Saying "I Do" Differently with Micro-weddings

The Magic of Intimate Micro Weddings at Pillow & Paddock

The Pillow & Paddock Experience

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s bluegrass horse country just outside Louisville, Pillow & Paddock offers a backdrop that feels both grand and incredibly private.

The Setting. Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of lush trees or against the rustic elegance of our horse paddocks. Our grounds offer a natural serenity that no hotel ballroom can replicate.

The Stay. One of the biggest perks of a micro wedding here is the ability to turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend. With our charming, well-appointed suites, your wedding party or immediate family can stay on-site, sharing breakfast and late-night laughs all in one place.

Tailored To You. We aren't a "wedding factory." We love working with couples to create a day that reflects their specific story. Whether you want a chic garden tea party or a sophisticated farm-to-table dinner under the stars, our space adapts to your vision.

At Pillow & Paddock, we believe your wedding shouldn’t be a blur—it should be a collection of moments you actually remember. By choosing a micro wedding, you aren't just hosting a party; you’re curating an unforgettable weekend retreat for the people you love most.

Part 1: Flavors of the Bluegrass

One of the best parts of a micro wedding is the "elevated" dining experience. Because your guest count is smaller, you can move away from standard buffet lines and toward something more personal.

At Pillow & Paddock, you have the flexibility to use our in-house services or bring in an outside caterer. Here are a few local favorites that specialize in the "Kentucky Horse Country" aesthetic:

Local Catering Partners

• Ladyfingers Catering: A regional staple for over 30 years. They are famous for their "Kentucky and Bourbon" themed menus—perfect for a destination wedding in the heart of horse country.
• Marigold Catering Co.: Based in nearby Louisville, they excel at "Events with Elegance." If you want a beautifully wine-paired, multi-course plated dinner, this husband-and-wife team is a fantastic choice.
• Dining Elegance Caterers: Known for crafting personalized menus that fulfill a specific vision, Sandra Gugliotta (Owner/Chef) works closely with couples to ensure the meal is as memorable as the ceremony.
• Haymarket Catering by Ashbourne Farms: For a true farm-to-table experience, Ashbourne Farms offers premier culinary options utilizing fresh, organic ingredients from their own land in La Grange.

Pro-Tip: Don't forget the Speakeasy!Pillow & Paddockfeatures a 1920s-style secret speakeasy bar lounge. Consider our bar services for a bartender to craft a "Signature Cocktail" for your group after dinner.

Part 2: The "Slow-Paced" Wedding Weekend

When you book the whole Inn, you aren't just getting a venue—you're getting a retreat. Here is how a typical intimate wedding weekend might look:

Friday: The Arrival & Welcome

• 3:30 PM | Settle into Southern Elegance Your wedding weekend begins the moment you turn down the drive. Check-in officially opens for your wedding party, offering everyone a chance to explore our five luxury suites and two private apartments. Whether they are discovering the hidden charm of the Prohibition Apartment or settling into the sun-drenched Master Suite, this is the time to unpack, breathe in the fresh Kentucky air, and let the "wedding stress" melt away as the estate becomes yours.
• 6:30 PM | The Rehearsal Dinner: Sunset & Spirits As the golden hour begins to glow over the rolling horse paddocks, gather your inner circle for a relaxed Rehearsal Dinner. At Pillow & Paddock, we love an "elevated-casual" start to the festivities. Imagine a gourmet taco truck, wood-fired pizzas, or a classic local BBQ spread served alfresco. With the sunset as your backdrop and the horses grazing nearby, it’s the perfect setting for heartfelt toasts and easy conversation before the big day.
• 8:30 PM | Firelight & Bourbon As the stars emerge, the celebration moves to the back porch fire pit lounge. Indulge in a sophisticated take on a classic tradition: Kentucky s’mores and a curated bourbon tasting. Wrapped in the warmth of the fire and the quiet of the countryside, this is where memories are shared and the excitement for tomorrow truly takes hold. The best conversations happen after dark. Our back porch fire pit is the soul of the Friday night welcome, where bourbon and s'mores bring everyone together under the Kentucky stars.

