Looking for a Stunning Wedding Venue? This Guide Will Set You on the Right Path.
Choosing a wedding venue is a huge step in bringing your wedding vision to life. So much about how your wedding will end up looking and feeling will be due to the venue you choose. That’s why finding the best wedding venue really does matter, but it tends to be a little more complicated than that. Not everything is as it seems when it comes to a wedding venue, which is why the “best” one might mean something really different depending on the vision for your wedding day.
The good news is that in Cleveland, Ohio we have some truly amazing choices to work with when it comes to wedding venue options. I often tell people who are born and raised Clevelanders that they just don’t get it. Even people who have lived in Ohio I don’t think fully understand what I’m talking about when I say the amount of amazing and diverse venues we have right here is pretty incredible, and not at all typical.
We’ve compiled a list of our very favorite (and what we think are the best) wedding venues in the Cleveland, Ohio area not just to photograph but that we feel do an amazing job at hosting such an important day for our couples. Each venue is going to be great for different reasons but hopefully, this guide will give you a solid jump if you’re wedding planning on a few of our local Cleveland area wedding venue gems that are right here.
Our Favorite Cleveland Wedding Venues
Ballrooms
Garden/Outdoor
Historic
Downtown Cleveland
Modern
Museum
Rooftops
Tented Weddings
Vineyards & Wineries
Sapphire Creek Winery + Gardens
Choosing the Venue That’s Right for Your Event
Why are They the Best?
When you are making your choice of a wedding venue there are a few things you should consider the best is relative to your wedding day and what you’re planning. It’s easy to walk in and be swept up in what you see but you need to consider more sides than even just the building as you tour venues and chat about your different options. Simply put, wedding venues are not all things equal.
When you’re thinking about the overall scope of wedding planning I would say you can’t quite put enough emphasis on the importance of choosing your venue. It sets the stage for the entire day of what your wedding is going to look like. The overall theme and atmosphere of your wedding day are very much based on what that venue looks and feels like. Conversely, once you choose the venue you are entirely locked into the look and feel of that venue.
A Few Things to Consider:
Overall Feel
You can use this to your advantage if you want to be a little bit more minimal in your use of decor. Or maybe you want to plan a sustainable wedding and you want to rely on the beauty of the venue itself then thinking about making your venue selection is going to be essential. On the other hand, if you have a unique vision that you know you will need to start from scratch and have a blank canvas to create, there is no point in getting a venue that’s going to have a lot of unique character and possibility if you’re going to be covering it up.
Guests
How will your guests be taken care of and where will they stay? For some weddings, 95% of their guests will be flying in from other areas. So where those guests will stay, transportation, and making sure that their guests know where they’re going are all essential pieces of wedding day considerations. Some wedding venues are absolutely gorgeous but they’re just a little bit further out or a little bit harder to get people to and from. Whereas others are literally in hotel ballrooms and it’s as simple as walking down to find the elevator. Something to consider when you’re thinking about the ease of the experience for the people you love.
Hospitality
Although there is a huge amount of excitement when you are first beginning wedding planning and I hate to be the bearer of bad news… But I’m going to be quite honest with you. If you don’t know this already, wedding planning is quite difficult. My number one piece of advice is to tell you to hire a wonderful wedding planner (we are happy to send you referrals, even if you aren’t our couple) and make sure that you have the kind of wedding professionals around you that can give you the support that you need. But despite all of that there will be some stress involved no matter how much we would like to think otherwise.
Choosing a venue that has excellent hospitality and customer service is something that I would consider essential. You need to know that when you send an email it’s going to be answered promptly, that the staff is there to support and help your vision come to life, and that your guests and family will be treated with respect and honor.
