You decided you wanted an intimate, smaller wedding so now it’s time to pick a venue. Whether 30 of your closest family and friends for a lovely dinner and close dance floor or 75 of your most favorite people in the world, you want a venue to match the vibe. You don’t want to be in a room that can hold 200+ guests if you want the feeling of togetherness, I have been photographing weddings for 9+ years ranging from an elopement of 2, to 15 family members, to 99 friends, and all the way to 280+ party animals. Here’s a list of my favorite Ohio wedding venues in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus areas, that are either versatile in there guest range or max coziness.
Ghost Baby
Okay, okay hear me out. I know this is a speakeasy in downtown Cincinnati, but this is as cozy and intimate as you will get. Ghost Baby is one of those impossibly cool Cincinnati finds with an atmospheric, dimly lit den tucked into historic tunnels 4 floors under Vine Street. For couples craving intimacy with serious personality, Ghost Baby offers a reception that feels like a discovered secret rather than a staged event. The small rooms create a warm, cozy vibe where yours guests feels close to the each other and you both. The venue’s theatrical design, plush seating, and moody lighting are practically a built-in stylistic direction where you need fewer rentals and less decor to get an editorial look. Ghost Baby’s central OTR location makes it walkable for guests staying downtown while being easy to be dropped off by Uber/Lift, and park. Since Ghost Baby doesn’t serve food nor allow outside food in the Rattle Room, you’ll want to confirm private-event catering options directly with their events team. Overall, the mood cant be beat with the lighting, candlelit stage, velvet, incredible cocktails, arched brick walls and ceiling, 360 bars and soft seating.
Location: 1314 Republic St. Cincinnati, Ohio
Style: Underground cocktail lounge / private-event space in Over-the-Rhine
Capacity: Small, intimate spaces (capacity varies by room — Den vs Rattle Room); best for micro to small gatherings.
Catering / food: The Ghost Baby restaurant/lounge typically does not serve food in its regular service so private-event catering policies should be confirmed with the events team via their private events page.
Cost range: Public pricing for private events isn’t posted; expect boutique/curated event pricing — contact them for a quote.
The Balsley House
The Marmalade Lily
Magnolia Hill Farm is a natural-light-filled venue. Both the reception space and veranda are bright and allow plenty of light for your photographer and videographer. The property is also a working flower farm and sits atop 10 acres. Some items included are, farmhouse chairs, tables, indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, parking, gorgeous sunsets, a prep kitchen for caterers, and a wedding party getting ready suite.
Website: www.magnoliahill-farm.com
Address: 6665 Johnsville Rd Centerburg, OH 43011
Instagram: www.instagram.com/magnoliahillfarm
Phone Number: 740-480-1885
Jorgensen Farms – Oak Grove Greenhouse
This is one of my favorite places in Columbus. Jorgensen has two sperate venues within it. The Historic Barn and Oaks grove. There’s a gorgeous barn where you can get married in the garden courtyard like above. In Oak Grove, there is a greenhouse structure where your ceremony can take place and then a beautiful reception space.
See the whole day at Jorgensen Farms here!
Address: 5851 East Walnut Street, Westerville, OH 43081
Wiedemann Hill Mansion
Taft Museum of Art
Lytle Park Hotel
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