Newlyweds cut the wedding cake at Philadelphia Distilling. COURTESY OF PHILADELPHIA DISTILLING
In planning out a wedding day, selecting a special location is the first big step. Once upon a time, a distillery wouldn’t have been on the menu of choices. But as whiskey has grown ever more popular, distilleries and matrimony have become an unlikely pair. Weddings, meet whiskey.
Distillers around the country have added event spaces to host weddings, creating distinct and memorable places where brides and grooms can celebrate their love—for each other, of course, but also for their favorite spirit. You can get married in the rickhouse, have your reception in the tasting room, and take photos next to stills. Your guests can sample the distillery’s whiskeys and tour areas that aren’t usually open to the public.
“From the barrels to the stills, distillery properties offer really unique elements that a traditional wedding venue won’t have,” says Becca George, owner and event planner at Nashville, Tennessee-based wedding firm Modern Vintage Events. “The landscape is also a big plus. Some distilleries are urban, and some are nestled into a scenic landscape. There’s charm in hosting a wedding at a distillery, and it’s exciting to have the natural and production elements surround you.”
Wineries have been hosting weddings for many years, but distilleries are relatively new to the game. That can be a plus, however, as many couples want to host a wedding that’s unlike any they’ve attended before. “You want your wedding to stand out as a day that will live in your guests’ minds as one of their favorites,” says Christina Burton, owner of wedding planning company Christina Burton Events in Louisville, Kentucky. “Distilleries provide a wedding venue that’s one of a kind.”
If you’re interested in a distillery wedding, here’s a short list of everything you need to know to make the most of your whiskey-centric special day, including tips to keep in mind about the distillery space, questions to ask, and ideas for how to blend whiskey into your wedding plans.
WORK IT First and foremost, remember that you’re dealing with a working distillery, so it might not shut down operations for your special day. Depending on when the wedding is, you may have employees in the background doing what they tend to do. In addition, the barrels and stills are not decorations. They can’t be moved to change the look of the room.
ONE-STOP SHOP Many distilleries can accommodate both wedding ceremonies and receptions on-site, but some won’t do both. Be sure to ask before you get too far into the planning process. Conversely, if you want to do the ceremony at a church, scout out the area around the distillery first to find a proper house of worship nearby.
LOCATION SPECIFICS Some distilleries are tucked into the countryside, while others are situated in cities. There are positives and negatives to both. Rural distilleries may not have a hotel nearby, which can be a problem. On the flip side, parking can be an issue at urban distilleries. Consider hiring private transportation to shuttle people to and from their lodging and the wedding/reception site.
PHOTO FUN Distilleries offer a lot of unique photo-shoot opportunities. Ask about what special access you can get to take photos throughout the facility on your wedding day.
THE READY ROOM Not all distilleries have hotel suite-like dressing areas. If you plan to host your ceremony at the distillery, inquire about where you and your wedding party can get dressed.
MOBILITY MATTERS If you have guests who use wheelchairs or can’t handle stairs, be sure to scout all areas of the event spaces. Not all distilleries are fully accessible, and some have bathrooms in different spaces than the party room, which could be a problem for some guests.
KID FRIENDLY If your guest list includes minors, be sure to talk to the distillery first. Most allow guests under the age of 21 as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. But some states don’t allow kids to be near the bar, so if the reception space is also the distillery tasting room, this might be a problem.
NO OPEN FLAMES Whiskey is highly flammable. So are wooden barrels. Nearly every distillery prohibits open flames on-premise. That means no real candles and no open flames for keeping food warm.
ALL THE EATS Very few distilleries have working kitchens. This will require outside catering be brought in to feed your guests.
TOUR TIME Most distilleries offer guest tours and many suggest this as a great way to keep everyone busy between the ceremony and reception. Some also offer special tours for the wedding party before the ceremony.
CUSTOM COCKTAILS When it comes time to celebrate, a personalized wedding drink can be a special touch. Many distilleries offer cocktails that can be customized.
BEYOND WHISKEY Due to various state laws, some distilleries can only sell the alcohol they make on-site. This can limit your bar package, so be sure to ask about it.
FAVORS TO REMEMBER Some distilleries offer mini bottles of whiskey as wedding favors. Want your own keepsake? Instead of a traditional guestbook, ask about having your guests sign an old barrelhead.