You would think that this is somewhat obvious, but what you may not realize is that as much as this is the most important day in your life for some wedding venues in the Cleveland area and elsewhere, they are doing upwards of four or five weddings per weekend. Each of the wedding venues on this list, I believe all have great hospitality teams and that is one of the reasons that we’ve chosen to include them. But I do think it is worth mentioning, because unfortunately if you are the 4th wedding on a weekend, and you are at a venue that doesn’t pride itself on hospitality it can be a really unfortunate situation. One that I don’t believe any couple deserves on such a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Indoor or Outdoor
This is a major first step in choosing a wedding venue category. The reality is in Northeast Ohio outdoor weddings can be absolutely stunning, and they can also come with their own challenges. These weddings might be held everywhere from a private garden in a home to a garden on museum grounds like the Cleveland Museum of Art or Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. They are generally surrounded by florals and can have everything from an extremely classic or historic feel to a very modern tented wedding design, depending on the venue. Although most of the time they lean into the more classic/historic category. Estate and country club weddings tend to be very classic in feel with a very traditional vibe to them. The benefits of these types of outdoor weddings other than if that’s the aesthetic that you’re going for is that most of these venues are extremely versed in hosting outdoor events and are well prepared.
How Inclusive is the Venue’s Value?
This is one thing that is often overlooked simply by price tag. You might look at two venues that you love, and one is significantly more expensive than the other one so you write it off assuming you don’t have the budget for it (because you don’t have the right planner to guide you!) but the reality is that in some cases it may be significantly more inclusive saving you far more money in the long run. Sure the entry price is more but it comes with staff, tables, perhaps chairs, and maybe linens you actually like? Things like that. Whereas option two is beautiful and seems much cheaper but by the time you’re done renting every single item you’ll need, bringing staff in, portable airconditioning units (did I mention those aren’t included either) you’ve actually spent more money than the one you wrote off to begin with. Make sure that you’re looking at the whole picture or partner with someone who can.
Cleveland Wedding Venues
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland is a perfect place for the classic ballroom wedding in downtown Cleveland any time of the year. Gorgeous historic ballrooms and classic decor make for a perfect place to celebrate with the people you love most in the world. You can take a peek at K and M’s winter Ritz Carlton Cleveland celebration or look at L and B’s Ritz wedding day here. Things we love the most: The historic look and feel of the ballrooms, and the incredible service of the staff that comes with the Ritz Carlton experience.
St. Clair Ballroom
St. Clair Ballroom, If you’re looking for a modern yet unique ballroom in downtown Cleveland the St. Clair Ballroom might be the perfect fit for you. It’s very much like that stunning look that can be dressed up or down. The ballroom itself looks beautiful with the chandeliers and the city views, but it’s next level with the right decor is brought in. You can see a few of our favorite events here: St. Clair Ballroom Wedding and Summer St. Clair Ballroom Wedding and Winter at the St. Cair Ballroom. Things we love the most: The unique look of this ballroom almost puts it in a different category than a typical ballroom venue and the views are unmatched!
The Metropolitan at the 9 Rooftop Venue
The Metropolitan at the 9 Rooftop Venue, The Metropolitan at the 9 is fantastic because it offers the best of both worlds. Not only are you getting an incredibly historic venue, but you also have one of the few rooftop venues available in the Cleveland area, as well as a beautiful ballroom option. The reality is that the weather can be unpredictable in this area, so having a venue with so many options in one spot is a bit of a gem. The real winner here, of course, is their 120-year-old vault that is absolutely unique to the area and incredibly stunning—not to mention, it’s fantastic for photos. Here are a few of our favorite celebrations held at this venue Metropolitan at the 9 and Metropolitan at the 9 Summertime Wedding. What we love the most: The vault is one of a kind!
The Westin, Cleveland
The Westin Cleveland, The Westin is perhaps the most traditional of our ballroom venues, but it gives you everything you want from a classic ballroom. Guests are located close to absolutely everything you need in downtown Cleveland, which is a huge convenience. You get to celebrate with the people you love and then make sure they’re safely back in their hotel rooms when the night is over. Another huge benefit of The Westin is that it’s one of the larger wedding venues in the area, which is especially helpful if you’re having a multicultural wedding or have a large family. Sometimes it can be tricky to find the perfect space for larger groups, but that’s one of the reasons the Westin is a favorite. You’ll find a favorite wedding here. What we love the most: The overall space and a fantastic cocktail hour space!
