Say what you will about Cleveland but...
we live in a diverse and vibrant city. We are a melting pot of culture, art, and communities. This is heavily reflected in the wedding industry and more specifically, the wedding venues that Northeast Ohio offers couples. From trendy barns to sunset skylines, urban warehouses to slick modern clubs, Cleveland has a little of everything when it comes to where you might want to get married.
I've noticed a trend towards two important checklist items for couples when they're considering a venue nowadays. The first is "ease of use". Venues that offer a one-stop shop are especially popular since they allow a couple to step back just a little from the planning and focus on the other details while the venue handles decor and catering.
Second, couples are looking for unique and engaging spaces. People want more than just a big room with some tables - they want something memorable, standout, and exciting. And hey, if you're spending what venues charge nowadays, it better be all of those things!
Here are a few of my personal favorite venues that I've worked in across the Cleveland area.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
It's hard to think of a better space for a wedding than a garden like this one. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a beautiful space with an excellent staff, and they provide meals by Marigold Catering. They offer several ceremony locations ranging in size and overall, you just can't go wrong with a Bridgerton-esque garden wedding.
https://holdenfg.org/cleveland-botanical-garden/gardens-and-attractions/
The Aviator
I love this venue for several reasons. One, I like planes. Two, I like planes. Aside from the planes, it's a very convenient location for traveling family and friends since it's right on the edge of Cleveland Hopkins Airport. It's a unique space with cool theming and a staff that works with local vendors to offer easy wedding planning services.
https://aviatorcle.com/weddings-at-the-aviator/
Michael Angelo's Winery
If you're looking to get away from the city for a bit and prefer more of a countryside energy to your big day, then I'd recommend checking out the Cleveland winery scene. In particular, Michael Angelo's is a classy, quiet, and delicious place to start. They offer a variety of event spaces as well as catering, bakery items, and of course, wine. You just can't go wrong here.
https://www.michaelangelosbakery.com/collections/winery-private-events
Metropolitan at The 9
If you're more of a city person, then the Metropolitan at The 9 is your venue. Rooftop views of the city skyline above and intimate drinks at the speakeasy below - there's a little of everything for everyone. Not to mention the Mint Ballroom with an absolutely massive guest space that's illuminated by crystal chandeliers. If you want to feel like an urban princess, this is your spot.
https://www.metropolitancleveland.com/meeting-spaces/weddings
Squire's Castle
On the absolute opposite end of the spectrum, we have Squire's Castle located on the East Side in the North Chagrin Reservation. It's a beautiful old castle with a large green and plenty of trails for the more adventurous couple. Get married in an old castle - you know you want to.
https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/north-chagrin-reservation/squire-s-castle
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
If you didn't know you can rock on stage with your new spouse while a live band shreds a crispy solo, I'm here to tell you that you in fact can. This was by far one of the most unique venues I've shot in - guests can explore several floors of rock memorabilia while a live band performs on the stage. And of course, you can explore around the funky exterior as well with wide views of the lake and city.
https://rockhall.com/private-rentals/
Browns Stadium
Equally crazy and equally Cleveland is the Browns Stadium, located downtown right on Lake Erie. The wedding venue space is tastefully decorated with huge windows that allow plenty of natural light to soak in during the day while also giving guests a great view of the city and lake at night. And yes, the staff does let you take portraits on the field as well. It was in fact, really cool.
https://huntingtonbankfield.com/host-an-event/
Cleveland Museum of Art
Last but not least on my list of "is this a venue or is this a landmark" wedding locations - the CMA. Our museum is a world-famous art gallery that is also available for rent to immortalize your wedding alongside priceless works of art. The CMA wedding team handles most of the wedding details for you, allowing you to enjoy the venue to the fullest, such as catering by Bon Appetit. It's an absolutely stunning, world class venue.
https://www.clevelandart.org/venue-rentals/weddings-and-celebrations
Georgetown Vosh
For the Westsiders, we have Vosh. It's a beautiful and chic venue with an intimate patio that's full of blooming flowers, bushes, and mossy trees. It feels like you've been temporarily transported to Savannah Goergia for the afternoon and it's absolutely lovely. There is also a main hall for larger events as well as the late night dance party.
https://www.georgetownvosh.com/weddings-and-events
The City Hall Rotunda
Giant marble pillars. Wide stone floors. Classic architecture and an elegant atmosphere. If this sounds like your kind of venue, then consider the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda. It features a 225 guest capacity and it available after business hours and on the weekends. There are few places like it in Cleveland and it's worth the long waiting list.
https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/public-works/divisions/special-events/reserve-city-hall-rotunda
Cultural Gardens
This is for the couple that wants something intimate and quiet. The Cultural Gardens have a variety of individual gardens to choose from, but they all offer beautiful outdoor spaces that are perfect for the more private couple. I like to think of it as an alternative to the courthouse elopement for people who prefer the outdoors.
https://clevelandculturalgardens.org/gardens/private-events/
78th St Studios
I have a personal soft spot for 78th St Studios - it's been voted as Cleveland's best indoor wedding venue for several years now and with good reason! They have several event spaces available for rent, with each one featuring artwork from local artists. They also partner with local vendors to offer a variety of services to make your wedding planning as easy as possible. And they have an arcade. You can play Mortal Kombat with your significant other on your wedding day. That's just perfection.
https://venuesat78thstreetstudios.com/
White Birch Barn
This list wouldn't be complete without a barn venue - after all, this is the midwest and rustic is all the rage. White Birch Barn does a beautiful job of handling all of your wedding details for you while still offering that charming, minimal feel. The property feels like its tucked away in the countryside but it's only a short drive from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton.
https://whitebirchbarn.com/
