10 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Dayton, Ohio

HISTORIC BARNS, INDUSTRIAL LOFTS, AND MYSTICAL FORESTS, OH MY!

So, you’re getting married around Dayton, Ohio and you’re looking for a wedding venue! Someplace that reflects your vision, makes you comfortable, and matches the idea you have for your photos for years to come. There’s good news: Dayton has no shortage of beautiful weddings for every kind of wedding, no matter your budget, vision, and kind of celebration. Each of these venues caters to multiple kinds of weddings including cultural, intimate, after-parties, and more. I’m excited for your wedding journey and I’m here for you the whole way. Happy planning!

THE STEAM PLANT

This former steam plant closed it’s doors in the 80’s after eight decades and underwent a lengthy renovation, and I’m so glad of it! It’s become one of Dayton’s most sought-after venues. Its industrial vibes give way to arched windows, lots of natural light, and a ton of individual and unique spaces in one venue. Included are a VIP room and locker room for getting the wedding party ready, the grand hall, the “boiler room” (a lower level perfect for cocktail hour), outdoor terrace, gardens, and a patio. You’ll need to pick a required caterer from their list as well as bring in your own alcohol. Depending on where your event takes place will limit the number of people allowed, so reach out to them for specific concerns. Reach out to The Steam Plant here!

THE BRIGHTSIDE MUSIC & EVENT CENTER

The Brightside Music & Event Center used to a coal depot for the city of Dayton but was renovated into this super cool and modern space that’s perfect for your wedding! It has a stage that’s great for the DJ or your head table, a state-of-the-art sound system, dimmable lighting, and included tables and chairs. It also has a chalk wall (can you say super cool custom wedding art?!), a bar area, patio, and lots of downtown charm. It fits 230 people if you’re having dinner. Reach out to The Brightside here!

THE NATIONAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM

The National Air Force Museum is seriously SO COOL. I went for the first time as a kid and I’ve loved going back every single time. There’s truly no comparison when it comes to having your wedding surrounded by historical aircraft and USAF memorabilia. Because it’s a federally-operated building, they reserve the right to restrict events and what happens in them. Reach out to them specifically to ask if you could have your event here. They’re more likely suited to something non-traditional, but there’s no harm in asking! Reach out to The National Air Force Museum here!

THE LIFT

The lift is a 120-year old building in the heart of the Huffman District, just outside Downtown Dayton. It’s a brand-new venue, only opened in 2021! With it’s black and white interior (and exterior, for that matter), it truly is the perfect blank canvas for whatever you’re envisioning. This would be a great option for a wedding with a lot of color, a wedding that’s on the smaller side, or reception after you elope. I love a space that lets YOU do all the talking and The Lift certainly delivers! It’s modern without being overwhelming and really stands back to let your details take center stage. Reach out to The Lift here!

DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

This venue is so special! There’s nothing like being surrounded by world-class art while you say your vows and celebrate your marriage. There’s a ton of areas within the museum to have your ceremony and reception including the rotunda, the great hall, the Hale Cloisters, and the Shaw Gothic Cloisters. Indoor, outdoor, light, moody — there’s endless possibilities here. The caveat here is that you have to be a Dayton Art Institute member to host an event here. It can host 300 people in some of its areas, so it’s great for larger events (and little ones, too!). Reach out to The Dayton Art Institute here!

GRANDE HALL AT LIBERTY TOWER

Liberty Tower was built in 1930, rennovations started in 1990, and they haven’t stopped since! When you rent the Grande Hall, you’ll also have access to The Mezzanine, dressing suites, the bank vault, and a few others. There’s no shortage of photo opportunities here! Tables and chairs are included, you pick the menu from Elite Catering and Events, and get ready to host anything from an intimate gathering to a massive party — The Grande Hall can accommodate up to 300 people! Reach out to the Grande Hall at Liberty Tower here!

THE BICENTENNIAL BARN

The Bicentennial Barn is a historic Ohio barn, the likes of which you probably recognize from calendars and nature shots of our beautiful state. The owner renovated it from a usable farm barn into an event venue and it’s absolutely stunning. There’s no required vendors here so if you have your heart set on a certain caterer or DJ, this may be the place for you! The venue comes with getting ready rooms with full baths, and tables and chairs are included. Good news for military service members and veterans — you get a discount for booking! Reach out to the Bicentennial Barn here!

POLEN FARM

The Polen Farm is such a beauty! Located on 15 acres in Kettering, the farm has a 19th-century restored farmhouse, a renovated barn, beautiful gardens, a gazebo, and so much more. Bring in your own vendors here. The photos are going to be stunning! Plus, if you’re a resident of Kettering, you’ll get a discount for booking! Reach out to the Manor House Event Center here!

CEDAR SPRINGS PAVILION

Created by a conservationist in the hopes of preserving her land and the endangered species that reside there (including Monarch butterflies!), Cedar Springs Pavilion was born out of a dream of land protection. The owner is an event planner and knows exactly what couples want and what they were looking for, and so created that perfect space. At Cedar Springs, you have access to 17 acres of land preserve, a covered pavilion, the meadow at sunset, a gazebo on the water, and a covered veranda in addition to the main pavilion, as well as getting-ready rooms. This is another venue that’s perfect for either a small, intimate wedding or something large, as it can accommodate 250 people. Reach out to Cedar Springs Pavilion here!

CANYON RUN RANCH

There’s lots to love at Canyon Run Ranch — 153 acres of land in the Stillwater River Valley, a 170 year-old barn, an outdoor chapel in the woods, and a stone house with getting ready room and gardens… everything is here! You can have any vendor, tables and chairs are provided, there’s a cocktail hour space, and you’ll have access to the stone house before the weddings. This is the perfect venue for someone looking to center nature into their wedding. Reach out to Canyon Run Ranch here!