
There's something incredibly relaxing and memorable about spending time beside the water. From the Canal Walk to Lake Clearwater, Geist Reservoir to White River State Park, Indianapolis (and central Indiana as a whole) is home to some much-loved and highly sought-after waterfront real estate. And if you're searching for the best waterfront event venues in Indianapolis, the Giggster app is your new best friend.
With our meticulously chosen selection of event spaces, it's easy to find the perfect backdrop for any Indy occasion. Each location offers something unique and a little bit special, and there are properties to suit just about any event budget or capacity. So no matter whether you're planning a wedding ceremony, concert, birthday party, or corporate event, download the Giggster app now to find your dream venue.
From the Indiana State Museum in White River State Park and the nearby NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis, the city is home to plenty of popular waterfront attractions. And if you're looking for a waterside location to provide the perfect backdrop for your next special occasion, you'll find a host of unique and inspiring settings on the Giggster app.
A private lane manor home set on 26 sprawling acres is a beautiful and private site for an idyllic wedding ceremony.
No one said the body of water you're celebrating in front of had to be massive, so why not host an intimate gathering in a downtown Indianapolis retreat with a cozy fire pit and luxurious jacuzzi?
Take a stroll along the Canal Walk and you'll find a host of excellent waterfront properties. But if you'd prefer something a little further out from the city, a site like Lake Clearwater or Geist Reservoir could be perfect.
When you want to create an air of glamor and chic sophistication for a corporate cocktail reception, an exciting and elegant waterfront space in Indianapolis fits the bill perfectly.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: There are 21 beautiful waterfront properties to choose from on the Giggster app. Each space has been carefully selected for its unique character and charm, adding a memorable touch to any special occasion.
Hassle-Free Booking: It only takes a matter of moments to reserve a waterfront venue with Giggster. With transparent prices, convenient search filters, and direct communication with property hosts, the entire booking experience is a breeze from start to finish.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If you book a venue at least 48 hours before your event date but plans change, don't stress—you can cancel for free within the first 24 hours of receiving your booking confirmation.
Platform Protections: With optional damage, liability, and cancellation insurance all available, you can enjoy welcome confidence and protection when booking a space.
A waterfront event space is a wonderful setting for capturing a special moment in your life. However, there are also a few reasons why you might want to consider other options when deciding on your perfect venue.
Advantages
Indianapolis boasts a wide range of waterfront locations, with plenty of different venue options for you and your guests to consider. Look at a manor home or a blank canvas performance space.
A waterfront setting adds relaxing and exclusive vibes to any event, helping to create a magical experience for your guests.
It's easy to find great catering and party vendors, not to mention top-quality entertainment and event staff, in a big city like Indianapolis.
Disadvantages
The cold winter weather in Indy means it may not be a great destination for outdoor events during the cooler months of the year.
The most popular waterfront event venues in Indianapolis book out quickly, so you might miss out on the venue you want if you don't book a space well in advance. Don't miss the popular Water Lantern Festival that brings many visitors to the city.
Waterfront event venues in Indianapolis often tend to come with higher price tags than other venues with similar amenities.
In a city home to beautiful White River State Park, it won't surprise you to learn that there are plenty of great waterfront locations to choose from. Here are just some of the venue types you might like to check out for your next event.
Event Spaces – Versatile Venue. A dedicated event space is a flexible and highly practical location for a special moment like a wedding reception or private party. A gorgeous site like Stunning Art Gallery located in Downtown Indianapolis offers the perfect backdrop and a host of essential amenities for your celebration.
Private Estates – Romantic Retreat. From sprawling lakefront properties to idyllic estates with their own private ponds, gorgeous estate venues offer seclusion and tranquility for memorable weddings and other special events.
Private Dining Rooms – Exclusive Ambiance. An intimate and private dining space overlooking the water is pure magic for a variety of special events. From family dinners to celebrate milestone birthdays to important evenings to meet potential business clients over a meal, there are plenty of possibilities to consider.
Park or Gardens – Alfresco Ambiance. From White River State Park to a host of other pretty public parks and private gardens, the best outdoor event spaces offer lush greenery, plenty of sunshine, and the sort of relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while.
Poolside Patios – Summer fun. Chill by the pool for a relaxed cocktail party, soaking up the summer sunshine and good times with a group of friends.
From the steady flow of the river to the gentle lapping of waves, a waterfront location is a tranquil place to be. If only planning a private party or wedding were anywhere near as relaxing. But there's no need to stress—keep reading for a guide to the steps you need to follow to bring your event to life.
Choose an Experience – First, decide on what sort of party you want to host. Will it be relaxed and casual or something a little more formal? How many people will be coming, and what sort of event atmosphere do you want your guests to enjoy?
Set the Date and Time – Now it's time to sort out all the key details of your event, like the date of your party and the guest list. You'll also need to crunch the numbers to work out how much money you can afford to spend on the occasion.
Book a Venue – Compare waterfront locations in Indianapolis to find your perfect backdrop. Perhaps you want a location close to White River State Park or downtown Indianapolis. Or maybe you have a specific list of features you're looking for, such as whether you have certain capacity or square foot requirements, outdoor covered walkways, a spotlessly clean interior, kind and helpful staff, retro vibes, stunning views, or anything else. Whatever the case may be, shop around for a space with all the essential amenities.
Book Catering – Compare local catering vendors to find the right menu for your event. You'll also need to make sure there are plenty of beverage options on offer for your guests.
Book Entertainment – Will you be hosting party games and quizzes during the event? Will a live band be performing, or will there be a bounce house for the kids? Make any necessary arrangements now.
Add the Finishing Touches – If you need to hire AV gear for party music or presentations, or maybe hire extra furniture or decorations to ensure that your event space looks and functions just right, do so now.
Your budget should be at the center of your thinking when planning any special event. Here are three simple tips to help you cut costs on your gathering.
Widen your search radius.
Instead of confining your venue search to the heart of downtown Indianapolis, where venues tend to be more expensive, increase your property search radius. This will help you find more affordable options as well as some potentially unique spaces.
Filter your results.
Giggster's convenient price search filter makes it easy to limit your property results to venues you can afford. It's a simple but effective tool to help you reduce your total expenses.
Use a calculator.
There are plenty of free online party cost calculators that make it easy to work out how much your event will cost. They're extremely useful tools to help you break down the cost of all your event details and potentially work out where you can cut back.
Find the perfect place to party on the waterfront in the Indianapolis area. Download the Giggster app now and start comparing the best waterfront event venues in Indianapolis. Scenic riverfront views and venues along the canal are ideal for unforgettable gatherings.