The Old Courthouse

It is difficult to believe the magnificent Old Courthouse was slated for demolition after the Vanderburgh County Government moved their offices out in 1968. One of the most beloved buildings and wedding venues in the region, there is not a weekend that goes by without someone saying “I Do” within its historic walls. We are so thankful a small group of determined citizens set out to save it and formed the Conrad Baker Foundation (later Old Courthouse Preservation Society). Taking control of the Old Courthouse as well as the former Sheriff's Residence and Jail, they held them safe for our city until the organization’s dissolution in 2001. The Evansville skyline just wouldn’t be the same without its iconic clock tower and beaux-arts architecture. Today, the Old Courthouse Foundation continues to work closely with the Vanderburgh County Commissioners to preserve the building for its owners, the citizens of Vanderburgh County.

Within the past year, Vanderburgh County Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave, Ben Shoulders and Jeff Hatfield approved and oversaw the restoration of the white ballroom Haley Raven Photography

SIHLLAWNA RUFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY

HALEY RAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JACKLY SHAY PHOTOGRAPHY

SHARIN SHANK PHOTOGRAPHY

to mirror its twin, the previously restored green ballroom. With newly installed chandeliers, paint, restored woodwork and flooring, the room’s historic details shine.

Both ballrooms and the Randall T. Shepard Courtroom are available to rent for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Access to a catering prep kitchen comes with the ballroom rental, and bridal parties can book the Commissioner’s Parlor for getting ceremony ready. For more information, email City Social Events at leslie@citysocialevents.com

The Old Courthouse Foundation also offers Elopements packages for couples wanting a simple ceremony in the beautiful Commissioner’s Parlor. Sessions are available to book one Friday of each month and provides an officiant, wedding bouquet and two “I Do” cupcakes. Information on available dates and booking can be found at www.IDoattheOCH.com

Thanks to the passionate volunteer work of Foundation members both current and past and the care of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners, Evansville retains this landmark of the city and the Southern Indiana region for generations to come.

EMILEE KERNER PHOTOGRAPHY