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The Backstage Event Center
The Backstage Event Center
Plated Meal
Plated Meal
Plated Meal
Plated Meal
Plated Meal
Plated Meal
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Stations
Flaming Donut Station
Flaming Donut Station
Entrance
Entrance
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Father Daughter Dance
Father Daughter Dance
Nicholson's Lobby
Nicholson's Lobby
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Ceremony
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Front Terrace
Front Terrace
Back Terrace
Back Terrace
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Gano Ally
Reception
Reception
Reception
Reception
Ceremony
Ceremony
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Table Set Up
Blink
Blink
The Nook
The Nook
Grand entrance
Grand entrance
Gano Alley
Gano Alley
The Terrace Room
The Terrace Room
Gano Alley
Gano Alley
Out Front
Out Front
Nook
Nook

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Back terrace
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Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

Maren Guzzo
Maren Guzzo
Wedding Events Manager

No business details yet

11 years in business

The Backstage Event Center is a loft-style wedding venue located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This rooftop setting is ideal for couples that want to add a modern, chic touch to their big day. Its sweeping city views, in-house catering, and dedicated staff can make your romantic celebration unforgettable.

Facilities and Capacity

Located in the Theater District, in the heart of downtown, The Backstage Event Center is influenced by the artistically rich community that surrounds it. Their second-floor event space has a customizable floor plan, for couples to design their nuptial dream for the ground up. Combining modern elegance with their rustic decor, the interior features exposed brick walls, vintage chandeliers and wall sconces, and large windows for plenty of natural light. It can accommodate celebrations of various sizes, from intimate gatherings of 50 people to extravagant receptions with 300 guests. Glass windows lead to the terrace, which provides an intimate space with cityscape views for guests to enjoy their drinks and hors d’oeuvres. For a multi-level venue experience, you can also have access to their first-floor space, The Horse & Barrel Bourbon House. Its exposed brick walls, hardwood floor, and liquor selections make it an ideal space for cocktail hours, or as bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ample parking is available on the property, with wheelchair accessibility to ensure that all your guests can enjoy your big day.

Services Offered

The Backstage Event Center features a team of event specialists who will be ready to assist you throughout your planning process. The onsite staff can handle set-up and clean-up for your reception, while you focus on the important things. Tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware are available in-house, and can be arranged into any formation that you prefer. You will also be free to work with the venue’s catering and bartending teams, and customize your menu to match your favorite tastes. In addition to your ceremony and reception, you can also use this setting for engagement parties, wedding showers, and rehearsal dinners.

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Contact The Backstage Event Center and their preferred vendors

  • The Backstage Event Center
  • Queen City DJ's LLC

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$1,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$25

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Wine
Open Bar
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

1

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Loft
Rooftop

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware

What transportation and access is available?

Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
September
October
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
July
August
November

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of The Backstage Event Center

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This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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The Backstage Event Center provided an amazing experience for weddings, with reviewers praising the venue, food, and helpful staff. Maren, the day-of coordinator, was especially lauded for going above and beyond to ensure a seamless event. Guests enjoyed the cozy ambiance, delicious food, and outdoor patios despite the chilly weather. The inclusive services, reasonable pricing, and seamless coordination made planning stress-free, even for out-of-town couples. Nicholson’s was also recommended for rehearsal dinners, with top-notch atmosphere, food, service, and helpful event planning by Elenya.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Backstage Event Center provided an amazing experience for weddings, with reviewers praising the venue, food, and helpful staff. Maren, the day-of coordinator, was especially lauded for going above and beyond to ensure a seamless event. Guests enjoyed the cozy ambiance, delicious food, and outdoor patios despite the chilly weather. The inclusive services, reasonable pricing, and seamless coordination made planning stress-free, even for out-of-town couples. Nicholson’s was also recommended for rehearsal dinners, with top-notch atmosphere, food, service, and helpful event planning by Elenya.

The Backstage Event Center - 1
The Backstage Event Center - 2
The Backstage Event Center - 3
+6 User photos
The Backstage Event Center - 4
Weddingwire
5.0/5 19 reviews
Google
4.8/5 98 reviews
Molly
Molly Sent on 03/31/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Couldn't Be Happier

We had an absolutely incredible experience having our wedding at the Backstage Event Center. Maren was a dream to work with throughout the planning process. She was super responsive, flexible, and went above and beyond to help us customize our menu and the overall event. We did a cocktail-style wedding with food stations for about 160 guests. We were a little nervous about the non-traditional setup, but everything flowed so smoothly and our guests raved about how much fun the night was. The food and drinks were amazing (many guests told me it was the best wedding food they've had in a long time). Our guests were using the outdoor patios all night, despite the chilly March evening (it was super pleasant out there thanks to the heaters). Maren and crew helped set up and tear down, making that part of the process a breeze. We planned our wedding from out of town, and Backstage made the process as seamless as possible with their inclusive services and coordination assistance, saving me a ton of stress and headache. Based on my research, the pricing is also very reasonable for the location, venue, and quality of food/service. I truly could not recommend this venue enough for the perfect downtown Cincinnati wedding.
C
Cole Sent on 08/25/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Day at the perfect venue

