Small Wedding Venues Near Me in Ohio. What a joy it is to be engaged! The excitement of planning a wedding and envisioning your perfect day surrounded by friends and family is thrilling. However, the costs associated with weddings these days can be downright frightening. As an Ohio bride on a budget, I was determined to find charming wedding venues that wouldn’t break the bank. After an extensive search of small wedding venues near me, I found several hidden gems that offer a memorable setting for a rustic, intimate wedding at an affordable price. From historic barns to quaint gardens, Ohio has no shortage of stunning venues for a small rustic wedding. In this article, I’ll share details and photos of my top picks for budget-friendly small wedding venues in Ohio that provide a gorgeous backdrop for your special day.
What to Look for in Small Wedding Venues in Ohio
Finding a Dream Venue
As a bride planning her big day, finding the perfect venue is so important! When searching for small wedding venues near me in Ohio, here are a few things I looked for:
Affordability. Weddings can be pricey, so I focused on venues that wouldn’t break the bank. Some budget-friendly options in Ohio include barns, farms, cottages, and small event centers. Their rustic charm means lower costs and a casual, laid-back vibe.
Intimate setting. I wanted a cozy space for 50-150 guests. Smaller venues allow you to splurge on other details and really personalize your wedding. You’ll be able to give guests your full attention too!
Stunning scenery. Ohio’s natural beauty is amazing, so an outdoor ceremony or reception was a must for me. Whether it’s rolling hills, lush forests, or lakeside views, a picturesque backdrop will make your photos pop and give guests an unforgettable experience.
All in one. I was looking for venues that offer both ceremony and reception space as well as other amenities like catering options, bar services, parking, and accommodations for out-of-towners. Full-service spots handle the logistics so you can focus on what really matters on your wedding day!
With the perfect intimate venue booked, I’m counting down the days until I walk down the aisle in my dream Ohio location. The search was so worth it to find a place that suited my style, budget, and vision for a fun, memorable celebration with my closest friends and family.
Top 5 Affordable Small Wedding Venues Near Me in Ohio
When I started planning my small Ohio wedding, I wanted an affordable venue that captured the natural beauty of the state. After visiting many stunning locations, here are my top 5 affordable small wedding venues near me in Ohio:
01. The Woodland Ridge Barn
This restored historic barn in the Hocking Hills region is rustic and charming. With beautiful gardens, a pond, and woodlands, the scenic property provides a perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony and reception. They keep costs low by offering a basic indoor/outdoor space for you to customize.
02. The Olde Schoolhouse
How adorable is this renovated 1800s schoolhouse? They preserved its historic character with original wood floors, chalkboards, and even an old bell! The all-inclusive venue provides tables, chairs, linens, catering, and bar options to suit your needs and budget. The nostalgic setting creates memories that will last forever.
03. The Homestead Wedding Barn
Located on a picturesque family farm, this huge red barn with a silo is ideal for a casual, country-chic wedding. They offer affordable rates that include the use of their barn, outdoor areas, and getting-ready suites. You can also add extras like string lighting, a bonfire, lawn games, or farm animal encounters for your guests!
04. The Hayloft
For a boho-barn vibe without the high price tag, The Hayloft is a dream come true. This rustic-chic barn venue, surrounded by meadows and woods, includes tables, chairs, lighting, and access to preferred caterers and bar services to personalize your celebration. They even have a “tiny house” for the newlyweds! The stunning scenery and outdoor areas make every wedding picture-perfect.
05. The Blue Barn at Pineview Farms
This bright red dairy barn on a working farm offers a picturesque, budget-friendly setting for your wedding day. The venue rental includes the barn, getting ready area, patio, and gardens where you can have an outdoor ceremony. They provide a list of caterers and bar services with affordable options to suit your needs. The charming countryside location also makes for gorgeous photos you’ll cherish forever!
Most Rustic and Charming Small Wedding Venues in Ohio
One of my favorite rustic wedding venues in Ohio is The Barn at Prairie Wolf in Chillicothe. This restored historic barn from the 1800s oozes country charm with its weathered wood beams and stone fireplace. The open floor plan is perfect for an intimate wedding of up to 100 guests. There’s an outdoor space too, ideal for a ceremony surrounded by nature before heading into the barn for the reception.
Another great option is the Red Maple Inn in Burton. This bed and breakfast has been hosting small weddings for over 20 years. Couples can exchange vows under a canopy of maple trees on the sprawling lawn or inside the historic barn. Accommodations in the inn are perfect for getting ready on your wedding day or enjoying a relaxing minimoon. Their all-inclusive wedding packages take the stress out of planning and ensure your big day runs smoothly from start to finish.
