Weddings At The Westin Columbus
Westin Columbus
The historic McKinley Ballroom features stained glass, marble floors, and soaring ceilings in downtown Columbus — up to 300 guests, one wedding at a time.
Westin Columbus Weddings
By DJ Rod of Buckeye Sounds | Columbus Wedding DJ & Founder of WedVenColumbus
The Westin Great Southern Columbus
310 South High Street
Columbus OH 43215
(614) 228-3800
👥 Up to 300 guests
💒 Ceremony on-site: Yes
🚗 Valet & garage parking
🚫 Outside caterers: Not permitted
🏨 189 hotel rooms available
Westin Columbus – Elegant Downtown Wedding Venue
A Historic Ballroom for Timeless Celebrations
If you’re dreaming of a luxurious downtown Columbus wedding, the Westin Great Southern Columbus offers one of the most breathtaking ballrooms in Central Ohio and maybe the entire state. Known as the McKinley Ballroom, this historic space blends timeless architecture with modern amenities for a truly unforgettable reception.
Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Westin is perfect for couples who want convenience, elegance, and a guest experience they’ll never forget.
Why Couples Love Weddings at the Westin Columbus
The McKinley Ballroom is a showstopper — stained glass windows, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, Carrera white marble floors, and soaring ceilings create an atmosphere that needs minimal extra décor. Natural light floods the room during the day, while soft evening lighting adds a romantic glow at night.
The ballroom can hold up to 300 guests for your reception. Today this classy and elegant ballroom is used to create absolutely magical wedding ceremonies and receptions for Central Ohio couples!
Its timeless decor features stunning original stained glass, lots of natural lighting, magnificent floor to ceiling mirrors and windows, and Carrera white marble floors.
Having your reception at a hotel offers many conveniences. After your incredible reception, the new couple can retire to your complimentary wedding night suite. Your family and wedding guests from out of town may also enjoy the advantage of preferred guest room rates for the evening.
If you are looking for a beautiful and elegant ballroom for your reception, you simply must visit the Westin Columbus. The staff at this venue is also among the best in Central Ohio.
Wedding Ceremonies At The Westin Columbus
Don’t think for a minute that you can only use this beautiful ballroom just for your reception! The Westin Downtown Columbus can provide everything that you need for your wedding day in-house. In addition to the ultimate reception, you will also have the option of having a beautiful ceremony in the Grand Ballroom or the more intimate Seneca Room.
So if you are considering having your reception and ceremony at the Westin, here is what typically happens.
The ceremony space will be in two-thirds of the ballroom. Your actual ceremony will occur at the front of the ballroom - ie the High Street side of the ballroom.
There is a large section of white draping that the bride and bridesmaids ‘hide behind’. Not only does this hide part of the room from view, but it also makes for a dramatic entrance.
Once the ceremony is completed, your guests will go out to the lobby for the cocktail hour. While this is happening, the staff will begin to change the ballroom over for your reception. During this time the wedding party is often getting pictures taken.
Your guests will then come back into the ballroom for the reception where you can be assured of having a wonderful time for your family and guests.
Picture-Perfect Moments At The Westin Columbus
Photographers (of course brides and grooms) love this venue for its architectural beauty and natural light. Some of the most striking shots include couples framed by stained glass, reflected in the ballroom’s mirrors, or enjoying quiet moments on the grand staircase.
More Insider Tips For Receptions At The Westin Columbus
So if you’re not too tired to hear this for the 100th time on this post, the ballroom is really beautiful. You typically don’t have to do too much extra decor in this ballroom, which is really nice bonus. Having said that, lets start off with some decor thoughts.
On the floral side, tall centerpieces work very well in this room with its very high ceilings.
We see a lot of soft pastel colors being used in the ballroom. But don’t be afraid of using a bolder and perhaps a bit darker color to make your reception stand apart.
If you are considering having decor lighting for your reception, the columns in the ballroom are the perfect focal point. This can really enhance the look of the ballroom.
Finally, here are some thoughts about the actual hotel from the point of view of you and your guests.
The actual hotel rooms are unique too. Most hotel rooms are all the same design - very basic. But the Westin is so unique that there is a wide difference in some of the rooms. Some of smaller and actually quite quaint. But others (especially the corner rooms) can be very large.
Another nice thing about this venue is that they usually only have one wedding happening at any given time. That means you can almost always be assured of having their full attention. For Saturday weddings, there are typically two time periods available. You can have the ballroom from noon - 5PM or from 7PM- Midnight. You can of course get the ballroom for the entire day.
Wedding Vendors DJ Rod Recommends For Your Columbus Wedding
After years of performing at the Westin Columbus, these are the wedding professionals I've seen deliver exceptional results:
📸 Photography Nicole Dixon Photographic — Warm, documentary-style wedding photography capturing real moments.
