Central Ohio Venues with Specific Vibes
This story first appeared in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Columbus Weddings, published June 2019.
Modern Milieu
VENUE: Columbus Museum of Art
VIBE: A mix of minimalist and ornate
SPACES: The airy Derby Court is an ideal ceremony space, thanks to abundant skylights above and a stunning Chihuly sculpture that serves as a backdrop. The Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden makes for a fun, interactive cocktail hour spot, while the Schottenstein Property Group Pavilion’s clean lines, light wood floors and wall of windows set the stage to party all night. The Pavilion can seat up to 320 for dinner, while Derby Court has a 200-person capacity.
STANDOUT FEATURES: You can’t beat access to CMA’s renowned art collection in more than 15 galleries, or its dramatic architecture for stunning photo ops. A covered loading dock means you’ll be able to get your décor in and out easily, no matter what the weather decides to do. While the venue has its own on-site caterer, you can also choose from a list of nine approved outside catering teams.
COST: Ceremony only, $1,875-$2,500; ceremony plus reception and reception only, $10,000 minimum spend
WHAT YOU GET: Reception packages (including those paired with a ceremony) are custom-designed by the couple and museum staff, meaning you get exactly what you want—and nothing you don’t. The ceremony packages include a three-hour block of time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., a one-hour rehearsal the day before, at least one dressing suite, basic linens, tables and chairs, sound system, on-site parking and labor for set-up/tear-down.
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Urban Chic
VENUE: The Exchange
VIBE: Airy and contemporary
SPACES: It’s no wonder that Dublin’s new Bridge Park development features this ultra-modern venue full of trendy details. The spacious main ballroom has a capacity of 500 for seated dinners, but it can be divided into several smaller parlors for those wanting a more intimate event. An adjacent courtyard, beautifully landscaped and strung with café lights, serves as a gorgeous ceremony or cocktail hour space.
STANDOUT FEATURES: Industrial details like open-ductwork ceiling and chandeliers with clean, modern lines reinforce the contemporary feel, while floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light. Cameron Mitchell Premier Events manages the space, so the menu is sure to be outstanding. The location allows for lovely views of the Scioto River and historic downtown Dublin.
COST: $2,000-$4,000 for six-hour rental of full facility on Friday or Saturday evenings; $3,500-$5,000 for all-day Saturday rental of full facility; minimum spend of $8,000-$20,000 for Friday or Saturday evenings and $15,000-$30,000 for all-day Saturdays; catering averages about $20-$55 per person; per-drink bar costs range from $2-$9 each
WHAT YOU GET: Parking (valet services available for additional charge); private suites for bridal parties; white china, glassware, flatware, white linens, tables, chairs; specialty linens, china, glassware and flatware available for additional fee
Garden Party
VENUE: Granville Inn
VIBE: English countryside manor
SPACES: A secluded courtyard festooned with café lights seems like it was made for an intimate ceremony or cocktail hour. It seats 100 guests, theater-style. For cocktail hour or an intimate reception, the adjacent Carriage House provides a seamless transition, with banquet seating for up to 64. Larger parties can head to the main event space, Denison Hall, which can accommodate up to 130 banquet-style. Warm environs, including charming stone and dark wood details, elevate the experience.
STANDOUT FEATURES: Built in 1924, this historic structure is nestled in the heart of quaint Granville. The gorgeous brick façade immediately sets a charming tone, which is carried through the venue’s spaces. A customizable, all-inclusive pricing structure makes it easy to stay on-budget. The 39 on-site guest rooms can accommodate many, if not all, of your guests. There are three luxury suites, and a preferred rate for room blocks is available.
COST: Packages start at $69.95 per person, plus taxes and service charges; add-ons and upgrades include dessert and late-night bites, Champagne toast, specialty chairs or linens, tenting and more
WHAT YOU GET: One-hour cocktail reception with butlered hors d’oeuvres, buffet or plated dinner, basic linens, table settings, dance floor, tables, chairs, set-up and tear-down, cake cutting, complimentary guest room for newlyweds, parking
Dramatic Elegance
VENUE: Ohio Statehouse
VIBE: Historic, sophisticated grandeur
SPACES: Decorated with enormous pieces of original, historic art, the Rotunda is ideal for a ceremony in the round; it can accommodate up to 150 seated guests. Its soaring ceiling and cupola, 120 feet above the black-and-white marble floor, provide a sense of grandeur that’s unmatched in the city. The Atrium, located between the two main buildings of the Statehouse with space for up to 400 seated guests, works well as a reception space. Its Greek columns reach from the granite floor to the glass-and-bronze ceiling. Another option: Host the ceremony here, then head to the Rotunda for cocktail hour before returning to the newly flipped Atrium for the reception. Downstairs, the Museum Gallery features arched limestone walls, brick floors and wrought-iron lanterns. It can accommodate up to 100 for a seated dinner or 300 for a cocktail hour.
STANDOUT FEATURES: Stunning Greek Revival architecture inside and out means gorgeous photos galore. The stately venue, a National Historic Landmark, gives your event gravity and elegance. While little décor is required to complete the spaces, they are large enough to accommodate elaborately designed events as well. The State Room, which serves as the wedding party ready room, provides a great photo backdrop (as evidenced by the cover of our summer/fall 2017 issue).
COST: $3,500 for ceremony, $4,500 for reception
WHAT YOU GET: One-hour rehearsal (if hosting ceremony), two hours of set-up time and one hour of tear-down time, staff for set-up/tear-down, dressing rooms, tables and chairs, ceremony structure/podium, sound system, keyboard, coat racks, sheltered parking, Ohio State Highway Patrol security, event coordinator; reception also includes projector, screens and/or TVs
Rustic Glam
VENUE: Jorgensen Farms Historic Barn
VIBE: Farmhouse-meets-ballroom
SPACES: Four distinct areas each can accommodate up to 250 guests; they flow seamlessly together to create a cohesive multispace event. The open-air Potting Shed and Patio is made from reclaimed material, making for a cozy welcome area. The half-acre Flower Field, which has a variety of blooms all season long, is ideal for outdoor ceremonies. Head to the historic Main Barn for cocktail hour, then proceed further into the building to The Arena, a former Arabian horse arena, for the reception. The barn spaces are charming, with post-and-beam structures, warm wood details, Mason jar chandeliers and café lighting.
STANDOUT FEATURES: This working organic farm is the perfect blend of modern amenities—Heating and air conditioning, in a barn? Yes, please!—and rustic charm. Totally Instagram-able details, like bright yellow barn doors, wide-open fields and more, are a wedding photographer’s dream. Because Jorgensen is a working farm, you can order fresh flowers and even produce grown on-site. The wedding party suites are located in the property’s farmhouse, offering both privacy and convenience.
COST: Full packages from $4,000 to $13,000
WHAT YOU GET: Event coordinator; set-up and tear-down of venue-provided tables, chairs and basic linens; fire pit; parking and parking attendants; golf cart shuttle for guests with mobility needs; dressing rooms for wedding party; on-site floral design, catering, bartending, specialty linens, favors and lawn games available for additional charge
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Downtown
614-629-0326
The Exchange
6520 Riverside Dr., Dublin
614-793-2263
cameronmitchellpremierevents.com/venues/the-exchange
Granville Inn
314 E. Broadway, Granville
740-587-3333
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Sq., Downtown
614-466-2251
ohiostatehouse.org/events/weddings
Jorgensen Farms Historic Barn
5851 E. Walnut St., Westerville
614-855-2697
Note: Venue information is current as of June 2019 for the 2019 wedding season, according to venue websites and staff research.
Columbus Wedding Venues
