reception venue for 50-75 guests. down town "city" feel

becky7476

In my reasearch, it seems that so many venues are better suited for larger weddings (100-200). we are inviting 75 but only expect 50-60 to actually show. i want something intimate, sophisticated, modern, with a dpwn town city feel. any suggestions for a smaller wedding? i liked the price range of the atheneaum but the smaller "rooms" look like plain jane hotel banquet halls. NOT the feel i'm looking for... i woulf like something with a city view. i like the pics i see of the Loft & the venue (smith bros) but wonder if the place will feel too empty if only 50 people show up? i like the city view at cosi but read a bad review... idk. any suggestions?

megan888

North Bank Park would be a perfect size for you, and has a great view of the city.

You could probably make the Smith Brothers building work for you if you laid it out the right way. I coordinated a wedding there years ago and it was actually way too crowded with about 150. You'd just have to find ways to take up the space - dance floor, a big bar, buffet tables, etc. And leave space around the perimeter of the room. I think you could make it work. Also, use a higher quantity of smaller size tables which will make for easier conversation and take up more space and look fuller.

montyandkellyski

I'm getting married at The Capital Club in downtown Columbus.  It is connected to the DoubleTree Suites.  It's beautiful and only seats up to 150, so it's not just some big plain open room.  It's nice because they offer wedding packages instead of nickel and diming you to death for things that are considered extras (like choosing your own table linens or having votives provided or cutting your cake).  And Diana Holt is really wonderful to work with.  You should check it out!

http://www.capitalcolumbus.com/amenities/private-events

BuckeyeBride2011

Smith Brothers!  I think it would be just what you are looking for!

osuchica85

I went to a wedding at the loft with I think it was a little under 100 people....and I thought it was crowded feeling then....so I think the loft would be fine. I looked at the venue and the loft and I can't remember which they actually said was smaller....I think the venue is smaller if you don't include the grassy outside area because the loft has that upstairs area. I would think once you get the tables around the primeter of the venue (there is a small dance area in the middle back) I would think it would start feeling more cozy. I don't think any of the places that I looked at actually looked like they could fit the people they said they would. I thought station67 looked interesting in photos but I never looked at it and I only know that it is somewhere downtown because I only considered downtown....doesn't look too big inside by photos I've seen but who knows.

green795

Ditto pp posts regarding the Venue and the Loft at Smith Brothers and North Bank Park. I would also add the Athletic Club, the rooftop at the Renaissance, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Cultural Arts Center. We loved the Athletic Club as guests and considered it for our wedding, but we didn't like the L-shaped setup and the separation of guests. However, it would work wonderfully for you because a wedding your size could take up one side or the other and I think the flow would work better. I know people who have been to a wedding reception on the Renaissance's rooftop and said the city views and atmosphere were amazing. North Bank Park also has the perfect views for what you're looking for. Good luck with your search!

Ajoyd

I think the North Bank Park would be perfect. I really, really wanted to have mine there from the first time I saw it, but it is too small for me. I think it would fit your size and sounds like exactly what you are looking for. The Venue at Smith Brothers would probably be great too--I like The Venue much better than The Loft.

becky7476

thank you all for the suggestions. i am looking into them as we speak. if any one else has any other other ideas, please feel free to add on.

thank you all so much!

jnkreager

The Graystone Wine Cellar is located right downtown.  It does not have views of the skyline, if that is what you are looking for, but it definitely does not have a standard banquet room feel to it either.  The pictures they have online are super old and do not do it justice so I would encourage you to check it out for yourself.

The Grange Audobon Center is kind of neat too.  It is located in the German Village area(ish), and might be worth checking out.