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Venue help-Waters Edge, Cheers Chalet, Fawcett Center

ktbee21ktbee21 member
Second Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper
in Ohio-Columbus
Hello Everyone! I have looked at 10 venues within my small budget in the Columbus area, and there are only 3 with an outdoor ceremony option (as I am trying to keep ceremony and venue together).The problem is, each venue has something I dont like about it. Waters Edge (which used to be four seasons) is the cheapest, but does not offer a full bar and isn't as "upscale" as some other places. Cheers Chalet is beautiful but 45 minutes from Columbus, so I would have to figure out transportation for a lot of guests. Fawcett Center is pretty but has only been doing weddings for the past couple years, and I dont particularly care for the reception space, just like the patio for cocktail hour and ceremony site. I`m also not sure what kind of pictures I will get out of it, due to it being an events center. I looked at a few hotels and besides the high cost, there was no space to really take good wedding photos (unless your into the staircase/lobby feel). I just want to find a venue that has natural greenery, flowers, etc with an indoor space for reception. Does anyone have any more suggestions for something under 12K total? I`m looking for an area with an outdoor space for ceremony/cocktail hour, big enough to accommodate 125 people, with areas to take pretty pictures. Any suggestions or comments on one of the 3 venues I am considering will be helpful-thanks!
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Re: Venue help-Waters Edge, Cheers Chalet, Fawcett Center

  • melbensomelbenso member
    500 Love Its 500 Comments Third Anniversary First Answer
    FI and I are getting married at Deer Creek State Park: http://www.deercreekstateparklodge.com/event-planning/weddings/

    It's definitely within your budget.  It is about 45 minutes outside of town (but has lodging there).  It has two possible reception spaces (the smaller accommodating 160 people) and a beautiful lakeside gazebo for the ceremony, with guaranteed indoor back up space in case of bad weather.

    And Lindsey, the onsite coordinator, is awesome!
    image
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  • donethatdonethat member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Comments 100 Love Its First Answer
    edited May 2014
    I know the coordinator at The Fawcett Center, and she is a doll.  There are sooo many places around the Fawcett Center and Ohio State to take pics, I don't think the picture part should be the negative.  (I'm not huge fan of old Four Seasons (location) or Cheers (far, like you said).

    Check out the Barn Rustic link above, @Photokitty has curated tons of indoor/outdoor options (not just barns)

    The Cultural Arts Center in downtown Columbus is one of the best kept secrets in town ... depending on the size of your party.    


    Also, check out an offsite caterer like Berwick, because they know of about every plain view or secret place available in town.  

    Your budget is big enough that you should have lots of options!  Good Luck


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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    edited May 2014
    I have been unimpressed with the food at the Fawcette Center, but it was for our annual banquet...the wedding chef/menu might be different...

    Check the Clintonville Women's Club, they are very affordable and have an outdoor space as well as the Park of Roses right next door.

    Other suggestions, but not sure about price, Faculty Club at OSU, Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Parks and Rec spaces, Jorgensen Farms...my videographer (Prodigy *Linky*) just did a wedding there are it was gorgeous!

    Totally agree with Cultural Arts, it is adorable and affordable.

    If you find a place that lets you hire outside carting check out Shoelaces... http://www.shoelacescatering.com
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • ktbee21ktbee21 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper
    Thanks for the tips! Franklin Park Conservatory is past our budget but I will defiantly look into the parks! @donethat I agree with you about the wedding coordinator at Fawcett-she is pretty much what sold me to use their facility but we are still past 12K there, and that doesn't include decor or chair covers, that kind of thing. I am working with her now to try and get that down, and could you please elaborate on the space to take pictures near there? My fiance and I are not football fans, so we would not be using the OSU space to take our pics-we just want natural greenery, parks, etc. Do you know any locations nearby that are free for pictures? Also, where is the link for the barn rustic you mentioned @photokitty posted-I dont see it?

    Thanks again! :)
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  • donethatdonethat member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Comments 100 Love Its First Answer

    Chadwick Arboretum is (I think) less than a mile from Fawcett Center, check it out.   http://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/

    And then look at this map --- and just gaze at all of the green space.  There are some really cool areas around the Fawcett Center that don't necessarily have anything to do with OSU -although OSU also has tons of public art and cool walls and alleys for photos.  I see a Sunday walking tour (free!) in your future!  https://www.google.com/maps/search/chadwickarboretum+location/@40.0052357,-83.0232011,16z/data=!4m5!2m4!3m3!1schadwickarboretum+location!2sOhio!3s0x8836e97ab54d8ec1:0xe5cd64399c9fd916

    The Barn/Rustic is a "sticky post" category at the top of the Columbus page.....   

