South Union Shaker Village

South Union Shaker Village is a historic site in Auburn, Kentucky, preserving the legacy of a Shaker community that flourished from 1807 until 1922. Nine original structures remain on the grounds, including the 1824 Centre House and the 1875 Grain Barn, each restored to reflect the craftsmanship and communal values that defined Shaker life. For private events, the village offers two distinct settings. The Meadows provide an open-air pastoral backdrop with three location options — the North Meadow behind the Visitor Center, the Barn Meadow in front of the historic grain barn, and the Ministry Meadow in a grove behind the Ministry Shop — each accommodating up to 120 guests with access to restrooms, a kitchen, and electric service. The South Union Hotel, built in 1869 as a railroad hotel, hosts smaller gatherings of approximately 60 guests on its first floor, which includes three dining rooms, an enclosed sun porch suited to buffet service, and a large catering kitchen. Both spaces welcome licensed outside caterers and live or recorded music, and the grounds serve as a backdrop for photography throughout an event day.