Love and Bourbon: The Perfect Pairing for Your Wedding in Bourbon Country
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Image courtesy of Green Apple Photography
If you're planning a wedding and are a Bourbon fan, there's no better place to tie the knot than in Bourbon Country. Located in Kentucky, this region is known for producing some of the world's finest Bourbons and offers stunning scenery, top-notch venues, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. So what's the big deal with Bourbon anyway?
Kentucky has a rich history of producing Bourbon, dating back to the late 18th century. The state's plentiful corn supply and limestone-filtered water provided the ideal conditions to create whiskey. Inspired by Bourbon County, named after the French royal family, the spirit eventually became known as Bourbon. Early Bourbon distilleries were situated along the Kentucky River for easy transportation of their products. Despite many distilleries shutting down during Prohibition, a few survived by producing medicinal whiskey. Today, Kentucky is the heart of Bourbon country and home to some of the most renowned brands globally. Visitors can tour distilleries, learn about production processes, and sample some of the finest Bourbons. Bourbon is still made using the same basic recipe of corn, rye, and barley and stored in charred oak barrels to give it a unique flavor. However, modern techniques and equipment are now used in its production.
Image Courtesy of Conrhod Zonio Photography
Here's what you need to know about planning a wedding in Bourbon Country.
Choose the Right Venue
Bourbon Country has many venues to choose from, ranging from historic distilleries to rustic barns and elegant mansions. Consider the atmosphere you want for your wedding and choose a venue that reflects your style. Some popular options include Makers Mark, Jim Beam Distillery, and the Kentucky Horse Park.
Incorporate Bourbon into Your Wedding
Since you're getting married in bourbon country, it only makes sense to incorporate this beloved spirit into your big day. Consider having a Bourbon-themed cocktail hour with signature drinks featuring local Bourbon brands. You could also give Bourbon-themed favors like mini bottles or Bourbon-infused chocolates. For the nearlyweds, you can dip your own bottle and grab a custom label at Maker’s Mark Distillery.
Embrace the Local Cuisine
Kentucky is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, so incorporate local dishes into your wedding menu, including classic Southern comfort food like hot browns, fried chicken with biscuits, or more refined dishes like Bourbon-glazed salmon. Consider pairing the food with local Bourbons for a truly authentic experience.
Hire Local Vendors
If you're planning a wedding in Bourbon country, you must work with local vendors familiar with the area and its culture. Your vendors will be responsible for turning your vision into reality while infusing the essence of Bourbon Country into your special day. Local Vendors are also familiar with the challenges of planning a wedding in Bourbon Country, such as dealing with the weather or accommodating out-of-town guests. By working with local wedding planners, photographers, florists, etc., you and your soon-to-be spouse can streamline the planning process, reduce stress, and ensure that your wedding embodies the spirit of Bourbon Country.
Take Advantage of the Scenery
The stunning scenery is one of the best things about getting married in Bourbon country. From rolling hills to horse farms and picturesque distilleries, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos. Consider scheduling a local distillery tour for your wedding festivities, like our couple Bill & Christine did last year. They went on a date to the Jim Beam distillery early on and decided it was a must-have experience & location for their wedding. Or plan a post-wedding brunch at a nearby horse farm like the Historic Hermitage Farm & their restaurant Barn8. Alternatively, make reservations for your wedding party to enjoy a chauffered bourbon trail tour from Mint Julep Tours, complete with tastings and lunch.
Image courtesy of Green Apple Photography
In conclusion, planning a wedding in Bourbon country is a unique and unforgettable experience. With stunning venues, delicious cuisine, and a warm, welcoming culture, it's no wonder that more couples are choosing to tie the knot in our beautiful region. So raise a glass of Bourbon and toast to your love as you say "I do" in Bourbon Country.
Cheers 🥂