    Keep us posted!  
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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/993592/barns-and-rustic-venues-in-central-ohio#latest
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    edited May 2014
    Did you look at Columbus Cultural Arts center? It is probably the best suggestion you haven't nixed. It is gorgeous and has a patio to get married on.

    The Vault was affordable and you could get married at a park downtown.

    Maybe the new venue at 400 Rich in Franklinton...I know nothing about it or if it's finished yet.

    York Country Club might be worth checking out.

    @AprilH81 would Tall Timbers fit the bill? What about Corozan? Any suggestions.
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    edited May 2014

    The following facilities allow clients to provide their own alcohol:

    • Bryce Eck Activity Center (St. Andrew) – 614.459.1402 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Bryn Du Mansion & Field House: Granville, OH – 740.587.7053 – Seats up to 400 Guests
    • Camp Mary Orton – 614.885.1023 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Church of the Resurrection – 614.855.1400 – Seats up to 300 Guests
    • Cultural Arts Center – 614.645.7527 – Seats up to 150 Guests
    • Dublin Recreation Center – 614.410.4550 – Seats up to 225 Guests
    • Everal Barn & Homestead – 614.901.6578 – Seats up to 120 Guests
    • Greek Orthodox Church – 614.224.9020 – Seats up to 300 Guests (Separate Menus)
    • Immaculate Conception Catholic Church – 614.267.9241 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Jorgensen Farms – 614-855-2697 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Kelton House Museum & Garden – 614.464.2022 – Seats up to 100 Guests
    • Little Brook Meadows: Lancaster, OH - 740.689.9129 – Seats up to 210 Guests
    • Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center – 614.247.8148 – Seats up to 250 Guests
    • North Bank Park Glass Pavilion – 614.645.3300 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Ohio State Bar Association – 614.487.2050 – Seats up to 175 Guests
    • Old Blue Rooster Event Center  - 614.551.1332 – Seats up to 230 Guests
    • Olde Gahanna Sanctuary – 614.475.9265 – Seats up to 175 Guests
    • Our Lady of Victory Church – 614.488.2428 – Seats up to 200 Guests
    • Park of Roses Shelter House – 614.645.3337 – Seats up to 125 Guests
    • St. Agatha Church – 614.488.6149 – Seats up to 400 Guests
    • St. Andrew Catholic Church – 614.451.1626 – Seats up to 375 Guests
    • St. Charles Walter’s Commons – 614.252.9288 – Seats up to 800 Guests
    • St. Elizabeth Church: Columbus, OH – 614.891.0150 – Seats up to 250 Guests
    • YWCA Grand Ballroom – 614.885.5968 – Seats up to 200 Guests

    eta - This is not a comprehensive Cbus list :)
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • ktbee21ktbee21 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper
    I am actually going to see the CCAC tomorrow, and I did look at vault but it ended up being too expensive, plus too many moving pieces with having to find food/alcohol supplier. But I think I will give it a look once more along with the other venues you mentioned. That list you provided of the BYOB is extremely helpful-looking at it now! Thank you!!
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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    edited May 2014
    I can't imagine it is affordable, but you never know ... J Lui in Worthington has a great balcony.
    What about North Pointe? I know they have a lot of all inclusive options. Or you could maybe have the ceremony at Highparks.

    I would recommend at least going to look at CWC in person. The carpet is only on the perimeter. My sister got married there. It was easy to dress up and very affordable. They include a lot of things, like centerpieces (non floral, but nice), cake, BYOB and other options other venues don't. Their photo gallery online sucks, it isn't the greatest, but it's much nicer than their photos suggest.

    Glad the BYOB list is helpful.

    North Bank Park Glass Pavilion sounds like what you are looking for, but the rental rate is on the higher side and it can be had to get a date.
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • donethatdonethat member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Comments 100 Love Its First Answer
    Such a nice byob list, @Photokitty.  

    Glancing at it, if @ktbee21 wants patio ... Our Lady of Victory and Ohio State Bar Association both have nice patios....

