There are so many amazing wedding venues in Cincinnati, it can become overwhelming to choose! One thing I get asked the most about from friends and my couples alike, is about which wedding venues in Cincinnati I like the most.

Okay, let’s be real. It’s impossible to chose a FAVORITE. Where some venues might excel in service, others might win out in how the lighting photographs.

So, I’ve decided to make a list of my top wedding venues in Cincinnati!

These are the venues that I do a little Napoleon Dynamite “YESSS” when I see them in my couple’s inquiry. They are the venues that I know I’m going to get gorgeous shots from, and the ones I think are going to treat my couples right!

I did learn something from making this list. I’m totally drawn to wedding venues that have a bright, clean feel. Many of these have an estate-type feel. Most have options for getting ready, ceremony, and reception spaces all in the same venue. while maintaining a look of individuality for each. This makes things simple on your guests without looking like you got married on your dance floor!

So without further ado, I give you – my version of the best wedding venues in Cincinnati…in no particular order!

The Monastery Event Center

For a while there, I joked that I was just going to move into The Monastery. I am there a lot and let me tell you, I am NEVER disappointed with it. From The Monastery’s gorgeous windows, exposed brick, and to its unique blend of old and new style, the aesthetics are just part of the equation that makes this venue one of Cincinnati’s best. What really tops the bill is the service. Their food is delicious, and I have seen their team go above and beyond for our couples each time I am there. 10/10 would recommend – That is why they book almost two years in advance!

Greenacres Art Center

Nestled into the Indian Hills neighborhood, Greenacres Art Center is a magical wedding venue. Truthfully, it is the best wedding venue in Cincinnati from a photography perspective. From its breathtaking gardens, to the manor house, it’s like this venue was set up for getting gorgeous images. It’s prestigious, elegant, and sophisticated. It’s definitely a venue that gets published in wedding blogs and magazines OFTEN because of how well it is set up! Greenacres is fairly exclusive and only commits to a handful of weddings per year, so get to it early.

Ault Park

You might sense a theme throughout this list of my favorites. I love shooting in parks and anywhere with gorgeous light. Some of my favorite weddings ever have taken place at the Ault Park Pavilion. Most recently, Anna and Vinny’s wedding which was published in Kentucky Bride Magazine! Premier Park Events runs the parks in Cincinnati, and they do an amazing job of helping my couples make their wedding vision come true! This is another one that books up FAST! Ault is known for it’s gardens, and the stone pavilion that exudes a regal feel. That is why so many people choose it as their picture location even if their wedding venue is somewhere else.

To see more from an Ault Park Wedding, click here

Cincinnati Art Museum

You aren’t going to see me list a ton of ballrooms on here, but the Cincinnati Art Museum is worth the exception. This venue is so breathtaking that it doesn’t bother me that it’s a touch on the dark side in regards to natural light. There is a stunning courtyard that can be used for an outdoor ceremony site and it is GOALS. The Cincinnati Art Museum does in house catering, and it’s food fit for a king. In the ballroom, there are two epic spiral staircases that serve as a focal point for the room. Fun fact, I fell down them and made a scene when I was pregnant and had a broken leg. Ask me about it sometime 😉

Music Hall

Is there anything more iconically Cincinnati than Music Hall? It’s in the heart of downtown and sits in front of Washington Park. The nice thing about this venue is that there are so many different room options to choose from. I personally ADORE the look of the Music Hall Lobby – with it’s white pilars and black and white checkered floor. The Ballroom has the unique rounded ceiling and plenty of space for all of your friends and family.

French Park

Okay, you caught me. I haven’t actually shot here….yet. BUT, I will make it happen! French Park has that classic estate feel that I just love shooting. This year, they added a SPERRY-type TENT to their property! Cue the heart eyes! If you don’t know what a Sperry Tent is, go goole it. It’s all I ever want to shoot. With a gorgeous getting ready space for the bride to put on her dress, to the fact that there is plenty of outdoor space to plan your perfect day, count me in for a French Park Wedding.