🎂 Wedding Cakes The Cake Studio — Custom wedding cakes built around your vision.
👔 Formalwear Romanoff's Classic Tuxedos — Columbus's go-to tuxedo shop for over 40 years.
Looking For A Wedding DJ At The Westin Columbus?
I've performed at hundreds of Columbus weddings including many right here at the Westin Columbus. See real wedding recaps and find out why couples trust Buckeye Sounds to keep their dance floor packed all night!
See real wedding receptions at the Westin Great Southern Columbus
Westin Great Southern Columbus Wedding FAQs
How many guests can Westin Great Southern Columbus accommodate for a wedding?
The Westin Great Southern Columbus accommodates up to 300 guests for a wedding reception in the McKinley Ballroom. The room includes a generous dance floor and can be configured for both ceremony and reception in the same space.
Can you have both a ceremony and reception at Westin Great Southern Columbus?
Yes. Both the ceremony and reception take place in the McKinley Ballroom. The ceremony is typically set up in two-thirds of the room, with guests moving to the lobby for cocktail hour while the staff resets the space for the reception..
Does Westin Great Southern Columbus allow outside caterers?
No. Catering is provided exclusively in-house by the Westin's culinary team. The hotel's catering staff is experienced at large events and handles everything from plated dinners to cocktail-style receptions.
What is parking like at Westin Great Southern Columbus for wedding guests?
The Westin offers valet parking for wedding guests. There is also a large public parking garage directly across the street making parking convenient even for larger weddings.
What makes Westin Great Southern Columbus unique compared to other Columbus wedding venues?
The McKinley Ballroom is in a category by itself among Central Ohio wedding venues. The combination of original stained glass windows, Carrera marble floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and soaring ceilings creates an atmosphere that requires minimal additional decoration — the room is simply that beautiful. Add in the downtown location, 189 hotel rooms for out-of-town guests, and a one-wedding-at-a-time policy, and the Westin delivers an experience few Columbus venues can match.
More Helpful Columbus Wedding Planning Advice
The articles below will help you plan the perfect Central Ohio wedding.
Also Consider These Downtown Columbus Hotel Venues
Looking at other Columbus hotel venues? These are worth a visit.
Ohio Statehouse
One of the most dramatic wedding venues in Ohio — the rotunda, grand staircases, and Greek Revival architecture of the State Capitol are yours for the day
Weddings At The
Ohio Statehouse
By DJ Rod of Buckeye Sounds | Columbus Wedding DJ & Founder of WedVenColumbus
If your dream wedding involves a venue with beautiful Greek Revival architecture located in the heart of downtown Columbus, you may want to consider the Ohio Statehouse.
The Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol SquareColumbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728 - 9770
Ohio Statehouse Website
Maximum Wedding Size
350 Guests
Ceremony Sites
Inside and outside
Parking
Underground garage
Outside Caterers
Yes
Ohio Statehouse Wedding Receptions
For over 100 years, couples were not able to host their wedding or reception at the Ohio Statehouse. It was not until May 2007 that couples were finally given this option. This historic venue is available on a first-come, first serve basis for couples wanting to get married.
Lets just hit the major highlights of this incredible venue. Start with an absolutely gorgeous venue, free downtown parking for your guests, hotel right across the street, beautiful room for bridal party to get ready in, and great locations for photos.
Wedding Ceremonies At The Ohio Statehouse
Quite simply, you can have an incredible wedding ceremony at The Ohio Statehouse.
The ceremony will take place in the rotunda. Depending on the number of guests attending, your guests will be seated in a circle that mimics the shape of the room. Your ceremony will take place in the center of the room.
You can make a very dramatic entrance into the rotunda by walking down the stairs.
Wedding Pictures At The Ohio Statehouse
So its pretty obvious from looking at pictures here and on other website that this is one of the most beautiful venues. Start with the interior with the beautiful staircases provide great backgrounds for pictures.
The exterior is stunning too, and you are sure to want at least a few pictures of you and your wedding party posing in front of the large pillars at the Ohio Statehouse.
The Statehouse outdoor steps and indoor staircases provided breathtaking photos.
The Inside Info For Your Receptions At The Ohio Statehouse
This isn’t just a historical venue…its THE historical venue for the entire state of Ohio. So it should almost go without saying that there are certain regulations on what sort of decorations and other items are permitted.
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB), who take care of scheduling, can provide you with a list of preferred caterers. Because of the restrictions involved with using an outside caterer, it is probably best to stick to their preferred catering list. With seven preferred caterers, you have several great options to choose from.
The facilities are open from 7 am-12 am daily, but your guests cannot arrive before 8 am, and everyone must be gone by 11 pm. Clean-up begins at 11, and we’ve never heard of any exceptions. This venue is closed for all events on national holidays as the entire building is closed.