Very late with this review, but this venue was absolutely amazing for our wedding! They went above and beyond helping us get the special day ready and our day of coordinator, Maren, was a superhero and helped us out so much. And i haven't even mentioned how delicious the food was. Huge recommendation
K
Katie Sent on 03/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Rehearsal Dinner @ Nicholson's Pub

The Backstage Event Center team helped us put together the best rehearsal dinner for our wedding! They were super responsive, helpful, and flexible. The event team was very professional, kind and helpful during our event. Would definitely recommend using them for any event you're throwing!
K
Kristy Sent on 04/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner/Nicholson’s

Nicholson’s is a great place for a rehearsal dinner. The atmosphere, the food, the service - all top
notch! Elenya, the event planner was so flexible and helpful. I, the mother of the groom, wasn’t worried about anything!!! The whole event went exactly as we had hoped. We don’t live near Cincinnati - not as easy to coordinate decor, etc. Elenya helped us with flower arrangement suggestions and made it so easy for those to be delivered and set on the tables.
Sooo glad we chose Nicholsons. I highly recommend them!
T
Tonya Sent on 10/23/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding rehearsal dinner

The staff was friendly and helpful. The space was lovely and the food was absolutely delicious!
Paige
Paige Sent on 10/05/2021
5 out of 5 rating

October wedding

The event staff at the backstage event center make wedding planning a breeze. They make your vision happen stress free. The space is beautiful and timeless, I would chose working with The Backstage over and over again!
J
Jean Sent on 09/22/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Horvath/Jobes Rehearsal Dinner

I can't say enough about the wonderful experience we had at the Backstage Event Center for our son, Scott and his now wife Lisa as we hosted their Rehearsal dinner held on THUR SEP 16th. Katie Swantko, Austin, Finn and team provided a seamless experience. Austin was amazing and Finn was great as they worked with us setting everything up. The chef made a last minute entree change from a mahi mahi to piccata chicken. The atmosphere was outstanding as we received soo many compliments about the venue along with how delicious the food was. Again we cannot thank Katie and her team enough for such an excellent experience!
Ally
Ally Sent on 09/14/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Excellent event experience

The team at the Backstage Event Center were terrific to work with! Katie S. was super helpful and responsive. We hosted a brunch event with delicious food, great service, and beautiful venue. Highly recommend!
Denae
Denae Sent on 06/01/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The TOTAL package

My husband & I got engaged in 2018 fully anticipating a 2020 wedding. Obviously, covid changed a lot of plans and our original date was postponed a year. Backstage Event Center was absolutely phenomenal through it all. Cara was my event coordinator & she made our day so incredibly special. She put me completely at ease and delivered everything I wanted & MORE! We've gotten so many compliments from guests saying everything went flawlessly and they never felt rushed like they've felt at other weddings. The whole set up was beautiful. The entire staff were so courteous and professional and an absolute dream to work with. I could not recommend this venue enough, even more so Cara for executing my vision! I could not have done it without her! Everything exceeded expectations! It was a perfect day!

Thank you, Backstage & thank you, Cara!!!
  • The Backstage Event Center - 5
  • The Backstage Event Center - 6
P
Pam C. Sent on 03/17/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely Amazing!

Backstage Event Center downtown Cincinnati hosted our rehearsal dinner. It couldn’t have turned out more perfect! Katie Swantko was absolutely wonderful in helping us plan our event. The space was perfect, food was awesome, service impeccable. Highly, highly recommend it.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Read all reviews

Awards

19
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Real Weddings

Colbey & Jon's wedding
Colbey & Jon's wedding 1
Colbey & Jon's wedding 2
Colbey & Jon's wedding 3
Colbey & Jon
39 photos · 09/03/2022

Team

Tiffany Combs
Tiffany Combs
Corporate Events Manager
Maren Guzzo
Maren Guzzo
Wedding Events Manager

Professional Network & Endorsements

Queen City DJ's LLC
Queen City DJ's LLC
4.9 out of 5 rating , 141 reviews
· Wedding DJs

Map

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Location

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The Backstage Event Center frequently asked questions

The Backstage Event Center includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The Backstage Event Center includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at The Backstage Event Center includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Beer
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Specialty Beer
  • Specialty Wine
The space offered by The Backstage Event Center for wedding events is known for:
  • Loft
  • Rooftop
The Backstage Event Center offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Backstage Event Center offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Backstage Event Center offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
The Backstage Event Center offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Tables
The Backstage Event Center is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
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