Yes, Cleveland is a Destination Wedding Location!

march 13, 2023 | written by marissa lee

When it comes to wedding venues, Cleveland offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other cities. From the gorgeous outdoors and skyline views to popular landmarks and unique venues, Cleveland offers a little bit of everything. Whether you are looking for an intimate gathering or a large space to accommodate all of your guests, you are looking at the right city for your special day.

Here are the top 5 reasons to have a Cleveland wedding:

Cleveland has a great food scene.

If you are looking for delicious food for you and your guests, you will find it in Cleveland. We are home to world-renowned chefs including Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit, Jill Vedaa from Salt+, Zack Bruell, and Michael Symon. From European, Latin, and American cuisines to the rise in vegetarian and vegan options, there is something for everyone to enjoy at your wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner.

Some of the top-rated restaurants in Cleveland: Salt, Astoria Cafe & Market, Amba, Acqua di Luca, and Tremont’s own Fat Cats

Give your guests a unique experience by offering a Cleveland-based food truck for late-night bites.

Top Rated Food Trucks: Smash Time Food Truck, Thyme Traveler, PastaTivo, Jackpot Chicken Food Truck, and Fired Up Tacos

Rocco Whalen, Fahrenheit

Jill Vedaa, Salt+

Cleveland has small-city prices with big-city amenities.

If you’re looking for a city that fits within your budget and has amazing food and drinks, ample hotels, and beautiful scenery, Cleveland may be the perfect place for you. There are plenty of hotels located both downtown and in the surrounding areas to accommodate you and your guests. No matter the venue you choose, you’re never too far from unique bars perfect for your afterparty or restaurants offering a delightful brunch the next day.

Compared to the 2022 average cost of $11,200 in the U.S., Cleveland’s average wedding venue cost is $7,000, according to Wedding Rule. When nearly 40% of the overall budget is spent on the venue, it can be difficult to stick to your budget and enjoy the details you want to incorporate into your wedding. The average cost of a wedding is $30,000 whereas Cleveland’s average cost of a wedding is $22,026. Cleveland is able to provide everything you want for your wedding day within your budget.

Cleveland has many attractions. 

Cleveland is home to many popular attractions and has a lot of history. Some of the most notable are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Playhouse Square. Did you know Playhouse Square is the second-largest theatre district in the country? Be sure to stop by its famous chandelier for breathtaking views and traveling Broadway shows.

Because of all that Cleveland has to offer, it makes a great vacation spot for out-of-town guests. And for the guests that have time to spare during your rehearsal dinner and wedding-day preparations, it’s important to provide them with a list of exciting opportunities to make the most of their trip. When planning a destination wedding, it is important to make sure the location has plenty to do and see which is why Cleveland is the perfect place to host your big day.

The downtown Cleveland skyline is stunning. 

From national parks to sports stadiums to lakeside views, Cleveland has the perfect backdrops for your wedding photos. The best locations to see the sights of Cleveland include Tremont’s Lincoln Park, North Coast Harbor which sits on Lake Erie and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland script sign on Abbey Avenue, and Edgewater Park.

View the full list of great Cleveland views here: https://clevelandtraveler.com/cleveland-skyline-views/

There are amazing Cleveland-based wedding vendors. 

When planning your wedding, you’ll want to make sure that everything lives up to your vision, and working with the vendors of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio will make this day and process special and seamless. From photographers and planners to florists and caterers, Cleveland boasts award-winning event industry professionals.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a city to have your wedding, Cleveland has it all. From the amazing food and drinks to the stunning skyline, Cleveland has everything you need to complete your wedding day. Cleveland is the perfect destination for your wedding because of its historic charm, quality vendors, and stunning venues - including The Elliot. There is so much to do within Cleveland, abundant hotels to choose from, plenty of unique photo opportunities, and so much more to see for yourself.

We can’t wait to see you here in Cleveland!

the elliot

Formerly the Holy Ghost Church in Tremont's historic district, Cleveland’s newest wedding and event venue has been renovated to provide modern features while honoring its historic architecture. With two aesthetically distinct spaces, The Elliot is equipped to host up to 200 guests for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, making your wedding a unique and memorable experience.

One of Cleveland's oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods, Tremont is home to chef-owned and fine-dining restaurants, boutiques, and popular bars. Lincoln Park’s gazebo and the iconic Cleveland sign provide the perfect backdrops for engagement and wedding photos. Conveniently located blocks away from Cleveland's major highways, The Elliot is just a 5-minute drive to the many hotels downtown and a 15-minute drive to the airport.