Did you know that, according to the Wedding Report in 2021, there were 57,634 weddings in the state of Ohio and the average cost was $20,347? If you are on a budget and planning to tie the knot in the Buckeye State, don’t let that statistic scare you into eloping!
There are many affordable wedding venues in Ohio, although you might have to do a little research. Some of the best values for wedding venues are owned by city parks or not-for-profits.
Also, micro weddings are currently trending and can be a great option so your closest friends and family can help you celebrate your big day! Because, yes, they are going to want to!
Luckily, we’ve researched for you. Here is our list of the most affordable wedding venues in Ohio.
The CoLab
The past few years have caused many people to re-evaluate exactly what and who is important in their lives. As a result, one of the hottest trends in the wedding industry currently is micro weddings.
A micro wedding is a smaller and more intimate affair where you can have exactly who you want on your guest list and skip out on being worried about inviting your 3rd cousin to an event they probably don’t want to go to anyways. And best of all? They are more affordable than a traditional, huge wedding celebration.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, definitely check out the CoLab. This charming venue is located 5 miles from downtown Cleveland and is a great spot for a smaller, boutique wedding.
With 900 square feet, an open floor plan, and plenty of natural light, The CoLab is a renovated venue that was built in 1922. There are original hardwood floors, 9-foot windows for plenty of natural lighting, and a tin ceiling. The overall vibe is charming, historic, and oh so lovely!
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,100
Capacity: Up to 36 seated guests
Bonus: The CoLab offers 3 affordable full-service wedding packages or you can rent the venue space alone and bring in your vendors of choice. Who knows? Maybe you have that good friend from college who loves to cook and is willing to gift you catering as a wedding gift!
Find The CoLab at The CoLab or check out Facebook.
Events On Ridge
Another awesome micro wedding venue in the Cleveland area is called the Events on Ridge. This venue is fairly new and offers several very affordable wedding packages. The building itself was completely renovated in 2020 and is gorgeous.
Events on Ridge has 1,700 square-foot of space and the wedding experts at the venue are there to turn your wedding dream into a reality. With multiple amenities, each wedding is given its own 5-hour time slot.
Typical Cost: Starting at $675
Capacity: Up to 50 seated guests
Bonus: Events at Ridge is another affordable venue in Ohio that allows you to bring in your own vendors including catering to help you save money for your honeymoon.
Find Events on Ridge at Events on Ridge or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Groesbeck Estate at The Cincinnati Nature Center
Another great way to save money on a venue is to rent a small town or city in Ohio. Groesbeck Estate is located in a suburb of Cincinnati called Milford, Ohio, and is part of the Cincinnati Nature Center.
This historic garden venue has a stone building that was built in 1920. With both indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception, the vibe is romantic and classy.
If you are wanting an outdoor ceremony, maybe check out The Haille Pillar Garden. This grassy circular garden area is surrounded by a natural stone pillar.
If you are concerned about inclement weather, check out Tritsch Terrace, which is a large tented patio area with views of the woods and natural gardens.
Groesbeck Estate also offers 2 cozy indoor spaces called The Dornette and Dater Rooms. These charming rustic areas have stone floors and fireplaces. Both small, cozy, indoor settings are complete with stone floors and fireplaces. If you’ve dreamed of tying the knot in an English manor estate, the venue at Groesbeck is a dream come true.
Typical Cost: Starting at $1,250
Capacity: Up to 120 seated guests
Bonus: You don’t have to spend a ton on flowers and wedding decor at Groesbeck Estate. Guests will be wowed by the beauty of the gardens and trails at The Cincinnati Nature Center.
Find Groesbeck Estate at Cincinnati Nature Center or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Mt. Echo Park Pavilion
Part of the Cincinnati Park system, Mt. Echo Park Pavilion is a fabulous option for a beautiful, yet affordable wedding venue in Ohio.
Mt. Echo Park is located on 84 acres just Southwest of downtown Cincinnati near the Kentucky border. This historic Park Pavilion was built in 1929 and sits atop a hill with stunning views of the city and nearby wooded hills.
The Pavilion at Mt. Echo Park is constructed of Italian-style stone and marble. There is a cover for tables and chairs and of course a space for a dance floor.
For your ceremony, there are numerous breathtaking spots in the park near the Pavilion to say your vows. And for a larger wedding, you can attach a tent to the side of the pavilion for additional space.
Typical Cost: Starting at $1,200
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests
Bonus: Did we mention The Pavilion at Mt. Echo Park has amazing sunsets with panoramic views? Just imagine the beautiful wedding photos your wedding photographer can capture with this amazing backdrop!
Find Mt. Echo Park Pavilion at Premier Park Events or check out Facebook.
Penthaus OTR
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of an urban wedding in the city? If so, Penthaus OTR may be your perfect venue. Located in downtown Cincinnati in the historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, the space is classy and sophisticated.
Penthaus OTR is on the top floor of the Streitmann Center and boasts 360 views of the Cincinnati skyline.
For a modern and bustling vibe, you can have your ceremony outdoors on the rooftop terrace and then dance the night away under the stars.
