The Columbus Museum of Art is my favorite venue in Columbus, and thats why it’s number one on this list. At the Museum, the main attraction is the art, culture, and the unique experience. Simply put, your wedding will be amazing here and the photographs will reflect that too! Here at the venue, it has multiple delightful locations to fit your design wishes, from a beautiful courtyard, to outdoor spaces, to a gallery room. The mission of the Museum is that they wish to share incredible art with all. This mission carries over into their weddings as well. A quote from the Museum, that they wish to “celebrate all love, cultures, tradition, and creativity.”

Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Website: www.columbusmuseum.org

History of the Columbus Museum of Art

The Museum opened in 1878, making it the first museum in Ohio. Previously named, the Columbus Gallery of Fine Art but changed the name to its current in 1978. The Museum currently has a collection of many paintings, including famous names such as: Monet, Picasso, and Renoir (and many more). The Museum exhibits mostly American and European art of modern or contemporary origins.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

There are three main spaces for you to hold your ceremony or reception. See below for each of the areas!

The Schottenstein Property Group Pavilion & The Atrium

The Pavilion is what I would call a “blank canvas”, ready for your design. Perfect for a grand design and incredible floral arrangements. The Pavilion is the largest space at the venue and can hold 250 to 300 guests, this is plenty of room for a live band and a dance floor! The walls are white with tall ceilings, and the floor is canvased in natural colored wood. Also, the lighting is also amazing here, which includes a full wall of windows and skylights above. The Atrium is just outside of the Pavilion. Its design has a modern feel and is a wonderful location for your cocktail hour. Some of the other important included features are, large bathrooms and coat room for 300. Three projectors to display anything you would like on the walls, and two hospitality suites. Click here to watch a tour video of the spaces.

Derby Court & The McCoy Family Broad Street Lobby

The Derby Courtyard is the most iconic and recognizable spaces at the Museum. You might have even seen photos of this unique space though out your searching, I know this is one of my favorite spaces! When you walk into the courtyard, your eyes will immediately gaze up to the ceiling to the large glass skylight. During the day the skylight creates beautiful natural light, and at night is filled with stars. The other incredible feature of this space is that this is where the world renowned Isola di San Giacomo in Palude glass sculpture is exhibited. The Lobby is filled with intricately painted walls with gilt ceilings and limestone arches. The space can hold between 140 to 200 guests. Two hospitality suites are included with this space and access to 10+ art galleries. Click here to watch a tour video of the spaces.

Patricia M. Jurgensen Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden is a wonderful option for an outdoor event! The space provides a manicured space with a large lush green lawn thats perfect for ceremonies. The space is also surrounded by beautiful stone walls, a garden fountain, and a shaded patio. If you are looking for a space that feels like an oasis, this is the space for you! The space can hold 225 to 300 guests. Click here to watch a tour video of the space.

Whole Museum

Did I say, “whole museum” you bet I did! Yes, the ENTIRE Museum can be rented out for a true exclusive event. This also includes access to special exhibitions galleries. Read more about this in the section below!

Pricing at the Columbus Museum of Art

Ceremony Only

You are more than welcome to have your ceremony only here! You may only rent out the Derby Court or the Schottenstein Pavilion for ceremonies only. The ceremony must occur between the times of 10a to 3pm and the rental time minimum is three hours. The cost for ceremony only from Friday to Sunday is $2250. The rental includes:

• One of the spaces (Derby or Schottenstein)
• Dedicated Event Manager
• Av Technician (Visual and Audio)
• Included Chair Rental (no additional charge)
• Two Hospitality Suites
• Three Hour Rental

Evening Weddings

The evening weddings include the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception. The space rental can be from 5pm to midnight. Here below are the details for each of the spaces:

Schottenstein Pavilion & The Atrium

The Pavilion and The Atrium pricing for evening weddings is as follows:

• Friday Dates: $5500
• Saturday Dates: $7000
• Sunday Dates: $850/hour

Here is what is included in your rental:

• Dedicated Event Manager
• Av Technician (Visual and Audio)
• Included Chair and Table Rental (no additional charge)
• Two Hospitality Suites
• Security
• Add on the Sculpture Garden for $300

Derby Court & The McCoy Family Broad Street Lobby

Derby Court and Broad Street Lobby pricing for evening weddings is as follows:

• Friday Dates: $5500
• Saturday Dates: $7000
• Sunday Dates: $950/hour

Here is what is included in your rental:

• Dedicated Event Manager
• Access to 10+ Art Galleries
• Av Technician (Visual and Audio)
• Included Chair and Table Rental (no additional charge)
• Two Hospitality Suites
• Security
• Add on the Sculpture Garden for $300

PREMIUM Rental (Entire Museum)

The entire Museum may be rented out for the most exclusive experience for your guests. The rental includes all the spaces from above including, The Pavillion, Atrium, Derby Court, Broad Street Lobby, and Sculpture Garden. The pricing for evening weddings to rent out the entire Museum is as follows:

• Friday Dates: $8000
• Saturday Dates: $10k
• Sunday Dates: $1300/hour

Here is what is included in your rental:

• Dedicated Event Manager
• Access the ENTIRE MUSEUM.
• Av Technician (Visual and Audio)
• Included Chair and Table Rental (no additional charge)
• Four Hospitality Suites
• Security

Other Important Information

The Museum offers off-season pricing (January – March), expect a 30% decrease in pricing for the previously mentioned pricing.

More Photographs from the Columbus Museum of Art!

Cuisine, Beverages, and Other Included Features

The Columbus Museum of Art provides in house catering if desired, you can also choose from their list of approved caterers as well. The menu is diverse with exquisite options that will fulfill any of your desires. Expect average pricing for entrees to be between $26 and $45 per plate, depending on your selections. Included in your rental is the in-house china, flatware, and glassware for up to 300 people. The Museum also will work with your food allergies as requested through your event manager.

The Museum offers wine, beer, and other premium spirits. Pricing per drink can range from $7 to $10 depending on the beverage. Champagne is purchased by the bottle at $35 each.

Recap

The Columbus Museum of Art is by far the BEST venue in Columbus. The Museum is truly a unique backdrop to your wedding because of the art, culture, and architecture. Because the Museum offers a variety of spaces, anyone can find their dream space here. This venue made the top of my list for a reason, because I love photographing here, you can see the beauty in the photographs. Speaking of photography, are you looking for a photographer? Look no further, click here to chat with me.

To see more amazing venues, click here to read more from our best of wedding venues in Columbus page.