Planning a Newfields Indianapolis Wedding offers couples the opportunity to design a celebration that moves naturally between gardens, historic architecture, and modern reception spaces — all within one iconic Indianapolis venue.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art was particularly meaningful to the bride, Ali who spent a lot of time there growing up. Newfields allowed their day to feel intentional without feeling confined to one setting. The couple’s focus wasn’t just on design, but on creating an environment where they could stay present and genuinely connect with the people who came to celebrate with them. From quiet moments together in the gardens to an energetic dance floor later in the evening (complete with a the Pacers playoff game on the big screen) every part of the day reflected their priorities: connection, experience, and a celebration that felt true to them.
Why Ali and Nick Chose a Newfields Indianapolis Wedding
For Ali and Nick, the venue needed to feel elevated while still allowing flexibility. They wanted guests to experience more than a single room or traditional ballroom layout. The combination of gardens, estate architecture, and curated spaces across Newfields made it possible to design a wedding that unfolded naturally throughout the property.
Lily House Lawn Ceremony and Garden Cocktail Hour
Working alongside Monica Richard with Mon Amie Events, the couple built a day that reflected their personalities and interests while embracing the setting itself. During our pre-wedding conversations, Ali shared that her biggest goal was to stay present and focusing on meaningful interactions rather than posed and stylized moments. That intention shaped everything from ceremony placement to reception flow.
The Lily House lawn became one of the most defining spaces of the day. Floral design by RK Florals brought color and texture into the gardens, creating a setting that felt vibrant while still grounded in the natural environment.
Hosting the ceremony outdoors allowed guests to immediately experience the beauty of Newfields as they walked to the Lily House with a welcoming glass of champagne in hand. Afterward, cocktail hour flowed seamlessly through the garden, encouraging guests to move, explore, and gather in smaller groups. As favors, the couple had a Plant Stand by local plant shop Grounded, where guests could pick out a plant to take home at the end of the night.
This layout supported the couple’s desire to create genuine connection. Instead of confining guests to a single space, the environment invited interaction and discovery.
Guests explore the Plant Stand during cocktail hour | Ceremony floral installation by RK Florals
Designing Intimate Moments Within a Large Newfields Venue
One of the biggest strengths of a Newfields Indianapolis wedding is scale but Ali and Nick’s team approached that scale intentionally. Rather than filling every corner, they focused on creating pockets of intimacy.
Key design choices included:
- Seating arrangements that encouraged conversation
- Defined gathering areas
- A timeline that allowed guests to transition gradually between spaces
Speeches from parents and siblings became emotional anchors throughout the evening, highlighting how important community and relationships are to the couple. Guests enjoyed dinner in front of the Sutphin Fountain before heading inside the main galleries for the hora and dancing. Even within a large venue, the atmosphere felt personal and grounded.
Reception Design and Guest Experience at Newfields
As the celebration transitioned into the reception, the tone shifted from reflective to energetic. The dance floor became a central gathering point, bringing guests together while maintaining the refined aesthetic established earlier in the day.
Newfields offers a range of visual environments, and that contrast played a major role in shaping the experience. Quiet garden moments gave way to a lively reception space, allowing the evening to evolve without feeling disjointed.
Instead of separating ceremony and reception into unrelated experiences, Ali and Nick used the venue’s versatility to create a cohesive progression — one that felt intentional from beginning to end.
Reception design outdoors by the Sutphin Fountain | Dancing in the galleries
Personal Details That Reflected Their Story
While the venue itself is visually striking, the most memorable aspects of the day came from the personal touches layered throughout the design. Ali and Nick incorporated meaningful details that reflected their relationships and shared experiences, ensuring guests felt connected to the story behind the celebration.
The planning team focused on creating moments that felt authentic rather than overly curated. The result was a wedding that balanced elevated design with genuine interaction — a reflection of the couple’s personalities and the impact they’ve had on the people around them.
FAQ: Planning a Newfields Indianapolis Wedding
What makes Newfields a unique wedding venue in Indianapolis?
Newfields combines museum galleries, historic homes, and formal gardens, allowing couples to host multiple parts of their wedding in different environments without leaving the property.
Where can ceremonies take place at Newfields?
The Lily House lawn or the Garden are popular ceremony locations, offering garden views and flexible layouts for outdoor celebrations.
Is Newfields better for large weddings or smaller gatherings?
Both can work well. Thoughtful design and layout help create intimacy even within larger spaces.
How can couples stay present during a Newfields wedding?
Clear transitions between spaces and a timeline focused on guest interaction help couples remain engaged throughout the day.
Does Newfields offer strong photo and video opportunities?
Absolutely! The combination of gardens, architecture, and gallery spaces provides a wide range of backdrops for storytelling and stunning portraits. However, the venue does have a strict No Drone policy.
Final Thoughts From a Videographer’s Perspective
From a storytelling standpoint, Ali and Nick’s Newfields Indianapolis Wedding worked so well because each space supported a different emotional rhythm. The gardens created space for quiet, reflective moments, while the reception brought energy and movement that carried into the night.
Large venues can sometimes feel overwhelming or “empty” on camera, but intentional design choices helped this day feel personal and grounded. Creating defined gathering areas allowed interactions to unfold naturally. Something that translates strongly in film.
If you’re planning a Newfields wedding, think about how the property’s variety can support the experience you want to create. Ali and Nick’s celebration is a strong example of how thoughtful planning and meaningful priorities can turn an expansive venue into a space that feels deeply personal.
If you’re planning an Indianapolis wedding and want a storytelling-focused film approach, you can explore more of my work here.
Vendor Team
Planner & Designer: Mon Amie Events
Officiant: Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation – Rabbi Brett
Photography: Jenny Haas Photo
Videography: Films By Emelie
Venue & Catering: Newfeilds Today / Kahns Catering
Floral: RK Florals
Paperie & Branding: La Papeterie Design
Entertainment: Beatmix Chicago – The Party Faithful
Cake: Classic Cakes Carmel
Coffee: Tinker Coffee
Plant Station: Grounded Plant Floral Co.
Transportation: Antique Limo Indy
HMUA: Carly Rae Phelps, Cortland Foxworth, Pam Caldwell
Rentals, Lighting: A Classic Party Rentals, Ace Party And Tents, BBJ La Tavola, LGI Linens, PR Rentals,
Sterler Productions Inc., Violet Vintage
Rehearsal: Columbia Club Wedding & Events Venue
Accommodations: Columbia Club Wedding, Conrad Indianapolis
Band Accommodations: White Lodging, FairfieldInn
