The Camberly Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Allison Duncan
502.736.2989

Where will you hold your wedding reception? What is even available? Many brides don’t realize the many choices that they have in an area and certainly don’t quite know where to start looking. There are many venues in the Louisville area that are fit for a Hollywood star, and here are just a few.

The Brown Hotel, built by J. Graham Brown, opened on Fourth and Broadway on October 25, 1923, just ten months after construction began. The cost to build the sixteen-story concrete and steel hotel was a sizeable four million dollars. Preston J. Bradshaw designed the Georgian Revival style hotel, facing it with brick and trimming it in stone and terra cotta. The Brown became the cornerstone of business activities and social events in downtown Louisville, bringing a new energy to the city. In 1925, J. Graham Brown built the Brown Office Building, which included the recently refurbished Brown Theatre.

The Camberly Hotel Company and its president, Ian Lloyd-Jones, assumed management of the hotel and restored The Brown to its original splendor in 1990. Three years later, Lloyd-Jones purchased the hotel, and it remains a cornerstone in downtown Louisville, a tribute to its heritage and with a reputation for exemplary cuisine and superior service.

The Brown Hotel boasts magnificent ambiance with The Crystal Ballroom, home of Louisville’s most opulent social events. Reception seating accommodates up to 350 guests. Original crystal chandeliers are reflected in the mirrored walls, while crisp white linens adorn the tables set with china, silver, and glassware. The hotel’s famous cuisine is prepared by Chef Joe Castro of The English Grill; Louisville Magazine has awarded him as “Best Chef,” and The English Grill has been repeatedly honored as Louisville’s best restaurant. For more information on holding your wedding reception at The Camberly Brown, contact Julia Hammel-Furlong.

Photo courtesy of The Camberly Brown Hotel

The Seelbach Hilton
500 Fourth Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Stephanie Ogle
502.585.9224

In 1903, two brothers began construction on The Seelbach Hotel, sparing no expense. Imports included marble from all over the world, bronzes from France, hardwoods from the West Indies and Europe, linens from Ireland, and valuable hand-crafted rugs from Turkey and Persia. The Seelbach Hotel’s doors opened on May 1, 1905 by Louis and Otto Seelbach, just in time for the Kentucky Derby. In 1907 an expansion was completed, including the Bavarian-style Rathskeller. The Rathskeller was decorated with rare Rookwood Pottery and was one of the first truly air-conditioned rooms ever built.

In 1918, F. Scott Fitzgerald was drawn to the Seelbach’s allure and often visited to sip Kentuckybourbon and smoke expensive cigars. During his visits in the 1920s, Fitzgerald encountered gangster George Remus, who became the model for Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby." The hotel's charm inspired Fitzgerald, and he chose the Grand Ballroom at The Seelbach as the backdrop for Tom and Daisy Buchanan's wedding reception in his American masterpiece.

Today, The Seelbach Hilton Hotel is a grand venue for a wedding reception. The Rathskeller, with its arched, red-tinted, terra cotta ceiling and columns ringed with Rookwood Pottery pelicans--a sign of good luck--accommodates up to 150 guests and is the only surviving Rookwood Pottery room in the world. The Grand Ballroom offers poetic grace and a magical mood. Turn-of-the-century décor in gold and cobalt, crystal chandeliers, and palladium windows overlooking picturesque Louisville will captivate your guests. Invite 150 to 250 guests for a refined reception that will live forever in happy memories. When considering The Seelbach for your special day, contact Stephanie Ogle.

Photos courtesy of Allen Jones Photography and Stephens Photography

The Brown and Williamson Club
At Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium
2800 South Floyd Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40209
Mary Kennedy
502.852.2779

Construction began in June of 1996 and was completed in 1998 on this $63 million project. The Brown and Williamson Club is one of Louisville’s most interesting and unusual venues, designed and decorated by Bitner’s Commercial Group. The unique space features two large bar areas and two luxurious smoking lounges, projecting a sense of class and elegance with its beautiful wooden columns and high-backed bar chairs. Sitting areas throughout the space invite guests to sink into the gorgeous black leather chairs, while the three-story wall of windows grants a spectacular view of Churchill Downs and the historic twin spires. The Club can accommodate up to 500 seated guests, with tables, chairs, linen service, china, glassware, and flatware provided by the club’s private caterer, Centerpiece Catering. Creating a fun and unique memory, pictures of the bride, groom, and bridal party can even be taken on the football field. With its class and extravagance, The Brown and Williamson Club is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. For more information on renting The Brown and Williamson Club for your one-of-a-kind wedding reception, contact Mary Kennedy.

Photo courtesy of The Brown and Williamson Club

Kye’s & Kye’s II
500 Missouri Avenue
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Heather Hoehn
812.285.8500

The history of KYE’S at Water Tower Square dates back to the 1800’s beginning with the Ohio Falls Car and Locomotive Company. In 1872 passenger and freight cars began to be built. In 1899 the company’s name was changed to the American Car and Foundry Company after merging with 12 other rail car manufacturing companies. The company prospered through the early twentieth century, bolstered by World War I, and was a component of the Dow Jones Industrial average. During the war, the company manufactured a variety of military items including helmets, wagons, baking pans, tables, tent poles, and cots. However, with the decline of the rail industry, orders decreased and the company never regained its former prominence. In 1933 the Car Works closed, a victim of the nationwide depression and the country’s growing reliance on automobile transportation. Unfortunately, the company suffered a serious setback when fire destroyed nearly the entire complex later that same year. With the help of insurance money, the company was able to rebuild. The new brick “fireproof” buildings were built at a distance from one another and had slate tile roofs to discourage the spread of fire even further.