Saturday: The Big Day

• 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Casual Morning Gathering. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, enjoy a relaxed start in the gourmet kitchen. Guests can wander in for coffee, fresh pastries, and light bites as they wake up, enjoying the view of the horses from the porch before the festivities begin.
• 11:00 AM | The Art of Preparation & Shared Beginnings. The morning unfolds with a rare sense of tranquility and a beautiful sense of purpose. While the wedding party gathers in our spacious, light-filled suites to begin hair and makeup. Because a micro wedding is built on intimacy, the setup and decor often become a cherished part of the story. While you sip mimosas and share stories with your stylists, your "inner circle" takes the lead on bringing your vision to life. There is something incredibly special about seeing a parent hang a garland or a best friend set the place cards at the buffet; it turns the decor into a labor of love. Because we remove the frantic rush of a large-scale production, this morning remains quiet, intimate, and deeply intentional—a time where the people who love you most help build the space where you’ll say "I Do."
• 2:00 PM | A Moment Stolen for Two. With the Bluegrass landscape as your witness, slip away for a private "first glimpse of one another." Whether you choose the weathered charm of the horse paddock or the manicured serenity of the gardens, the backdrop is timeless. This is a moment of pure connection—just the two of you (and perhaps a curious Thoroughbred or two watching from the fence line) before you head toward the altar.
• 4:00 PM | The Gathering Begins. As the afternoon sun softens, your additional guests begin to arrive. While the wedding party finishes their final touches, guests are welcomed onto the grounds with a refreshing beverage. This window allows for a gentle transition, giving your loved ones a chance to soak in the panoramic views of the paddocks and find their perfect ceremony viewing spot without the rush of a traditional venue.
• 4:30 PM | The Ceremony. With everyone gathered, the celebration moves to your chosen location—whether it’s the grand indoor fireplace for a cozy, candlelit feel, on the lush lawn under the trees, near the creek or by the barn & horse paddocks. In this intimate setting, every guest has a "front-row" seat to your story.
• 5:00 PM | Cocktails in the Speakeasy. After the "I Do’s," the celebration shifts to one of the most unique features of the Inn: our 1920s-style Secret Speakeasy. As guests mingle in the backyard, they can transition seamlessly into the Speakeasy through the Prohibition Apartment’s direct garden access. This creates a circular flow that keeps the celebration moving between the fresh Bluegrass air and our hidden 1920s Speakeasy lounge. It’s not just a cocktail hour; it’s an experience that invites conversation and sets a sophisticated tone for the night ahead.
• 6:00 PM | A Celebratory Buffet Dinner. As twilight falls over the Bluegrass, dinner is served. For an intimate wedding, a buffet-style service offers the perfect blend of elegance and ease. It encourages guests to mingle, move about the space, and customize their plates with local Kentucky favorites. Whether set up on the veranda or in the main dining room, the atmosphere remains sophisticated yet relaxed—allowing you to spend less time on formal transitions and more time enjoying the company of your favorite people.
• 8:30 PM | Celebrations & Cinema. The night is yours to shape. You might choose a classic cake cutting followed by dancing under the stars, or perhaps a more low-key finale. Many of our couples love to take advantage of the 1920s Theater for a celebratory slideshow or a late-night movie, while others migrate back to the fire pit lounge for cigars, spirits, and stargazing over the quiet paddocks.



Sunday: Farewell Brunch

• 10:00 AM | A Lingering Goodbye Before the weekend draws to a close, gather one last time for a celebratory farewell brunch. Whether you choose the warm, communal atmosphere of the gourmet kitchen or the fresh morning air of the covered back porch, this is a time for "remember whens." As you enjoy a selection of brunch favorites—perhaps local quiche, seasonal fruits, and hot coffee—guests can swap their favorite stories and photos from the night before. It’s a relaxed, unhurried finale that ensures the weekend ends on a note of connection rather than a rush to the door.
• 11:00 AM | Final Goodbyes & New Beginnings As the morning sun climbs higher over the paddocks, it’s time for final hugs and check-out. Guests depart feeling refreshed and recharged, having been part of a truly unique wedding retreat. As you take one last walk through the grounds as a newly married couple, you’ll leave with more than just photos; you’ll leave with the memory of a weekend where every moment was shared with the people who matter most.

Expanded Lodging: More Room for Your Inner Circle

One of the unique advantages of Pillow & Paddock is our versatility. In addition to the five luxury suites in the main Inn, we offer the family and pet-friendly Paddock and Prohibition Apartments.

• The Paddock Apartment: Designed as a true "home-away-from-home," this space is a favorite for families with children who need room to spread out and relax. Located conveniently on the main floor, it also prioritizes accessibility. With a spacious roll-in shower and sturdy grab bars, it offers comfort and independence for guests who appreciate a bit more support for their mobility, ensuring everyone feels welcome and cared for.

