Photo via Jesse & Nelli Photography

If you're looking to host a classic, elegant wedding, there are some BEAUTIFUL venues in the Northeast Ohio area that can provide the perfect backdrop. One thing to keep in mind is that space may be limited, but I love the idea of a small, intimate wedding with just your closest family and friends. Here are two affordable options:

1. Henn Mansion, Euclid.

This place is absolutely stunning, and the rental fee is so reasonable that it should definitely be one of your top contenders if you're considering an estate wedding.

It is a beautiful English Tudor manor, complete with leaded glass windows and ornate fireplaces. The Henn Mansion is located on 30 acres along the shore of Lake Erie, and if that isn't enough to convince you of how awesome this space is, you HAVE to check out these otherworldly gorgeous photos via Jesse & Nelli Photography/ Finest Moments Photography:

Photo via Jesse & Nelli Photography

Photo via Jesse & Nelli Photography

Photo via Jesse & Nelli Photography

Photo via Jesse & Nelli Photography

Check out more stunning images from this wedding here.

Outdoor wedding setup at Wingfoot Lake State Park, photo via Julina Marie Photography

Luckily for us, we live in a part of Ohio where National, State and County parks abound. Most parks have pavilions or shelters, and while some are nicer than others, they are ALL able to be transformed with decorating. Click the title links below to take you to each venue's website for rental information.

Summit County Metro Parks

Hi everyone!

It's been a long time (7 months! wow). Something about being pregnant and having a baby takes a lot out of you ;)

Getting back into the swing of things today with a post about my current *favorite* trend- lush weddings in raw spaces. There's something about the mix of old & new, soft & hard that makes factory weddings or weddings in "rough" spaces so goshdarnbeautiful. I've always been fascinated by old, decaying buildings, and I think that's why I love the idea of hosting a gilded event in an airy old space with lots of brick and windows. Love it.

Inspiration from around the inter-web:


OHIO BRIDES: you're in luck. There are a couple of cool venues in the area to help you with this look. As always, contact the venues for the most up to date information and pricing!

 The Lake Erie Building (also known as the Screw Factory), Lakewood, OH

This space is so cool. Raw, industrial, urban. Lots of windows, tall ceilings and just such a cool space.



Check out more pictures here of a beautiful wedding shot by Shutterhead Studios.

3. 78th Street Studios, Cleveland

A lot of cool spaces to host private events small to big. Rates vary by studio chosen: SmARTspace at 78th is probably the biggest (dinner seating is 250). Rates are listed on the website. A true DIY space, perfect for the creative Bride.


4. The Wooltex Gallery, Cleveland

A super cool space- lots of brick and big windows.

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again about a hundred more times, but the real reason I continue to have readers on this blog is because you Ohio Brides out there love your country weddings. Us Midwestern girls just love the thought of throwing on cowgirl boots and glamming up an old barn.

I've been passing this adorable little brick building on my way home from outings for months now, and even though there is a giant sign on the side that says "Available for rent," I've never bothered to stop or call. Shame on me: I'm a bad blogger.

Image via the City of Westerville

I found a gem of a venue. It's a gem because not only is it a BEAUTIFUL facility, it is also fairly inexpensive to rent. And we all know how much I love saving money.

Dakota and I took a walk in Smithville the other day and came upon this church: It's the Smithville Historic Church of God, and it was built in 1867. Isn't it beautiful? I tried to go inside but it wasn't open.

You can get married here for $200. The chapel holds about 100 people.

This got me thinking about other historic churches in Ohio, which led me to try and do a search... They are HARD to find information about! I think that it is hard enough (if you don't already have a home church) to find a church to have your wedding at, but if you're looking for a historic church, it can be almost impossible to find a site with complete information.

Here are some resources I found to be helpful:

1. Remarkable Ohio: Lists all of the historic markers in Ohio. You can browse by keyword (churches, obviously), or by city or county (or any other number of things).

2. Cleveland Area history blog: Has posts related to historic churches to give you an idea of different ones in the area. Has a lot of great information about history, too.

3. Flickr: Flickr is a great place to search for images, since a lot of local people are uploading pictures of local places. Some photographers are more specific than others (they actually list the name of the place they took the picture). This can help you find pretty churches which can aid in your own search. I did a search for "small churches" and then searched for Ohio in that group. Lots of great stuff.

4. Sacred Landmarks: Has a pretty nice list, by county, of historic churches in Northeast Ohio.

5. And of course, one of the best places to look is on the blogs and websites of local photographers. Many of them have very organized sites, which can be helpful in finding cool venues or photo spots...

