Brown County State Park Nature Center is a stunning venue for couples looking to exchange vows in a serene, natural setting. With its outdoor amphitheater, rustic shelters, and scenic views, this nature-inspired location offers a unique and memorable backdrop for your special day.
Venue Spaces
The Nature Center at Brown County State Park provides several versatile spaces to host your wedding celebration:
Nature Center Amphitheater
This wheelchair-accessible outdoor amphitheater can accommodate up to 140 guests, making it an ideal choice for your ceremony. The amphitheater can be reserved for early (7 am to 3 pm) or late (3 pm to 11 pm) events.
Lower Shelter
The Lower Shelter is a popular option for wedding receptions, offering a charming, rustic setting for your celebration.
Upper Shelter
Another sought-after venue, the Upper Shelter boasts stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape, perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.
Abe Martin Lodge
The Abe Martin Lodge within the park features various meeting rooms, including the Allison Peabody Room, which is a popular choice for wedding receptions.
Amenities
In addition to the versatile event spaces, the Brown County State Park Nature Center offers a variety of amenities to enhance your wedding experience:
- Interpretive Gardens: Explore the diverse gardening exhibits and interactive displays throughout the Nature Center.
- Snake Exhibit: Discover the park’s resident snake species in the dedicated snake exhibit.
- Bird-Watching Room: Observe the local birdlife in the Nature Center’s dedicated bird-watching room.
- Guided Hikes: Take advantage of the park’s guided hikes and other outdoor activities to immerse your guests in the natural surroundings.
Logistics
Planning your wedding at the Brown County State Park Nature Center requires attention to a few key logistical details:
- Reservations: To reserve the amphitheater, call (812) 988-5240. For other event spaces, call 866-622-6746.
- Hours: The Nature Center is open year-round, with reduced hours during the winter months.
- Parking: RVs and vehicles towing trailers must use the West Gate Entrance to access the park.
Tips and Considerations
When planning your Brown County State Park Nature Center wedding, keep the following tips and considerations in mind:
- Fall Season: The park is particularly stunning during the fall season, with its vibrant foliage. Be sure to book your venue and vendors well in advance to secure your desired date.
- Transportation: Coordinate transportation for you and your guests, especially if your ceremony and reception are in different locations within the park or in nearby towns like Nashville or Bloomington.
- Vendors: Choose vendors who are familiar with the park and its facilities to ensure a seamless and successful event.
Real-Life Example: Emily and Dan’s Wedding
Emily and Dan celebrated their wedding at the Brown County State Park Nature Center, with their ceremony taking place in the outdoor amphitheater. Following the ceremony, they enjoyed a festive hayride and a reception at the Lower Shelter. The couple incorporated local elements into their celebration, such as fried biscuits with apple butter and a hog roast from Holy Smoke Hog Roast.
By choosing the Brown County State Park Nature Center as their wedding venue, Emily and Dan were able to create a truly unique and memorable experience for themselves and their guests, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty and charm.
References
- Mikalh. (2021). Tips For A Fall Wedding in Brown County State Park. Retrieved from https://mikalh.com/2021/10/12/tips-for-a-fall-wedding-in-brown-county-state-park/
- Loftin, K. (n.d.). Outdoor Wedding in Brown County State Park. Retrieved from https://www.kaseyloftin.com/outdoor-wedding-in-brown-county-state-park/
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Abe Martin Lodge Groups. Retrieved from https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/inns/abe-martin-lodge-at-brown-county-state-park/groups/
- Brown County State Park. (n.d.). Nature Center. Retrieved from https://www.browncountystatepark.net/nature_center.htm
- Brown County. (n.d.). Brown County State Park Nature Center. Retrieved from https://browncounty.com/do-list/brown-county-state-park-nature-center/.