Today, we’re excited to share our recent visit to the Barn at Bay Horse Inn, a stunning wedding venue we had the pleasure of touring and filming just south of Indianapolis. We also had the opportunity to interview Amanda Cottingham Johnson, the passionate owner of this incredible venue. Here’s what we discovered about this unique spot.

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The Story Behind the Barn at Bay Horse Inn

Amanda Cottingham Johnson, the visionary owner, began her journey nine years ago. Initially, it all started with a charming log cabin on the property where Amanda lived with her two kids. Over time, the property expanded to include Shiloh’s Corner, an area now being developed into two restaurants and retail spaces. The Barn at Bay Horse Inn has transformed into a one-stop event location on the south side of Indianapolis offering accommodation, dining, shopping, and, of course, a beautiful space for private events.

What Makes the Venue Unique

One of the standout features of the Barn at Bay Horse Inn is its location. Nestled on 7.5 wooded acres in the middle of the city, it offers a serene, woodland atmosphere while still being conveniently urban just south of Indianapolis. The venue can accommodate up to 425 guests, making it perfect for large gatherings. The saloon area, a favorite of Amanda’s, features stunning garage doors that open up to patios and woodland paths, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Highlights of the Venue

Amanda highlighted several key areas of the property:

• The Saloon: With six TVs and a large bar, this space is perfect for receptions and parties.
• Main Event Space: Versatile for indoor ceremonies and events.
• Bridal and Groom Suite: Unique and luxurious spaces for the wedding party to prepare.
• The Log Cabin: A beautiful spot that sleeps up to eight people, ideal for close family or friends.
• Outdoor Ceremony Space: Amanda’s personal favorite, this area is perfect for picturesque outdoor ceremonies.

Working with Couples

Amanda and her team pride themselves on their personalized approach. From the initial tour to the big day, they work closely with couples to bring their vision to life. Each event layout is custom-designed, ensuring no two weddings are the same. This level of customization and attention to detail helps create a seamless and memorable wedding experience.

Amanda’s Favorite Memory

Amanda shared her most memorable story, which is her own surprise wedding reception. She and her partner secretly got married earlier in the week and invited friends and family to what they thought was an engagement party. When guests arrived, they were surprised to see Amanda in her wedding dress and discover the couple was already married. This personal and touching memory highlights the joy and surprises that the Barn at Bay Horse Inn can bring to any event.

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We hope you enjoyed this inside look at the Barn at Bay Horse Inn. If you’re planning a wedding and looking for a unique, beautiful venue with a dedicated team, we highly recommend checking out this hidden gem. Stay tuned for more venue spotlights and wedding tips from Beachy Photo and Film!

About the Author

Heya I am Isaac Beachy, my wife and I are a wedding photo and film team. We are based in Kokomo Indiana, but we travel literally everywhere. Together, Liv and I are like peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, or whatever your favorite combo is! Our mission? To capture your story and so authentically that you don’t even know we are there.

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