During the following years, the site had a variety of uses. The US Government used it for storage during World War II. Then, Bridge City (a discount store), then Rambler City (a car dealership owned by Walt Bales), and finally a warehouse for the Falls City Transfer & Storage Company. The Hoehn family became involved with the property in the early 1970’s, and have transformed it into an office complex and business park.

Each building was built for a specific use. KYE’S I was the paint shop, and KYE’S II was the truck shop and paint storage. Each building was built by a separate foreman, which lends to their unique architecture. The buildings were designed and constructed to allow a maximum amount of natural light and ventilation.

Photo courtesy of Kye’s

The Grand Convention Center
138 East Market Street
New Albany, Indiana 47150
Brenda or Ashley Scharlow
812.945.6866

In 1909, The Grand opened its doors in New Albany, Indiana. One of the first theaters in New Albany, this landmark was the only movie theatre left by the 1950s, not showing its last film until 1975. But new life has been breathed into the historical theater, and today the venue can be rented for the most gorgeous wedding receptions. The facility provides tables, chairs, and a preferred caterers list, able to accommodate 500 guests comfortably. A golden fountain centerpiece sits above a circular buffet, while gifts brought in by guests line the mirrored wall adjacent to the buffet. A stage readily awaits your disc jockey, band, or musical entertainment, and a dance floor is built in for your fun-loving guests. Crystal chandeliers hang from the elevated ceilings, and an enchanted courtyard is also available on site. For more information on holding your wedding reception at The Grand, contact Brenda or Ashley Scharlow.

Photos courtesy of Bud Smith Photography

Glassworks
815 West Market Street
Louisville,Kentucky 40202
Kelly Dunker
502.992.3267

Pure eye candy embellishes this space, from the Glassworks Gallery on the first floor, to the view of downtown Louisville from the Roof Garden. This Art Deco venue presents an option of two floors for holding a wedding reception. A selection of caterers is provided, all of which are able to provide linens, china, glassware, and flatware, as well. Tables, chairs, and linens are provided by the venue. The first floor seats 150 guests with a backdrop of the stunning Glassworks Gallery. The second floor seats 250 guests overlooking the glassblowing studio. Glassworks offers hand-crafted toasting flutes, cake toppers, wedding favors, and glass centerpieces for guest tables. The Gallery can even stay open for guests to purchase unusual glass keepsakes as a reminder of your wedding day. Other exclusive activities include glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations, perfect activities for introducing to your guests during the cocktail hour.

Children can be entertained or a special slideshow can take place in the large video room on the first floor, while a modern, chic loft apartment is available for rent on the seventh floor, serving as an excellent space for bridesmaids to get ready or as a romantic getaway for the bridal couple after the reception. Salon Group Eight One Five is even right across the hall for all of your pampering needs. Contact Kelly Dunker for additional information on renting The Glassworks Building for your Art Deco wedding reception.

Photos courtesy of Leigh Photography

Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
Stephanie Isaacs
502.637.1111

Kentucky is known for its love of horse racing and Derby festivities, making this venue the perfect way to show your out-of-town guests a bit of your Kentucky heritage. Wedding receptions can be held at The Kentucky Derby Museum’s Great Hall, with a seating capacity of 250 guests. Tables and chairs are provided, and Clements Catering is the in-house caterer. The Greatest Race, a special movie, is played on the 360-degree screen, perfect for showing during the cocktail hour. Some couples even choose to create a slideshow of their life together and also present it on the circular screen. Guests really get a sense of Kentucky in this interactive museum, right down to the bugler who plays at Churchill Downs. When hired to play at your reception, imagine the grand entrance you can make! With a live horse in the courtyard area, your party can overflow into the outdoors and view the historic Churchill Downs. Private tours are also available. For information on renting The Kentucky Derby Museum for your wedding reception, call Stephanie Isaacs.

Photos courtesy of Kentucky Derby Museum

The Jefferson Club
2900 PNC Plaza
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Tara Pine-Sahibi
502.561.2302

In 1972, a group of local businessmen started a non-discriminatory club called The Jefferson Club, now located on the 29th floor of the PNC Plaza. Members and their sponsored guests are invited to enjoy the selection of private dining rooms for wedding receptions; made perfectly breathtaking by a panoramic view of the Louisville skyline and the Ohio River, your reception will be one of sophistication and refinement. Once you step off of the elevator, you are greeted by a prestigious feeling, with eight private dining rooms to choose from, able to accommodate up to 350 guests. Executive chefs prepare the finest meals and can custom create an affair to remember. For more information on membership through The Jefferson Club, call Tara Pine-Sahibi.

Photos courtesy of Leigh Photography

Louisville Palace Theatre
625 Fourth Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Jennifer Crutcher
502-583-4555

The Louisville Palace Theatre celebrated its grand opening on September 1, 1928, dubbed by the Courier Journal newspaper an “architectural marvel.” Designed by noted architect John Eberson, the Theatre flourished through the early 1970s as a first-run movie palace. In the early 1990s the Theatre underwent a multi-million dollar restoration, once again reviving the Theatre’s richness and beauty. When entering the lobby, better known as the Faces Lobby for the dimensional faces on the ceiling, a breathtaking view stands before you. With colors of reds, golds, and blues, one becomes overwhelmed with pure magnificence. Wedding receptions can be held either in the Faces Lobby or throughout the theatre. Guests can roam the two floors and behold the splendor of The Louisville Palace Theatre. Providing exquisite fare for guests is the in-house caterer Spectrum Catering. For more information on renting The Louisville Palace for your special day, contact Jennifer Crutcher.

Photos courtesy of Exquisite Weddings