To make your reception even more dramatic, think about having lighting on the pillars. You can customize the color to fit your wedding colors. So you make the room look better and it ties in with your wedding.
Your guest can park for free in the underground garage.
The Ohio Highway Patrol is in charge of security for the statehouse, and will be on hand for your reception. You can’t get much better than that!
You have several hotels (Sheraton Capital Square and The Renaissance Hotel) within a VERY short walking distance from the Ohio Statehouse. Once again this makes it easy for your guests.
Vault
A converted downtown Columbus bank building where the reception bar is inside the original vault — one of the most distinctive and memorable wedding venues in Central Ohio.
Weddings At The Vault
By DJ Rod of Buckeye Sounds | Columbus Wedding DJ & Founder of WedVenColumbus
Located in the downtown Columbus, this former bank is one of the most unique locations for weddings in Central Ohio.
The Vault
35 East Gay StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225 - 1000
Venue Website
Maximum Wedding Size
300 Guests
Ceremony Sites
In front of the vault
Parking
Street Parking
Outside Caterers
Yes
The Vault Wedding Receptions
Built to house Columbia Building & Loans Bank in 1912, The Vault is an impressive building that has beautiful architectural grandeur. Original features, including an authentic bank vault, a 100-year-old marble floor, and magnificent chandelier that serves as the room's centerpiece.
The Vault's historical beauty is apparent today, even when your guests cross the entryway. The grand ballroom which can hold up to 300 guests is adorned with 40-foot ceilings and large window archways. The marble stonework continues up the grand staircase leading to a gorgeous light-filled balcony that overlooks the entire event space.
One of the most unique features of the ballroom is the location of the bar for your guests. Its actually inside the old vault of the bank. Its just off where the dance floor is usually set up which makes it a great location.
Another nice feature is the stairway leading up to the balcony. This staircase makes for very fun and dramatic introductions of the wedding party.
Preferred Wedding Vendors At The Vault
Wedding Ceremonies At The Vault
If you are looking for an unique backdrop for your wedding ceremony, The Vault might be just what you are looking for. Your ceremony will typically take place directly in front of the vault. Your guests will be seated at the tables OR they can arrange the seats in a classroom style for you.
Once the ceremony is done, your guests can move up to the balcony for the cocktail hour while the staff re-sets the room for your reception.
Wedding Pictures At The Vault
When you look at pictures you will see lots of great pictures of the couple in front of the actual bank vault. Its the focal point of the room and its easy to get good pictures with it.
The other nice aspect of the room is the balcony. Its the perfect vantage point to get pictures from up above all the action.
More Great Insights For Columbus Wedding Venues
More Helpful Information About At The Vault Wedding Receptions
The venue just sells itself with little decorations that are needed because it’s already beautiful. There is some decor lighting already put into place that can match your wedding colors.
The added bonus of the actual bank vault as the bar made the venue even more unique.
The downtown location of the the Vault is perfect and close to everything including hotels, restaurants, and bars which is just a short walk.
Columbus Museum Of Art
Say 'I do' among world-class art in the glass-ceilinged Derby Court or Sculpture Garden, then let your guests explore 15 galleries all evening long
Weddings At The
Columbus Museum Of Art
By DJ Rod of Buckeye Sounds | Columbus Wedding DJ & Founder of WedVenColumbus
If you and your partner have ever imagined a wedding that feels more like a private evening at one of the world's great institutions than a standard ballroom reception, the Columbus Museum of Art is worth a serious look. Located on East Broad Street in the heart of downtown Columbus, the CMA is a four-time Best of Weddings honoree on The Knot — and couples who have held their weddings here consistently describe it as one of the most genuinely unforgettable experiences they could have chosen.
The Columbus Museum Of Art
480 E Broad StColumbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-6801
Venue Website
Maximum Wedding Size
200 Guests
Ceremony Sites
Various place in venue
Parking
Private Lots & Street
Outside Caterers
Yes
Columbus Museum Of Art Wedding Receptions
The CMA offers two distinct reception spaces, and they couldn't be more different from each other — which is part of what makes this venue so versatile.
The Schottenstein Property Group Pavilion is the museum's largest event space and the more modern of the two. It features light wood floors, soaring skylights, large windows, and a contemporary design that functions as a beautiful blank canvas for your reception vision. It can hold up to 250 guests for a seated dinner and 300 for a cocktail reception. One of its most striking features is the outdoor glass balcony that overlooks the Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden — a stunning spot for guests to gather during cocktail hour or for portraits.
Derby Court is the more intimate and architecturally dramatic option. This is the room with the famous Dale Chihuly glass sculpture and the soaring glass ceiling that floods the space with natural light. Derby Court holds up to 200 guests and is surrounded by the painted ceiling and limestone archways of the Broad Street Lobby, which your guests pass through on entry. Couples who've held ceremonies in Derby Court frequently describe the natural light as something their guests talked about for months afterward.