    My suggestion is to get The Darby House FAR out of your mind, to leave open mind space for some really lovely places within your budget. 
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  • joslyn25joslyn25 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    My wedding was at Cheers Chalet.  We absolutely loved it!! They are very helpful with the whole wedding- down to setting up & tearing down everything for you & accommodating anything we needed. The venue is also very beautiful- we hardly decorated at all since they have so much already. We had 142 people & we paid less than 8k.  Although the alcohol was a cash bar.  There are so many places to take great pictures, we took some in several different places. I left and had literally no complaints about ANYTHING with them.  Also, almost every single guest complimented on how good the food was.
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  • sororitygalsororitygal member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments
    Just went to an event at the Gahana Sanctuary.  The facility is pretty old and drab.  I agree with the other ladies the Cultural Arts Center is fab!
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  • RCantrell123RCantrell123 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Love Its
    We got married at the Faculty Club on OSU's campus. Utilized their outdoor patio and had the reception and everything there as well. Food was awesome and everyone loved the location. We easily fit 140 guests into the space. Coordinated with the Blackwell for hotel/post wedding brunch purposes. We got some pretty awesome pics around campus as well (hint: if you're big OSU fans, taking pictures on the field is awesome. That's where we did our first look). A current downfall though- Mirror Lake is currently under construction. I'm not sure when it will be done. :/  
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  • photokittyphotokitty mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    donethat said:
    The Ohio State Bar Association is very nice, has a lovely patio, free parking, and convenient to downtown. It's a BYOB and BYOCaterer kind of place (so can save you money)but very pretty.  For sure - check it out!

    Also, have you checked out the banquet space at The Greek Church downtown?  It's beautiful, and have a great courtyard - and SUPER convenient!  I believe the cost is lower than most for what you get.  Here is their website.   http://downtownreceptions.com/#!/main
    From another thread, but might be good to look into...
    :kiss: ~xoxo~ :kiss:

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  • ktbee21ktbee21 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper
    joslyn25-I really like cheers, what day did you get married? Their prices must have went up, because I have a quote from them that is close to 10K for 125 people (on a Saturday though). It is beautiful, and I might just have to do a cash bar then. Although, I really do not want to since the majority of my guests are coming in from out of town for my big day.

    Ohio State Bar Association-Its hard to find much info on this, and I do like the outdoor courtyard but not really the inside-I will have to look more into this though!
    Our Lady Victory and the Greek Church are beautiful, howeverwe have no interest in holding the ceremony or reception in a church, but thanks for the suggestions!

    I finally had a chance to tour the CCAC and loved it; it IS everything I am looking for! The only downfall is now I have to rent tables, chairs, linens, and hire a catering company for food too, so I am not sure how much that will all add up to, but its gotta be cheaper than the all-inclusive venues I have looked at, which cost $65-110 a plate. Also, I am working on cutting the guest list down from 125 to 100, so that should save $1500-$3000, yay!

    Since I am just beginning research on catering companies now, does anyone know prices of some all inclusive companies that will set up the tables, chairs, etc and do the food? Preferably from the list I attached (which is approved vendors by the Columbus Cultural Arts Center)? 

     
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  • caitlinmcacaitlinmca member
    100 Comments 25 Love Its First Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited May 2014
    Cameron Mitchell is probably going to be one of or the most expensive on that list but I'm going by the restaurants and basing that off of how much its costing me to use the Darby House. However, I can give you some pricing but this is based on my location so I don't know if it may be a little different. For cocktail hour I have butler hors d'oeuvres of crab cakes with whole grain remoulade at 75 quantity at $2.95 each, and cherry crustada, brie, almond crumble at 75 quantity for $1.95 each. For displayed I have a mediterranean white bean spread with roasted garlic, oregano, white beans and tuscan crostinis which serves 25 guests and I ordered 3 for a $50.00 per 1. A seasonal fruit display which serves 25 guests and I have 3 of theses ordered for $75.00 per 1 and lastly a domestic cheese display which serves 25 and I ordered 3 at $75.00 per 1. For entrees I have a sliced prime flat iron steak with green beans and potatoes the cost is $22.95 and I have 40 of them ordered. I also have stuffed chicken with green beans and potatoes for $19.95 and 61 of those ordered. A salad course at $5.95 each and 102 ordered and a kids meal of chicken tenders, mac and cheese and fresh fruit cup 13 of those at $8.95. I didn't add in drinks as that is a little more confusing. I hope that helps at least give you an idea on the food pricing for them.
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  • katie097katie097 member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    I just met with a caterer-Janie- through a venue I was looking at and her company is "It's About Thyme Catering" and she does everything from food to tables, linens, and some décor as well...dinner buffet is $25-34/pp, tables are $10 ea chairs are $2-7 depending on which style and linens are $17 and up.. She doesn't have a website, but she's based in Powell
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  • ktbee21ktbee21 member
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments Name Dropper
    Thanks, I`ll check her out!
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