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is an absolutely stunning venue for a number of reasons. If you’ve never been, you’ll need to stop what you’re doing and go take a tour right now. This is a historic venue, but it really combines some incredible gems. We have gardens galore, as well as a historic manor to work with. The best setup for a wedding at this venue is an outdoor ceremony—if you’re going to have the ceremony on-site, you can’t go wrong with a garden ceremony. Of course, there are lots of other options to explore as well. Here is a bigger glimps of why we love this venue Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. What we love the most: The gardens are incredible, it’s just so beautiful for an outdoor wedding.
Hannah Courtyard Garden
Hannah Courtyard Garden, Although this is a smaller space, it’s one of the most beautiful venues around. It genuinely feels like you’re sitting in Europe, and it has that incredible, isolated feel that makes it so special. It’s a hidden gem right in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and the historic manor is absolutely stunning, but truly, it’s the grounds that make this place so unique. For an intimate wedding, this could be a celebration to remember—60 to 80 people would be an absolute win for a celebration in this space. What we love the most: It’s unique but holds a high-end feel with all the convenience of downtown.
The Shoreby Club
The Shoreby Club, If you’re looking for a waterfront venue, The Shoreby Club is without a doubt the leading venue to keep your eye on. The downside is that you do need to have a sponsoring member in order to make it feasible for you, but the upside is that it’s an absolutely beautiful historic building, and its location right on the waterfront makes it truly special. There are very few places that are directly on the waterfront in the Cleveland area, so Shoreby really stands out. The waterfront location is a huge win for this venue. Here’s where you’ll find more information on the venue. What we love: The waterfront views an the bridal getting-ready suite is fantastic!
Cleveland Old Courthouse
Cleveland Old Courthouse, The Cleveland Old Courthouse is a one-of-a-kind venue that’s hard to describe if you haven’t seen it. I think people don’t fully understand how fortunate we are to have a venue like this in Cleveland. Coming from places where there are natural disasters and buildings like this don’t survive, it just feels like a treasure every time I walk in. It’s as stately as stately can be. Here are a few of our favorite celebrations in the space, Old Courthouse and South Asian Old Courthouse Wedding. What we love the most: The architecture, the opulence, and the overall aesthetic of the venue. What we love the most: The architecture and historic nature of the space.
City Hall Rotunda
City Hall Rotunda, The historic charm, the natural grandeur, and the location—right in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Much like the Old Courthouse, you have the same architectural style, large, opulent feel, and multi-level space to work with. There’s so much you can do in this space, and it also works well for big guest counts. What we love the most: The grandeur of the space.
Glidden House
Glidden House,The Glidden House wedding venue is a historic and boutique hotel located in University Circle. It’s truly a gem, right in the heart of the city. The venue has an East Coast feel to it, with absolutely stunning outdoor wedding options, but the indoor spaces also have a wonderful historic charm. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Glidden House is a place that blends old-world charm with modern elegance. You’ll find more information here. What we love the most: The east coast vibes and historic charm.
The Cleveland Arcade
The Cleveland Arcade is a 1890 treasure that’s stood at the heart of the city for generations. This historic building has been a beacon in the area for as long as it’s existed, and it’s one of those venues that feels incredibly unique to Cleveland. Despite being considered historic, it has such a beautiful, airy feel that even if you’re not all about history, it’s definitely worth checking out. The light in there is incredible, and overall, it’s just a stunning venue with lots of room to play and make the most of. Here is a bit of an in-depth peek at celebrations at the Cleveland Arcade. What we love the most: The uniqueness and beauty, plus the Hyatt service behind it all.
The Marble Room
The Marble Room venue is as opulent as it sounds. With grand staircases and plenty of marble to be seen, this venue is as luxurious as they come. There are several options for smaller events, but if you’re planning a larger celebration, you can rent out the entire space to host your guests in true style. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand event, The Marble Room is sure to impress and you can find out more here. What we love the most: The opulence!
Severance Hall
Severance Hall, Severance Hall is a quintessential Cleveland landmark, located right at the heart of University Circle. This venue is filled with marble, pillars, and everything that makes you think of opulence. If you’re going for a big, “impress them all” type of wedding vibe, this is the venue to consider. With its grandeur and timeless architecture, Severance Hall is a place where your wedding will feel as monumental as the space itself. You’ll find more information here. What we love the most: The grounds are just as pretty as the venue and you’re moments from the best photo spots.
