There are many, many great wedding venues in the Cincinnati area and I love being the wedding officiant at many of them. Having a lot of options is a good thing because they can accommodate everyone’s taste and budget. Here are some questions to ask when choosing your wedding venues.
1. Ask them what their service charges are
Some wedding venues have a service charge that is 20-30%. That is on top of the gratuity, server fees and taxes. That means if the venues “list price” is $5000 they could have a $1500 “service fee”.
Venues may base this on the day of the event, guest count or other factors. Ask them what service charges or fees they have, how it is calculated and make sure it is all written in the contract.
2. Ask your wedding venue what is included on your wedding day
Some venues include dinnerware while others do not or charge extra for it. Some may include set up and break down while others do not. Ask what is included for the rental fee they charge.
3. Ask if you can light candles or have open flames
Some venues may not allow open flames for insurance reasons. If it is important that you have candles at your wedding make sure you ask and make sure it is your contract.
4. Ask how much set up time will you have
On wedding day you have a LOT to do. Knowing what time you can get started helps you plan what time of day to arrive. Planning your day of schedule also helps a lot with hair, makeup and dressing times.
5. Ask how late you can be there on your wedding day
Since covid many places close earlier than they used to. I have officiated weddings at Cincinnati venues that closed at 9 or 10pm. A venue may also require breakdown and clean up start at a specific time. Ask any venues you are considering and make sure it is written in the contrat.
6. Ask about parking at their event center
There are a few wedding venues near downtown Cincinnati where I love to be the marriage celebrant but have HORRIBLE parking issues. Ask how many vehicles they have parking for to make sure you have enough room.
It should be at least half your guest count. For example, if you are having 100 guests, there should be parking for at least 50 cars. Some wedding venues have multiple event spaces so ask them if the parking is guaranteed or shared with others.
7. Ask them if you can bring your own caterer
Many vendors require you use their catering or someone from their list of “approved” vendors. While there are some valid reasons for that, many venues do that so they can inflate those prices or receive kickbacks.
8. Ask if they have a full operational kitchen
Some venues claim to have a kitchen but it is really only for reheating food prepared elsewhere. Ask your caterer if they are familiar with the venue you are planning to use and if their facilities are adequate.
9. Ask if you will need to do any cleanup
I know of one event center that shares a bridal suite among many events during the day. They give the bridal party a two hour window and require the bridal party to clean it before the next group comes in. There are many event centers that require the wedding party to take down decorations or clean up any custom items before leaving. Ask if the event center you are considering requires any clean up. Make sure you get the answer in writing.
10. Look at the bathroom situation
I have officiated weddings at venues that only had two bathrooms for huge spaces. I officiated a wedding in an older building where the only bathroom was up some very steep stairs on the second floor. Often venues with multiple event spaces make guests from multiple weddings share one set of bathrooms. I have officiated wedding ceremonies at “rustic” venues that used port-a-potties.
This is probably the most underrated one on the list. Consider the bathroom availability to avoid having long lines at your reception.
We hope that helps you pick the event space for the wedding of your dreams. Click here to see some of the partners we recommend and love working with.