How to Plan a Catholic Church Wedding with a Separate Reception Venue in Indianapolis | Expert advice from an Indianapolis wedding photographer
- Cody Bailey
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Planning a Catholic wedding ceremony at your dream church and a separate reception at a luxury venue like Hotel Carmichael is both a romantic and logistically complex decision—but with the right approach, it can be an unforgettable day filled with meaning, elegance, and celebration.
For Katharine and Demetrius, this exact dream became a reality. They exchanged vows in a stunning Catholic church in downtown Indianapolis, surrounded by tradition and family, before celebrating their reception at the iconic Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, Indiana. Their story is a perfect blueprint for any couple planning a Catholic wedding with a non-church reception venue.
As a Catholic Wedding Photographer in Indianapolis, I’ve helped many couples navigate this process—and I’m excited to share expert insights, common FAQs, and inspiration to help you plan your own sacred and stylish wedding day.
Why Choose a Catholic Church Wedding Ceremony In Indianapolis?
Faith & Tradition
A Catholic wedding is a sacred sacrament. For couples like Katharine & Demetrius, honoring their shared faith was foundational. Catholic liturgies offer time-honored rituals, spiritual grounding, and a sense of community that many couples value deeply.
Iconic Architecture in Downtown Indianapolis
From St. John the Evangelist to SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Catholic churches in downtown Indianapolis provide a breathtaking backdrop for your vows. Think towering arches, stained glass windows, and historic charm that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Katharine shared:
“Getting married in our church was non-negotiable. It’s where we go for Mass, and we wanted our marriage to begin rooted in that same community and faith.”
Personal Family Connection
For many couples, the church has sentimental value—where their parents married, where they grew up, or where they’ve celebrated other major life events.
The Challenges of a Separate Ceremony & Reception Venue
Planning a wedding with two locations isn’t without its hurdles. But when approached with intention and organization, every challenge can be met with a solution.
1. Timeline Gaps & Travel
Catholic ceremonies—especially those including a full Mass—can last over an hour. Add travel time to your reception venue, and there may be a gap between the end of the ceremony and the start of the reception.
Solution: Work closely with your photographer and planner to build a timeline that accounts for travel, portrait time, and guest needs.
2. Transportation for Guests
Guests may have to navigate downtown traffic, parking, and directions to a secondary venue like Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
Solution: Provide printed maps, website links, or even shuttle transportation. Good signage and communication go a long way.
3. Vendor Coordination
Your vendors will have to set up and manage logistics at two locations. That means more moving pieces and higher coordination.
Katharine shared:
“Our planner was a huge help. She kept everything running smoothly between the church and Hotel Carmichael. I don’t think we would have pulled it off without that support.”
Why Hotel Carmichael is the Ideal Reception Venue After a Catholic Ceremony
Tucked in the heart of Carmel’s city center, Hotel Carmichael is one of Indiana’s premier wedding destinations. It’s elegant, stylish, and thoughtfully designed with weddings in mind.
What Makes Hotel Carmichael Special:
The Cole Porter Ballroom features massive windows, architectural charm, and luxurious ambiance
Onsite boutique hotel rooms make guest lodging a breeze
Walkable access to the Carmel Arts District for wedding portraits
Upscale finishes that match the elegance of a traditional Catholic ceremony
Demetrius said:
“We loved how different the vibe was from the church, but still elegant. Hotel Carmichael felt like the perfect way to celebrate after such a meaningful ceremony.”
Building Your Wedding Day Timeline Across Two Locations
Here’s a sample timeline based on Katharine & Demetrius' wedding that works well for couples planning a Catholic wedding with a separate reception:
12:00 PM – Hair and makeup concludes at hotel or bridal suite
2:00 PM – Ceremony at downtown Indianapolis Catholic Church
3:15 PM – Family portraits at church
4:00 PM – Couple + wedding party photos en route to Carmel
5:00 PM – Arrive at Hotel Carmichael for reception prep & couple break
5:30 PM – Cocktail hour begins
6:15 PM – Grand entrance & reception begins
Bonus Tip: If you have a gap between ceremony and reception, consider arranging a private cocktail hour for wedding party or offering guests suggestions on local attractions between locations.
Common Questions About Catholic Wedding Ceremonies
Do we need to be members of the church?
Most parishes do require at least one person to be a registered member. Some may require additional sacraments like Confirmation, or proof of Baptism.
Do we need to complete Pre-Cana?
Yes—Pre-Cana is a required marriage preparation course in the Catholic Church. It may include meetings with a priest, retreats, and paperwork.
Can we write our own vows?
Catholic liturgies follow a traditional vow structure. While you can’t replace the vows, you may be able to include personal touches during the readings or reception.
Can non-Catholic guests attend and participate?
Absolutely. Everyone is welcome to attend the Mass. However, only practicing Catholics in a state of grace may receive Communion.
Is photography allowed during the ceremony?
Typically, yes—but with restrictions. Many churches ask for no flash photography and limited movement during sacred moments. Be sure to hire a photographer experienced in Catholic weddings.
Real Wedding Spotlight: Katharine & Demetrius
Ceremony: A historic downtown Indianapolis Catholic Church | St John the Evangelist
Reception: Hotel Carmichael, Carmel, Indiana
Style: Classic Catholic elegance + upscale modern reception
Vibe: Faith-filled, family-centered, joyfully refined
Photography: Timeless, candid, and reverent
Highlights of the Day Included:
Sacred Catholic Mass with beautiful music and traditional readings
Elegant portraits on the steps of the church
Portraits and grand entrance at Hotel Carmichael
An emotional first dance under the ballroom’s grand chandeliers
Thoughtful speeches, laughter, and a packed dance floor
“Cody made us feel comfortable and kept the day moving. The photos from the church are stunning, but the ones at the hotel are just as beautiful. It really felt like two perfect parts of the same day.” – Katharine
Bonus Real Wedding: Vintage Hollywood Glam Wedding: Megan & Daniel's Day in Downtown Indianapolis
Tips for Making It All Work
Book Early: Both Catholic churches and high-end venues like Hotel Carmichael fill up fast—especially in spring and fall.
Hire a Planner: This is a must for multi-location weddings. A professional planner will handle timing, logistics, vendor coordination, and day-of execution.
Choose Vendors With Experience: A Carmel Indiana wedding photographer who has worked in both downtown churches and Hotel Carmichael will know how to manage lighting, time constraints, and etiquette.
Over-communicate With Guests: From maps to transportation to timelines—clear communication makes everything easier for your loved ones.
Don’t Rush Sacred Moments: Catholic ceremonies are spiritual milestones. Give yourself time and space to appreciate the meaning behind every part of the Mass.
Your Next Steps
If you’re planning a Catholic wedding in Indianapolis with a separate reception venue like Hotel Carmichael, we’d love to help capture your day with reverence, joy, and artistry.
Related Wedding Planning Resources