The Union Club
The Union Club, The Union Club, located in downtown Cleveland, is another iconic, historic venue full of all kinds of history. From presidents to Rockefellers, this space has hosted some of the most influential figures throughout history. The venue features classic architecture, deep woods, and intricate detailing that add to its charm. It’s also extra fun because even though it’s in the heart of downtown, it feels quite tucked away, offering both the convenience of location and a sense of exclusivity. Here is one of our favorite weddings at The Union Club! What we love the most: That classic timeless feel.
Truss – Cleveland
Truss – Cleveland, Truss is by far the most modern venue in the Cleveland area. There’s some really interesting history behind the building itself, but overall, the architecture is sleek, with beautiful, clean lines. It’s filled with light, with windows on both sides, and has incredible rooftop access, which makes it stand out as a top choice for couples looking for something modern. Truss is an amazing venue for those who want a space that still feels classic but has a strong modern twist. Find more information here. What we love the most: Clean modern vibes with views for days.
The Madison
The Madison is a venue that’s best described as a blank slate. It’s absolutely massive, which is fantastic for so many reasons. The white walls give you tons of options for design, making it the perfect space for couples who want to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re working with a design team or creating your own vision, this venue offers the perfect canvas to make something spectacular. It truly is the best blank slate you can ask for in a wedding venue. You can find more information about the Madison here. What we love the most: The possibilities are endless with the right team at this wedding venue.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art is a true treasure to the local area. Not only is the building itself stunning, but of course, the artwork is spectacular. The atrium is massive, so guest count is never a concern, which is a huge plus in Cleveland. There are lots of ways to set up your ceremony, whether it’s an outdoor ceremony or different setups within the atrium. The museum is an incredible mix of classic, modern, and timeless elements, making it a wonderful place to celebrate. Here is a springtime wedding at the Cleveland Museum of Art that we loved photographing. What we love the most: The overall beauty, the incredible staff, and endless options.
The Modern Art Museum
The Modern Art Museum, The Modern Art Museum in Cleveland is also a great option, though it’s definitely for a specific couple. If you’re interested in creating something a little more avant-garde, this is your spot. Filled with really interesting lines and fun architecture, it’s as modern as modern can be. The museum also features a revolving art selection that changes every six months, adding a unique, dynamic touch to any event. Find more information here. What we love the most: It’s unique and the space is so fun!
Orchid House Winery
Orchid House Winery, is a beautiful little winery that hosts tented weddings but also has a lovely building for everything from cocktail hour to smaller events. They even have a barrel room downstairs, which is perfect for smaller, more specific events or as a groom’s getting-ready area. Overall, this venue is just so much fun and perfect for couples looking for a more relaxed yet stunning wedding environment. Here is a wedding day at Orchid House Winery. What we love the most: The grounds, and the preset tent!
Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens
Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens is the quintessential winery venue. It feels like the kind of winery you might find in Northern California, with beautiful scenery and fantastic options for both indoor and outdoor events. The food is great, and the setup is ideal for a winery wedding. Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Sapphire Creek offers a charming and scenic atmosphere for your big day. Here are a few weddings we loved there Sapphire Creek Winery + Gardens and Sapphire Creek Winery Fall Wedding. What we love the most: It’s pretty and photo spots abound!
Gervasi Vineyard
Gervasi Vineyard, is very much in the Italian villa-style vineyard category. It may be a little further out than some of the other venues but it feels like you’ve stepped far away from Ohio and into Europe. You can walk along the grapevines, stroll down to the lake, and really take in the peaceful surroundings. Gervasi also has plenty of on-site options for your bridal party or family to stay, making it convenient and comfortable. Plus, they’re well-known for their amazing food, which is always a bonus at any wedding. Here is a Gervasi wedding to give you a feel for the venue Gervasi Vineyard Wedding. What we love the most: You can’t beat rows of vineyards for a wedding day.