If a vineyard wedding is more your style, check out Firelands Winery in Geneva-on-the-Lake. This winery has scenic views of grapevines, a lake, and rolling hills. Have your ceremony on their outdoor patio or inside their event hall, which was once an antique barn. Toast with award-winning wines and catering options include barbecue fare, Tuscan specialties, or upscale plated dinners. An on-site cottage is available for rent to complete your wine country wedding weekend.
With stunning rustic barns, historic inns, vineyards, and outdoor spaces amid natural surroundings, Ohio has no shortage of charming small wedding venues. Finding an intimate, affordable setting for your big day may be easier than you think. These are just a few of the hidden gems I’ve discovered in my wedding planning adventures in the Buckeye State. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to help in any way I can.
Stunning Small Wedding Venues With Beautiful Scenery in Ohio
If you’re looking for small wedding venues in Ohio with stunning scenery, look no further! There are so many gorgeous options in the Buckeye State.
The Barn at Pine Acres
This charming barn venue in Chagrin Falls, Ohio is perfect for an intimate rustic wedding. Surrounded by towering pine trees, the barn features beautiful wood floors, wooden beams, and a stone fireplace. They only host one wedding per weekend, so you’ll have the place all to yourself! The large wrap-around deck is ideal for cocktails with loved ones against a backdrop of nature.
The Venue at Crooked River
Nestled within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this stunning venue in Peninsula, Ohio offers panoramic views of river gorges, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. The indoor space features an open floor plan with wood accents and large windows to let in lots of natural light. They also have a covered open-air pavilion and landscaped grounds along the river. It’s a secluded paradise only 30 minutes from Akron and Cleveland.
The Wilderness Center
This non-profit nature center in Wilmot, Ohio is a hidden gem for an eco-friendly wedding. Six indoor rooms with wood floors and cathedral ceilings are available to host your reception. But the real showstopper is the surrounding area – wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and a waterfall! Have your ceremony on a wooden bridge over a stream or under a flower-filled arbor. The Wilderness Center is ideal for couples who want to get married surrounded by Ohio’s natural beauty.
With stunning scenery like rivers, waterfalls, forests, and meadows, these small wedding venues in Ohio offer a gorgeous backdrop for your big day. Say “I do” in a charming barn, under an open-air pavilion, or on a wooden footbridge deep in nature. Your guests will love celebrating in such a picturesque setting – and the photos will be amazing! Start planning your rustic dream wedding at one of these stunning small venues.
How to Save on Your Small Wedding Venue in Ohio
When planning my small wedding in Ohio, saving money was a top priority! Here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping costs down on your venue.
Negotiate the venue rental fee
Don’t be afraid to ask if the venue offers any discounts for off-season or weekday weddings. I was able to get 10% off my venue’s fees for hosting my wedding on a Friday instead of a Saturday. They may also offer multi-year discounts if you book far in advance. It never hurts to ask!
Provide your own catering
Many venues allow you to bring in your own caterer instead of using their in-house catering service. Shop around at different caterers to find one in your budget. You’ll likely save at least 30-50% off venue catering fees. Some venues may charge a small fee for allowing outside caterers, but it’s usually minimal.
Keep the guest list small
The fewer guests you have, the less space you’ll need which means lower venue fees. For a truly budget-friendly wedding, keep your guest list under 75 people. Smaller weddings are also more intimate and meaningful. Your guests will surely appreciate being part of such a special day!
Consider a public park
Many public parks offer beautiful outdoor settings for weddings at little or no cost. Check with your local parks department to inquire about any permits needed and availability of picnic shelters or event spaces. State parks are also a great option with scenic natural backdrops. You may need to provide restrooms or rent porta-potties, but the savings on the venue itself make it worthwhile.
Ask about extras and add-ons
Be sure to ask your venue about any additional fees for things like chairs, tables, linens, lighting, parking, cake cutting, sound equipment, etc. You may be able to save by providing some of these items yourself or keeping things simple. The fewer extras, the lower your final bill will be.
By following these budget-friendly tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding an affordable small wedding venue in Ohio. Keep looking – there are stunning and rustic options out there that won’t break the bank! Your dream wedding awaits.
Conclusion
After exploring some of these charming small wedding venues, I’m more excited than ever to plan my big day. There are so many stunning, rustic options right in my own backyard that won’t break the bank. Now the only problem is choosing between them! Whether you envision exchanging vows in a historic barn, an elegant estate house, or surrounded by nature at a scenic farm, Ohio has it all. These intimate venues allow you to craft a personalized experience and really make the day your own. For a wedding that’s memorable, meaningful, and perfectly suited to you as a couple, choose a small wedding venue and invite your nearest and dearest to celebrate your new beginning. The difficult part will be leaving at the end of the night! A new adventure awaits.
Thank you so much dear. You save my life🥺