I want to open a wedding venue, but until that dream can become a reality, I have to just search google for swoonworthy venues and drool over commercial real estate listings.
I thought today I would include you in on the fun.
There is something wonderful about old buildings (I have a special place in my heart for historic structures) and I have a particular fondness for old schools (Michael and I had our reception in a historic school). I guess I've always been a school-loving nerd :)
Here are some wonderful converted schools that make for truly unique and fun wedding venues:
Old Bedford School, Texas: est. 1915
Wedding at The Old Bedford School. Image via Inspiring Brides Blog
Wedding at the Old Bedford School. Image via Inspiring Brides Blog
Ceremony in the auditorium (!!! so cute!!!) at the Old Bedford School. Image via Live Laugh Photograph.
The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Toronto: est. 1848
Exterior of the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse. Image via Sash and Satin. Wedding at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (with amazingly cute details). Image via Silverlight Photography
The Old Albion Schoolhouse, California: est. 1924. The cool thing about this venue is that it was actually converted into a home by legendary record producer Bill Bottrell. It is now a venue and hotel.
Old Albion School. Image via Home Away. Interior at Old Albion Schoolhouse. Image via Schoolhouse Properties blog.
The Hollywood Schoolhouse, Washington: est. 1912. Beautiful brick on the outside with a stunning inside event space. Hollywood Schoolhouse Exterior. Image via the Hollywood Schoolhouse.
Hollywood Schoolhouse Interiors. Image via the Hollywood Schoolhouse.
And I couldn't do a post on Schoolhouse venues without including one of my favorites...
The Boston Township Hall, Peninsula Ohio: est. 1887
The Boston Township Hall, Ohio. (Where we had our reception). Image via Remarkable Ohio.

What do you think about schoolhouse venues?? Would you get married in one?

the Piggery at Anna Dean Farm, photo via Rachel Kunzen Photography

There are a myriad of barns available for rent for weddings in Northeast Ohio (and central Ohio, and probably all over Ohio), but while I was doing research, I stumbled upon some barns that have recently opened/are under renovations to open soon that are stunning. These barns are all unique and have a really high level of flexibility when it comes to rental terms, all for a reasonable price point!

The Historic O.C. Barber Anna Dean Farm

A historic 102 year old brick and mortar barn located on 6 acres in Barberton. Beautiful and historic, it is definitely a unique, blank canvas space for the DIY bride. Rental fee includes two days and the ability to use your own caterer.

Image via Kalyn Mann Photography

Image via J Tate Design

248 Robinson Ave.
Barberton, OH
email: annadeanevents@gmail.com

Case-Barlow Farm:
A farmhouse and barn in Hudson Ohio on 4 acres surrounded by a 60 acre park.
Used to be a stop on the Underground Railroad (awesome).

Unfortunately, as of Summer 2014, the barn itself is under renovation and is not available for rental. However, the grounds, wagon shed and farmhouse are available. Contact them for pricing. The farmhouse holds 50 people, but I've been told that with creative planning it could hold more.What a perfect venue for a shower or rehearsal dinner! 

1931 Barlow Rd.
Hudson, Ohio
tel:330-650-0591
Casebarlow@aol.com 

Heritage Barn
A lodge owned and operated by the Parks and Recreation system in Stow. Has a beautiful, windowed interior and sits on a lake. Holds 200 people, tables and chairs included. $500.00 non-resident rental (!!!!)

Here is a shot from a really cute wedding via Stephanie Brann photography, love the outside dancing concept!!:

Image via Stephanie Brann Photography

Head over to Stephanie's blog for other beautiful photos.

5238 Young Rd
Stow, OH
Rental Information

The Lodge at Allardale
Guys. This place is RIDICULOUSLY awesome. It's a 4,800 square foot facility designed to look like a farm building, and is located smack dab in the middle of a beautiful park. It is small (only holds about 100), but what a perfect excuse to cut down that guest list, save money on your rental, and really treat your nearest and dearest?? There is also a small room apart from the rental space that could be used for a bridal suite. And a fire ring outside. And a kitchen. Awesome.

Image via Allard Ward Architects

Check out these beaaauuuutifuuuul images via Addison Jones Photography (click the link to see more on her blog):

Image via Addison Jones Photography

Image via Addison Jones Photography

141 Remsen Road
Medina, OH
Rental Information

Gish Barn

A beautiful, historic barn (circa 1820s) in Rittman. Surrounded by oak groves and gardens with a beautiful traditionally rustic interior.

This place is so gorgeous that it's hard to pick which images to share, but this ADORABLE wedding shot by Nathan & Amanda Photography is a great place to start. Seriously, look at how beautiful these pictures are:

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

Image via Nathan & Amanda Photography

The Gish Barn
530 Gish Rd


Again, this is only a minuscule sampling of the available barn venues in Ohio. However, because of the popularity of other venues, you may have a better chance of securing a date for your event if you use a venue a little less heard of!