A third option worth knowing about: couples can also rent the entire museum exclusively, allowing their guests to wander the galleries throughout the evening. Reviews consistently highlight this as one of the most memorable elements of a CMA wedding — guests who aren't typically engaged at a reception will spend the evening genuinely delighted.
The CMA works with an approved list of caterers, giving you flexibility that most Columbus venues don't offer. In-house catering is also available and has received strong reviews across multiple platforms.
Preferred Wedding Vendors At The Columbus Museum Of Art
Wedding Ceremonies At The Columbus Museum Of Art
The CMA offers several genuinely beautiful ceremony locations, and each one is distinctly different.
Derby Court remains the most popular indoor ceremony choice. The glass ceiling creates extraordinary natural light — reviewers consistently describe it as feeling like the sun was shining specifically on the couple during the ceremony. The room's architecture provides enough drama that you genuinely don't need much additional decoration.
The Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden is the outdoor ceremony option, and it's a wonderful one. The garden features a fountain, shaded patio areas, and the kind of green, sculpted outdoor space that photographs beautifully in any season. If your guest list and weather allow for it, an outdoor sculpture garden ceremony is a truly memorable way to begin your wedding day.
For couples who want just a ceremony without a full reception, the CMA offers a 3-hour ceremony-only rental in various museum locations — a relatively rare option that makes the venue accessible for couples with smaller budgets or non-traditional reception plans.
Wedding Pictures At The Columbus Museum Of Art
It's almost impossible to take a bad photo at the Columbus Museum of Art, and experienced photographers know it. The combination of architecture, natural light, art, and exterior details gives your photographer an extraordinary variety of settings within a single venue.
The most iconic shots tend to happen on the grand exterior staircase — both the steps outside on Broad Street and the interior staircase just inside the lobby make for dramatic, elegant portraits. The Dale Chihuly glass sculpture in Derby Court is arguably the signature photo backdrop in the museum — its vibrant colors and scale create images that look unlike anything taken at any other Columbus venue.
The Sculpture Garden provides softer, garden-style photography with the museum architecture as a backdrop — a beautiful contrast to the interior architectural shots. And if you opt for exclusive museum rental, your photographer has access to all fifteen galleries, each with its own lighting character, artwork, and architectural details.
More Great Insights For Columbus Wedding Venues
More Information About At The Columbus Museum Of Art Weddings
A few things worth knowing before you visit or book:
The venue essentially decorates itself. Multiple couples note that they spent very little on florals or additional décor because the museum's architecture and art do so much of the work. This can be a meaningful cost savings.
Tell your guests clearly that they can explore the galleries during cocktail hour and between dinner and dancing. This is one of the most beloved aspects of a CMA wedding, and guests who don't know they're allowed often miss it entirely.
The Sculpture Garden ceremony is weather-dependent, so make sure your contract includes a clear indoor backup option. Derby Court is the obvious choice and is just as beautiful.
The CMA is located on East Broad Street with several private parking lots adjacent to the museum, plus additional street parking. Several downtown Columbus hotels are within easy walking distance for out-of-town guests.
The venue's event team provides day-of coordination support — an included feature that multiple reviewers described as invaluable, particularly for couples who didn't hire a separate wedding planner.
Columbus Museum Of Art Wedding FAQs
How many guests can the Columbus Museum of Art accommodate for a wedding? The Schottenstein Pavilion seats up to 250 guests for a dinner reception (300 for cocktail receptions). Derby Court accommodates up to 200 guests. The entire museum can also be rented exclusively for larger or multi-space events.
Can you have a ceremony and reception at the Columbus Museum of Art? Yes. The museum offers multiple ceremony locations including Derby Court (indoor, with glass ceiling), the Sculpture Garden (outdoor), and other museum spaces. Ceremony-only rentals are also available.
Does the Columbus Museum of Art allow outside caterers? Yes, the CMA works with a list of approved preferred caterers, giving couples more flexibility than most Columbus venues. In-house catering is also available.
Is there parking at the Columbus Museum of Art for wedding guests? Yes. Several private parking lots are adjacent to the museum, and street parking is also available on East Broad Street.
Can guests explore the museum galleries during a wedding? Yes — couples who rent the full museum can allow their guests to explore all fifteen galleries throughout the evening. This is one of the most uniquely memorable aspects of a CMA wedding.
What makes the Columbus Museum of Art unique compared to other Columbus wedding venues? The combination of Dale Chihuly glass artwork, a glass-ceiling ceremony space in Derby Court, an outdoor Sculpture Garden, gallery access for guests, and genuine flexibility on catering makes the CMA one of the most distinctive and truly one-of-a-kind wedding venues in Ohio.