Get Hitched at a Distillery
Distilleries around the country have created event areas geared toward weddings—from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the reception—in whiskey-centric spaces that offer memorable experiences for not only brides and grooms, but their guests too. The following distilleries are among those currently hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Barrelhouse 6
Hammondsport, New York
Max Capacity: 300
Cost: Up to $3,500, plus a beverage package
“We provide stunning views of Keuka Lake and are currently building bride and groom ‘get ready’ cabins, as well as glamping tents. We have a rustic arbor you can decorate and whiskey barrels that can be used as floral arrangement stands, as well as antique and new distillery gear.”–Kara Mackey, COO and distiller
Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado
Max Capacity: 150
Cost: Up to $30,000
“We’re in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. You can hear the sounds of our active production facility, enjoy views of the mountains, smell the whiskey aging, and enjoy a quaint mountain atmosphere. Our spaces are…very mountain chic.”–Elizabeth Cleary, event coordinator
Castle & Key
Frankfort, Kentucky
Max Capacity: 175
Cost: Starting at $15,000
“Our property is a historic bourbon distillery as well as a beautiful architectural destination. We have a Scottish-style castle, an English-style sunken garden, and a Roman-style springhouse. Our facility is as distinctive and unique as our spirits.”–Caitlin Gilliam, events manager
Catoctin Creek
Purcellville, Virginia
Max Capacity: 42
Cost: $300 an hour, plus the bar bill
“Our building was built in the late 1890s and we’ve preserved the sentimental, historic feel of that era with modern industrial touches and restored original construction elements. We use our own barrels as tables, and the distillery operations are fully viewable from the event area.”–Melissa Glover, assistant general manager
Devils River
San Antonio, Texas
Max Capacity: 170
Cost: $8,250
“We are a three-level distillery located in a historic building in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Our copper [stills] were imported from Germany and create a beautiful backdrop, and our 1920s Bostonian bar top and antique furniture provide a romantic place for your guests.”–Alyssa Gonzalez, venue event manager
Great Jones
New York, New York
Max Capacity: 350
Cost: Starts at $3,500
“Today’s couples are looking for venues that can do it all. At Great Jones, in addition to stunning décor and interiors, we also have world-class food, a leading cocktail program, and the best New York whiskey, we think. Guests are welcomed by the aromas of whiskey and the wood notes from our casks, and sometimes can even taste whiskey right off our still.”–Rodrigo Braun, brand experience director
Hanson of Sonoma
Sonoma, California
Max Capacity: 250
Cost: Starting at $10,000
“We have green rooms to ready yourself in, a beautiful outdoor garden space with a pond and willow trees, and an indoor event space. We have a unique location in the heart of Sonoma.”–Aaron Quinnell, director of events, membership, and e-commerce
High West
Wanship, Utah
Max Capacity: 150
Cost: $2,500-$5,000, plus food and beverage fees
“The High West refectory provides a full-service experience with sweeping mountain views and rustic charm. In addition to offering distillery tours and custom tastings, we can provide custom High West gifts.”–Valerie Gale, hospitality manager
James B. Beam
Clermont, Kentucky
Max Capacity: 150
Cost: Starts at $15,000
“We offer a variety of different indoor and outdoor spaces, a full-service restaurant and culinary team, and stunning views of the Kentucky countryside, with the ability to add tours, tastings, and experiences like single barrel selection to create the ultimate experience.”–Tom Bufalino, senior director
Kings County
Brooklyn, New York
Max Capacity: 45 for a seated dinner, 130 for a standing cocktail reception
Cost: $5,000-$12,000
“Our tasting room is housed in the original gatehouse entrance to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, built in 1896. Much of the original architecture remains. Our events are as thoughtfully crafted as our spirits.”–Aline Nocera, tours and events manager
Nelson’s Green Brier
Nashville, Tennessee
Max Capacity: 250
Cost: $10,000-$20,000
“The different styles of our event spaces, and our full restaurant and bar on-site, make Nelson’s Green Brier a good destination for any couple looking for a unique location to get married. Hosting your wedding at a distillery and being able to serve products created and bottled in the next room is fun and special.”–Philip Heil, events manager
New Liberty
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Max Capacity: 125
Cost: $1,000-$3,500
“Our distillery building was first a carriage house over 100 years ago. The atmosphere is beautifully rustic yet urban, with exposed brick, tons of sunlight, wood, and old iron. Hosts are able to pick out four event cocktails from our menu that are made fresh to order at the event.”–Nicholas DiCicco, guest coordinator
Philadelphia Distilling
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Max Capacity: 120 for ceremonies, 150 for receptions
Cost: $10,000-$17,000
“Our ceremony space offers stunning views of the city skyline and Ben Franklin Bridge, and our main cocktail lounge features a 30-foot marble bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views into our distillery.”–Robin Donnelly, event coordinator and assistant general manager
Tenth Ward
Frederick, Maryland
Max Capacity: 150
Cost: $4,600-$6,850
“Our event space isn’t in the distillery proper, but a couple miles away at our Cocktail Lab tasting room in a stunning, renovated historic building with original brick walls, hardwood floors, dreamy string lights, and stunning character.”–Monica Pearce, founder
West Fork Whiskey Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Max Capacity: 250 seated, 300 standing
Cost: $4,000-$6,000
“Our event space has windows that look right into our distilling room and guests can rent barrels as cocktail tables. We’re passionate about creating an experience for couples and wedding guests that they’ll never forget.”–Madi Arthur, event and programming coordinator
Westland
Seattle, Washington
Max Capacity: 150 people seated, 250 people standing
Cost: $3,000-$6,500
“We’re located in the SoDo District of downtown Seattle, with 40-foot ceilings, exposed original wood beams, and wide open spaces. The space is true to the surrounding neighborhood and deeply rooted in Washington.”–Hannah Bowles, assistant manager of tasting room operations
Westward
Portland, Oregon
Max Capacity: 86
Cost: $3,000-$6,000
“Our event space is attached to the production facility and offers unique experiences like tours of the production space and barrel sample stations. We’ve done engraved bottles for couples, had a barrelhead be the guest book everyone signs, and have done a custom blend that wedding couples gift their guests.”–Kelly Woodcock, partner and vice president of guest experience and whiskey club