• The Prohibition Apartment: A stylish, themed retreat that adds extra capacity for your wedding party. These additional spaces allow you to host more of your loved ones on-site while maintaining that exclusive feel.  Plus, it features direct access to the Speakeasy from the backyard creating an effortless flow for your guest experience. Imagine your guests easily moving between the starlit backyard and the moody, sophisticated atmosphere of the Speakeasy. It maintains that exclusive, private-estate feel while ensuring the energy of the reception stays connected.

A Note for Our Four-Legged Guests

We know that for many of our couples, a wedding isn't complete without their "Best Dog" or "Flower Pup." Because we are a pet-friendly property, your dogs are welcome to be part of your story. To ensure a smooth weekend for both your pets and our resident horses, we recommend a few simple tips:

• Paddock Etiquette: While the rolling fields are tempting, we ask that pets remain on a leash when near the horse paddocks. It keeps everyone—canine and equine—calm and safe!
• The "Prohibition" and “Paddock”: Our apartments offer a wonderful home base for your pets to relax while you’re busy with the ceremony or the Speakeasy cocktail hour. Both apartments have pet-friendly flooring and private direct access to the outdoors.
• Photo Ops: Your photographer will love the contrast of your pup against our white-plank fencing. We suggest bringing a "designated pet handler" (a trusted friend or professional sitter) so you can focus on your photos while your dog stays hydrated and happy.

From "Yes" to "I Do": Let’s Get Planning!

Ready to turn those vision boards into a reality? It’s time to roll up our sleeves and start the adventure. Kick off your planning journey and request a tour of Pillow & Paddock - Submit an Inquiry online

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many guests can Pillow & Paddock accommodate for a micro wedding?

We specialize in intimate gatherings. Our estate is best suited for celebrations of up to 50 guests.

2. How many guests can stay on-site?

Beyond the five luxury suites in the main Inn, our Paddock and Prohibition Apartments provide additional accommodations for up to 18 guests. This allows for a larger portion of your guest list to stay right on the property, turning your wedding into a true community experience.

3. What is the check-in time for the wedding party?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM, giving your core group plenty of time to settle into their suites and apartments and even snap a few "pre-wedding" photos around the paddocks before the rehearsal dinner begins.

4. Can we host our rehearsal dinner on-site?

Absolutely. One of the best perks of a whole-Inn booking is the ability to host your entire weekend in one place. Our covered porches and backyard are perfectly suited for casual food trucks or catered buffet-style rehearsal dinners.

For a bit more structured meal, we highly recommend a buffet-style dinner on the extra-large kitchen island which creates a warm, communal "Sunday dinner" vibe that fits our property perfectly, allowing guests to sample a variety of Kentucky-inspired dishes at their own pace.

5. Can we use the 1920s Speakeasy for our reception?

Absolutely! The Speakeasy is one of our most popular features for cocktail hours. While it is an intimate space perfect for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, larger dinner services are typically held in our backyard or in the main dining areas to ensure your guests have plenty of room to celebrate.

6. Are we required to use specific caterers?

We want your wedding to reflect your personal taste. While we have in-house options and a list of preferred local caterers who know our kitchen and grounds, we are happy to work with outside professional catering teams to bring your specific culinary vision to life.

7. Can our family and friends handle the decor setup?

Absolutely! Our couples find that having their inner circle help with the setup adds a layer of meaning to the day. Our team is here to ensure your "setup crew" knows exactly where everything is, allowing them to transform the backyard, covered porches, and main floor at a relaxed, joyful pace preparing for the festivities.

8. Are children and pets welcome?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on being a family and pet-friendly venue. With our luxury suites plus the Paddock and Prohibition Apartments, we have room for your whole inner circle to stay on-site. 

9. Is the Inn "pet-friendly" for our wedding photos?

We know that four-legged friends are often part of the family! While we have specific policies for pets staying overnight in the main inn’s five suites upstairs, we are happy to discuss including your well-behaved dog in your outdoor ceremony or photos. (And of course, our resident horses are always happy to make a background appearance!)

10. Are there accessible accommodations?

We believe every guest should experience the magic of the Bluegrass comfortably. If you have specific accessibility questions, the Paddock Apartment is our dedicated solution.