Cooper Creek

I bet you can guess that it has a beautiful space for an outdoor ceremony, right? It does. Cooper Creek has a special place in my heart because we were featured on Style Me Pretty with the last wedding we shot there! With big windows, and neutral colored walls, this venue can be a blank slate for whatever dreams you and your planner can dream up!
To see more from this Cooper Creek Wedding, click here

Cincinnati Country Club

This one is tricky, because I’m fairly certain you or someone in your family has to be a member at the Cincinnati Country Club to host a wedding there. None the less, the wall of windows, the white walls, and the intimate feel make this venue a treat to shoot. It feels so bright and happy. It’s another instance of a venue that really can be whatever you want to make it! Their catering is in house, and delicious. Their team is always so pleasant, so that’s a winning combination for me!
To see more from this Cincinnati Country Club wedding, click here

The Renaissance

I shoot a fair amount at The Renaissance in Downtown Cincinnati! The convenience of having your wedding reception at a hotel ballroom is enticing to many! If that is the route you are considering, The Renaissance is your answer. The ballroom has so much character, and the ceiling is one of a kind. The hotel rooms are bright, with big windows and a clean design – perfect for getting ready pictures. Definitely worth a look!

Alms Park

Rounding out the list of the Cincinnati parks, Alms is known for a pavilion as well! Alms is smaller than Ault, but with a ceremony view that overlooks the river. It would be perfect for a more intimate elopement style wedding, like this one. Alms is in Columbia Tusculum Area, making it a great option, as it’s close to many things!
To view more of an Alms Park Wedding, click here

The Taft Museum of Art

The Taft is centrally located with a few great hotels within walking distance – which your guests are sure to love. The front of the building is iconic, and makes getting gorgeous pictures as easy as walking to the front of the building. There is a small courtyard that is great for pictures as well. The reception would be a tented one, which can be gorgeous with the right wedding designer!

Peterloon

This venue really is a hidden treasure. I didn’t even know Peterloon existed until a year or so ago! I heard a photographer friend talking about it and fell in love with it! It brings a European charm with it’s Georgian style home. With gardens, courtyards, it’s a truly beautiful estate. Another wedding venue where you can do everything onsite, making the wedding day significantly less stressful!

Krippendorf Lodge

In the Cincinnati Nature Center, there is a quaint little lodge that does a beautiful job with weddings. Perfect for a nature-loving couple who wants an organic feeling to their day. The Cincinnati nature center also has a lake nearby which makes for a beautiful scenery for pictures.

To view more from a wedding at Krippendorf Lodge, click here

Pinecroft at Crosley Estate

The fact that I have listed The Pinecroft at Crosley Estate is just further proof that I am obsessed with the estate style venue. I really love venues that have the right space for everything to take place right on the grounds: From getting ready, to the ceremony, and into the reception. If you are planning any type of wedding venue that requires a tent, it’s really important to hire an event designer that can help you bring your vision to life!

Hotel Covington

This is one of the newer, hottest venues in the Cincinnati area. Hotel Covington is technically in Kentucky, but its central location and boutique flair make it a very popular location. Most popular is probably the court yard. The exposed brick, bistro lights, and the convenience of having a hotel attached seem to be a huge draw as well! They do have a ballroom in the basement as well, if that is more your speed!

Drees Pavilion

When you start searching for the top venues in Cincinnati, it’s not surprising that Drees Pavilion will pop up on most lists. It’s got a view like no other, and is a popular picture location for couples that aren’t even having their wedding there. For couples wanting their wedding reception to have a view of the Cincinnati Skyline, Drees Pavilion is the answer. It’s a classic ballroom, with a huge wall of windows and set in Kentucky’s Devou Park. Although I personally wish they would update the green walls with something a bit more clean, the venue is gorgeous and definitely one to talk about!

Kenwood Country Club

Another venue where I’ve seen amazing service. It seems like the staff there is willing to do anything and everything to make their couples happy. The main ballroom is a bit sectioned off, but definitely not a deal breaker – especially if you want an elevated, elegant experience for your guests!

Dayton Art Institute

Okay, I know I’m cheating with this one, but I just adore the fine art look of the Dayton Art Institute as a wedding venue. It’s very regal and that stone staircase is a dream for photos! It’s not too far from Cincinnati either!

You also might want to check out these great wedding venues in Cincinnati!

Rhinegeist Brewery
The Inn at Oneonta
Anderson Pavilion
The Contemporary Arts Center
Fort Thomas Mess Hall
The Cincinnati Club
Lytle Park Hotel

What did you think of this list of the top wedding venues in Cincinnati?

Agree? Disagree? Did I miss an amazing venue? Let me know in the comments your top picks for the best wedding venues in Cincinnati!