If you’re here, chances are you are newly engaged and looking for the perfect place to host your non-traditional Cincinnati wedding. Welcome, you’ve found the perfect place! A venue (and a date) are the first things you will check off your list when you begin wedding planning. If you are looking for an amazing venue right here in Cincinnati to share your vows and dance the night away in a place (that isn’t just a hall, barn, or church) read on below!
**Before you begin reading, I would like to take this time to share one piece of advice that is so important: This is you and your partner’s day. Your wedding should be planned around what you want to do. Often I hear couples say they struggle with trying to make everyone happy. This ultimately adds unnecessary stress to such a wonderful day.
Whether the ‘right day’ for you means a full 250+ guest list full of your favorite people on Earth, or just you and your partner in the middle of the woods reading your vows; do what feels good to you! Every person who loves and cares about you will not be upset that you chose to make yourself happy on your wedding day. They may be sad that they missed the fun, but ultimately want what makes you happiest! Plus, you can throw a party/reception afterwards if you don’t like the idea of a public ceremony. This gives you a chance to celebrate with your loved ones still!
Who am I?
I’m Rebecca, a wedding photographer base in Cincinnati. I take pride in capturing photos that document your day in a real yet artistic way. Over the last few years I have gotten to photograph at quite a few special places here in The Queen City. I wanted to help share some inspiration with all the couples trying to find a way to make their day uniquely them.
Now that I’ve got my speech out of the way, let’s get a drumroll please… for my favorite non-traditional wedding venues in (or around) Cincinnati, Ohio!
Urban Cincinnati Wedding Venues
Urban Artifact
Northside, Cincinnati
A once church now turned urban gem + hip brewery, Urban Artifact is in my opinion one of the most beautiful venues in Cincinnati. You might’ve visited the downstairs brewery, but have you ever been up top? A beautiful building with rich architecture and a super romantic vibe, it’s the perfect place to get married fi you’re looking for something with character that still maintains enough of a blank-slate to really turn into anything you desire.
Urban Artifact hosts the stunning cathedral-like architecture that Cincinnati has perfectly curated. However, it is no longer a church making it a great option for couples who want a historic building that isn’t tied to religion-specific limitations or decorations. Urban Artifact also features a downstairs bar right in the building that makes cocktail hour a breeze (and a lot more fun). I’ve attached some photos I’ve taken at the venue above + below, but I’d book a tour so you can enjoy this beautiful building in person. Click here to visit their website to learn more.
(just a tidbit here.. I love how Queen City Vignette (a unique furniture rental company local to Cincinnati) fills this space every single time I see them here!
The Transept
Over the Rhine, Cincinnati
Another former church that has been turned into a non-religious venue that I just seriously love. This venue is also located in the heart of Cincinnati next to Washington Park, but it’s indoor (and much larger than the gazebo)! I adore so much about this venue… it has gorgeous architecture, the bridal suite is literally what dreams are made of (seriously check it out), and it’s honestly just really the perfect moody setting for your day.
The Benison
Hamilton, Ohio
Believe it or not.. this used to be a bank! They even kept the vault (pictured above) and let you use it as part of your reception, too. The Benison Wedding Venue is located in dowtown Hamilton. While it’s not located in downtown Cincinnati, it is worth the short drive. This venue is visually clean but boats tons of depth + charm as you enjoy the long windows with coffered ceilings.
The staff at the venue was so incredibly welcoming to not only guests but vendors as well. As a wedding vendor, we don’t always feel welcomed and being treated well really stood out to me. The venue itself is located in downtown Hamilton, right next to many beautiful backdrops literally a few seconds walk from the the venue!
Lytle Park Hotel
One of the latest venues to open here in Cincinnati, Lytle Park Hotel is an oasis right in the urban city. It features beautiful decor with an elevated level of glam and sophistication. I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings here several times now, and am always blown away by the how above and beyond they go for their couples! Check out their website here.
The Krohn Conservatory
Whether you’ve lived in Cincinnati your entire life or you’re just visiting, the Krohn conservatory feels like a little bit of magic to every person who enters. If you love being surrounded by nature this is an incredible option for your wedding day. They feature lush gardens, a waterfall, and seasonal butterflies!
The Marmalade Lily
A beautiful venue situation on a private lot with an orchard, flower fields, a pond, and more! This venue offers an indoor/outdoor setting that is elegant and whimsical.
