfresco.
Actually, a notable element to Gardencourt is the ability to have your ceremony and reception in the same space. This secluded and private space is so close to Louisville that you’ll be able to make sure your out of town guests don’t have to go far to be a part of your wedding.
The landscape was designed specifically to follow certain design principles which are, an element of privacy from the public, transitional spaces that offer surprises to the viewers, and to reflect the design of the home. The formal gardens evoke a feeling of conservatism and order, contained in what is meant to resemble a natural park-like setting.
Additionally what makes Gardencourt so charming is that it’s situated in the Alta Vista neighborhood, which is in the eastern part of Louisville. This quiet residential neighborhood was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted adjacent to Cherokee Park, which is the eastern most of three major Olmsted parks in Louisville. It’s also recognized as a popular area where the wealthy built their estates in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today Gardencourt is owned by the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which was purchased in 1987. They began with renovations after purchase and then later received an award for historic preservation. This mansion now provides classrooms, faculty offices, and community meeting space on the Seminary campus.
Accommodations at Gardencourt
One very important thing to note, if you’re looking to book at Gardencourt, their calendar opens on the first business day in June each year for the following years dates. So you have to be strategic and timely in your booking.
Hundley Hall:
-Max capacity for reception: 140
-Dance floor
Norton Hall, Anderson Hall, and Brown Hall
-All have max capacities around 50
Great Hall:
-12′ x 84′
-Standing occupancy: 124
Rose Gardens:
-26′ x 48′
-Max capacity for a reception: 600, seated dinner: 480
-Tenting available
South Lawn:
-29′ x 141′
-Max capacity for a reception: 250, seated dinner: 400
-Tenting available
More information can be found by clicking this page.
Awards & Accolades
Gardencourt is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Noteworthy Features
Gardencourt has a list of approved caterers, which makes your job of selecting vendors a little easier!
They also have their own on-site planners, staff, and security.
Pricing & Collections
According to Gardencourt’s website, here are the current prices for wedding rentals.
-First floor of the mansion and Gardens: $2,600
-First floor only: $2,200
-Gardens and Great Hall: $2,200
-Individual room rentals vary
You can find more pricing information at this link here.
Want to learn more about Gardencourt and how to book? Get all the details about it on the Louisville Seminary website here.
Of course, there’s so many incredible options in the Louisville are when it comes to looking for a wedding venue. We love that you can keep your options open with how many there are! If this doesn’t feel like the one, or you’re just curious to explore more, head back to the Green Apple Photography Louisville Wedding main page here.