If you prefer an indoor reception, the Penthaus is newly renovated and has a 3,000 square feet interior with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, large windows, and a cozy fireplace. The perfect mix of chic and charm.
Typical Cost: Starting at $1,200
Capacity: Up to 140 seated guests
Bonus: Penthaus OTR is located in the heart of Cincinnati so out-of-town guests will have plenty of places to stay within walking distance of the venue.
Find The Penthaus at The Penthaus OTR or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Cleveland History Center
Another great affordable option for wedding venues in Ohio is city museums, which are many times non-profit. The Western Reserve Historical Society operates the Cleveland History Center.
This 7-acre campus in Cleveland has a plethora of indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from for your wedding. The starting price is affordable and there is space for up to 1,000 guests for your super-sized wedding.
If you’d like an outdoor ceremony and reception, check out the beautiful Hay McKinney Garden and the fragrant Hanna Courtyard Garden.
One of the popular indoor spaces in the Crawford Rotunda features classic motorcycles, cars, and aircraft. And for an additional fee, you can rent the Euclid Beach Park Carousel. How fun is that?
Typical Cost: Starting at $250
Capacity: Up to 1,000 seated guests
Bonus: Wedding guests are sure to be entertained by the interactive exhibits at the Cleveland History Center.
Find Western Reserve Historical Society at Cleveland History Center or check our Facebook.
BayARTS Fuller House
Heading back to Cleveland, Ohio, another great historic venue is the BayARTS Fuller House. Part of the Metroparks’ Huntington Reservation the BayARTS Fuller House was built in the 1870s. Fully restored in 2009 to its original glamor, this historic Victorian-style mansion has a colorful history.
For an outdoor wedding, the BayARTS Fuller House has 2 gazebos and a wrap-around porch with a raised stage and arbor.
There are also painted murals, flowering gardens, and manicured lawns. Guests can take a tour of the Fuller House and hear about how it was moved in 1984 from its original location on a Lake Erie Barge.
Typical Cost: Starting at $2,000
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests
Bonus: The BayARTS Fuller House has a classic caboose on the property. Just imagine the fun wedding photos you and your guests can capture in this landmark venue!
Find BayARTS Fuller House at Bay Village Historical Society or check out Facebook.
Vermilion Country Club
Moving a little more out to the country, the Vermilion Country Club is one of our favorite affordable wedding venues in Ohio. Located on the south shore of Lake Erie in the quaint town of Vermilion, this “country club” was established in 1914.
When most people hear the word country club they think of the uptight uber-rich. Well, the Vermilion Country Club is a 9-hole public golf course with a fun, laid back family-friendly vibe.
The Vermilion Country Club has both indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding. There is a pavilion outside with a picnic area where you can choose to have your ceremony followed by a chill kegger BBQ reception.
If you prefer an indoor space for your reception, you can pick the bar and grill dining area with amazing views of Lake Erie.
Typical Cost: Starting at $1,500
Capacity: Up to 150 seated guests
Bonus: If you and your fiance are into golf, tee times at the Vermilion Country Club start at only $5. What a fun start to what is sure to be one of the best days of your life!
Find Vermilion Country Club at Vermilion Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
North Bank Park Pavilion
The North Bank Pavilion is a 12-acre park owned by the City of Columbus and may be the wedding venue for you. This popular spot has a modern urban vibe and some of the best views of the Columbus Skyline. Surrounded by nature, it’s hard to believe this scenic space is actually in the heart of the city.
The large patio on the Scioto River is the perfect place to say your I do’s at sunset. Afterward, head inside to the spectacular, one-of-a-kind indoor venue.
Almost the entire building is made of glass. With a pitched cathedral ceiling and panoramic views, it feels like you are out in nature yet have all the amenities of an indoor space.
Typical Cost: Starts at $750
Capacity: Up to 200 seated guests
Bonus: The North Bank Park Pavilion is located in the heart of Columbus with many nearby accommodations for your entire wedding party to enjoy a fabulous weekend getaway in the city!
Find North Bank Park Pavilion at City of Columbus Recreation and Parks or check our Facebook.
The Gahanna Sanctuary
As mentioned before, one of the best ways to save money on your wedding venue is to rent a non-profit. The Gahanna Sanctuary is one of those venues!
Located in quaint Gahanna, Oho, right outside of Columbus, the Gahanna Sanctuary is the perfect spot for couples who want a more traditional large wedding. Featuring original stained glass windows, this historic church built in 1895 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
After your ceremony, you and your guests can head to the Gallery which opens onto the terrace. This 1,545 square foot space is the perfect spot for cocktail hour.
Sanctuary Hall is 3,100 square feet and the space for your reception. Featuring a large wooden dance floor and a raised choir area that can be used for a DJ or bartender, you can party the night away.
Typical Cost: Starts at $1,000
Capacity: Up to 250 seated guests
Bonus: There is a restored Gothic Revival style bell tower above Sanctuary Hall to ring in your nuptials.
Find Gahanna Sanctuary at The Gahanna Sanctuary or check out Facebook or Instagram.