Sample Space Venue
This new space just opened in the banks of downtown Cincinnati and is already such a community hit. They offer a ‘blank canvas’ to make creating the perfect vision for your day so simple. This venue offers an incredibly amount of natural light, open. space, and of course the perfect location for city backdrops right at your fingertips. This venue can seat up to 200 guests for a reception or be made nice and cozy for your own elopement or micro wedding! Be sure to check out their website for some beautiful photos of the venue.
Penthaus OTR
If you’re looking for a breath taking venue with a complete view of the city, look no further. Every single photo of this place is magical- it seems like no matter where you look, there’s just complete beauty surrounding it.
The Factory Events
1546 Knowlton St, Cincinnati, OH 45223
I really love the Factory Events for so many reasons that could honestly be their own blog post entirely. The owner Sara and event manager Christina make this place the perfect urban oasis and truly care for their couples! Much like others above, it is so unique in character! They offer a bar, ample reception + ceremony space with indoor AND outdoor options (a major win in Cincinnati). Plus, they’re located perfectly in the heart of Northside for tons of beautiful wedding photos.
Outdoor/Nature Cincinnati Wedding Venues
East Fork Lake
Batavia, Ohio
I’ll be honest… I fell in love with this shoot! The beach at East Fork Lake is seriously such a cool spot! it’s like being on a real beach, except you didn’t have to fly to across the country for this one. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere new, or maybe to a place thats special to just you both. The right vendors will be so excited to help make your day and vision come to life. We had this amazing arbor custom made. Thankfully you can rent one from pretty much anywhere (or make one yourself!)
Historic White Oak Farm
2707 S Waynesville Rd, Morrow, OH 45152
This beautiful venue located in Morrow, Ohio is a great outdoor option for your wedding! Each season at this working farm has something memorable. In the spring, the budding blossoms of their apple trees and flowers make for colorful photos. On a beautiful summer day by their lake you can enjoy the forests & fields. In the fall leaves leaving orange and yellow paint a picturesque background for your love story.
Mojave East
7202 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45244
They brought a little bit of the California desert (and charm) to Cincinnati! There is so much thought put into every aspect of this venue. The venue really make sure that your event is everything you want it to be and more! They have both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, an a-list of vendors to work with, and the lighting in this space is magical. As of writing this article I haven’t photographed a wedding here, but I dream to.
Washington Park Gazebo
Over the Rhine, Cincinnati
Washington park hosts a number of intimate Cincinnati weddings under the gazebo at Washington Park year-round! I think. Taking a popular public space and having a little ceremony there is a unique way to spin a place you love into a meaningful part of your day. I believe they had roughly 15 guests there, so you could make it just you and your partner or invite your close family, too! They filled the ceremony with some live music, which I am always an advocate for incorporating into your day to help add a bit of magic to it all.
Once they said their I do’s and sealed it with a kiss, we had an amazing area to take super cute wedding photos at all around us. They went to Taft Ale House afterwards, to celebrate with more family and friends. I thought it was the perfect way to spend your wedding day!
Ault Park
Ault Park is a very versatile and beautiful place to host your special day! They feature two newly renovated rose gardens along with a pavilion available to rent as well. This Cincinnati landmark has ample photo opportunities; from the blooming gardens (hello spring cherry blossoms!) to the multiple city overlooks, you’ll be sure to have an absolutely stunning day here.
The Cincinnati Nature Center – Krippendorf Lodge
Indie Hollow
I made this list to help get the Cincinnati wedding ideas rolling for you. I’ve seen so many people do so many different things, and they’re all perfect for them. Rhinegeist, an elopement at Eden Park, a patch of grass in the middle of Mt. Airy forest, an art museum.. you name it! I hope that this list helped you think of some cool ideas for your own special day.
Are you looking for a photographer who not only wants to give you beautiful photos to last a lifetime, but cares deeply about your day? I’d be super happy to chat with you: Contact me here 😉
Thank you so much for sharing, Rebecca! These spots are absolutely gorgeous.
Hello, my fiancé and and I are looking at venues and wondering what pricing is for your locations, and if you had any wedding packages. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you
Hi Delia! Thank you so much for your kind words. We’d love to be considered as your photographers: our wedding pricing begins at $2,200 with our average investment being $3200. Feel free to submit your information to our contact form if you’d like to see our wedding brochure!
These are so lovely! I also recommend The Sanctuary! Sanctuary1847.Org
It is a historic former church building and all the events help support the community through the nonprofit, Community Matters.