Destination Wedding…in Cleveland?!
When planning a destination wedding for somewhere in the U.S., Cleveland, Ohio probably isn’t one of the top destinations that comes to mind. But don’t rule it out just yet!
Picture getting married at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or hosting your ceremony overlooking stunning Lake Erie. There are so many unique and beautiful venue options that come at a fraction of the price of other major city destinations. And with plenty of attractions for your guests, don’t sleep on checking out Cleveland, Ohio for your wedding.
Top 5 Reasons to Host Your Wedding in Cleveland
01. Plenty of Diverse Venue Options
More couples are getting married in Cleveland because of the wonderful and plentiful venue options. Looking for a classic site? Check out the historical Ballroom at Park Lane or The Arcade might be for you. Want something that says traditional wedding with a twist? The Elliot in the Tremont neighborhood gives you a church-like atmosphere with a speakeasy downstairs. If you’re looking for picturesque, look no further than the views at Windows on the River or at Gervasi Vineyard.
A popular option is hosting your nuptials near Lake Erie. The lake provides stunning water views and surrounding landscapes, making it an ideal location for a wedding. Wedding venues like The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is directly on the lake to give your wedding a true destination wedding vibe.
Maybe you want a venue that has spa and place to stay options right on the premises, you can check out Walden.
Perhaps you’re interested in a former warehouse that has been converted into a blank canvas for hour wedding with a cool gallery space for your cocktail hour. If so, look into Red Space.
If you are into a barn wedding, but want one that is still really nice, you can look into venues like Tall Oaks Event Complex or Mapleside Farms.
Say you are really into nature, there are a number of venues that are run through the local park systems as well as Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are some listed here.
No matter what your style is, Cleveland has a wedding venue for you.
02. Easy Access
Bringing together family and friends from all over the country can be a challenge. Well, Cleveland is one of the most central major U.S. cities.
“My wife and I met on the West Coast transplants from other parts of the country. Knowing that our families and friends would have to travel regardless of where we had our wedding, we quickly narrowed the list to familiar places that were affordable and easily accessible for folks that may not frequently travel otherwise.” — Dave Burrows
No matter what your style is, Cleveland has a wedding venue for you.
03. The Weather
Northeast Ohio has all four seasons, so it has something for everyone. Fall and summer are peak wedding seasons in Ohio, but winter also has its perks! You’ll find winter-capped hills with cabins, along with falling autumn leaves in an apple orchard, and also traditional gardens or waterfront venues. Not many other cities can say that!
What’s the best time? That depends on your venue. Cleveland summers can be hot and humid, while winter can be pretty chilly. If you’re going with, say, one of Cleveland’s best outdoor wedding venues in University Circle, spring and fall are your best options. Indoor venues are the way to go for winter and summer, like Windows on the River with its breathtaking views.
04. Things to Do
Cleveland is home to an endless list of fun things to do, see, and eat to keep all your wedding guests entertained! Museums, world-famous amusement parks, shops, open markets, outdoor parks, and the country’s largest performing arts center outside of NYC—there’s something for everyone in Cleveland.
Here’s what a top wedding DJ in Cleveland says are his reasons for loving Cleveland as a destination city:
“I consider Cleveland a great destination city for a wedding as it has mild summers, tons of attractions such as major sports teams, museums, and miles of waterfront.” —Devin Moore (DJ Rev Dev)
Here’s what Victoria, a Cleveland area event planner, says about Cleveland weddings:
“Not to mention the urban options for the pre and post-wedding festivities. It may take a bit of planning and careful date selection. But you will find some of the most unique options in Northeast Ohio.” —Victoria Martin II
The Arcade
“…we quickly narrowed the list to familiar places that were affordable and easily accessible for folks that may not frequently travel otherwise.”
05. Anyone Can Get Married in Cleveland
Regardless of where you are from, you can apply for a marriage license in the state of Ohio.
Tip: Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license in Ohio, and it is best to go about a month before the ceremony. Your license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the state of Ohio. The Ohio State marriage license is $50.
It’s an especially great place if one or both people in the couple are from northeast Ohio.
“I consider Cleveland a great destination city for a wedding as it has mild summers, tons of attractions such as major sports teams, museums, and miles of waterfront”
Windows on the River — photo by Joe Banker Photography
Family Connections and Reconnecting
Leanne Ohnhaus, General Manager at Country Lakes Event Venue in Broadview Heights says, “We have many couples from near and far who want to get married in their hometown as many of the families still live in Ohio. We are seeing more couples who are honoring family traditions and wanting to use sentimental items as part of their Wedding Day. We feel like these special touches bring them closer with family and friends.”
You will also get more bang for your buck here. The cost of living is decent so all your vendors and such won’t be outrageous.
Home Away From Home
I’ll leave you with some thoughts from Cherron Bielfeldt, Sales Coordinator at Cleveland’s venue RED SPACE, on why Cleveland is a great place for a wedding, even for out-of-towners:
“I really do feel like you get that ‘homey’ feeling here in NEO. There is something about it that feels like home! Bringing comfort and peace.
The art/culture scene is crazy here bringing a different dimension visually and through experience.
It’s also very nice that the social scene is large and small at the same time. Meaning there is so much to do yet it’s all located within a decently close proximity.
You will also get more bang for your buck here. The cost of living is decent so all your vendors and such won’t be outrageous.
All in all, it’s worth checking Cleveland out!”
-Article by Sarah Makhluf and Ivan Moore. Thanks to Devin Moore for encouraging me to write this article.
If you’re looking for a DJ in Cleveland area, consider DJ Ivan from Synapse Entertainment!
The Ballroom at Park Lane
Photo on the grounds of Country Lakes Event Venue
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