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Weddings

A Wedding Guide to Getting Married in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland rocks — and so do Cleveland weddings. Here's our guide for everything you need to know about getting married in CLE.

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Whether you’re considering getting married in Cleveland, Ohio or are already planning your big day in The CLE, there are plenty of reasons to love Cleveland weddings. You can get married at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and party all night long, or host your ceremony at a venue overlooking beautiful Lake Erie. Cleveland is also rich with history, from its iconic indoor markets and grand ballrooms to the industrial warehouses that dot the city’s skyline. Whatever your style, downtown Cleveland and the surrounding countryside are perfect for hosting a memorable event. 

Cleveland weddings totally rock! Here’s everything you need to know about getting married in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Basics

October is the most popular month for Cleveland weddings. As you’re planning your own wedding, make a note of Cleveland’s city-wide events and festivals, as these could impact traffic and room blocks for weddings, especially if you’re getting married downtown.

Cleveland is home to several winter festivals, including Winterfest, which kicks off the holiday season each November. Cleveland Kurentovanje, a celebration hosted by the Slovenian population in Northeast Ohio every February. The Cleveland International Film Festival and the Cleveland Marathon take place each spring. The Hessler Street Fair is held in University Circle on the first weekend after memorial day, and the Cleveland National Air Show is an annual Labor Day event.

Getting There and Around

If you’re getting married in Cleveland, Ohio, there are two airports that service the city. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the larger of the two, with major airlines including Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, jetBlue, Southwest, and United. Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport is a smaller general aviation airport that mainly services corporate jets and air shuttles. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is about a two-hour drive from Cleveland.

Depending on where you and your guests are staying (and if you aren’t driving into town on your own) we recommend renting a car to get around Cleveland. Many of the downtown hotels are within walking distance to plenty of restaurants and shops, but the city’s public buses and trolleys don’t always extend beyond the main tourism area. Taxis and ride apps, like Uber and Lyft, are also available in Cleveland.

bride and groom pose with their wedding party in front of cleveland mural wall

Weather

Much of Cleveland’s weather is influenced by Lake Erie. The city typically experiences mild and hot summers with some humidity, while winter brings cold temperatures and snow. July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures around 80 degrees and lows in the 60s. In the winter, December and January are the coldest months, with average highs in the mid-30s. Ohio is located within a snowbelt region and experiences more annual precipitation compared to other parts of the country. This could mean some potentially wet weather (either snow or rain) for couples getting married in Cleveland, Ohio during the winter months. If you're having a winter wedding in Cleveland, prepare in advance to avoid any unnecessary stress! 

Wedding Venues

No matter what your style is, Cleveland has the perfect wedding venue for you. Take a look at some of our favorite types.

  • Waterfront
    With Lake Erie literally right at the edge of the city, it’s no wonder that waterfront venues are a hot commodity for Cleveland weddings. These scenic locations along the shore are ultra-romantic and range from historic mansions to elegant ballrooms and year-round resorts.
    Check out waterfront Cleveland wedding venues »
  • Downtown
    Downtown Cleveland is full of wedding venues for every style and budget. Getting married in the heart of the city is a great option if you’ll be hosting a lot of out-of-town guests and want to choose a convenient venue that’s close to Cleveland’s best attractions.
    Check out downtown Cleveland wedding venues »
  • Rustic
    If you’re willing to go the extra distance for the perfect venue, you’ll find plenty of scenic options just outside of central Cleveland. Northeast Ohio is home to dozens of farms, barns and even treehouses that double as amazing rustic venues.
    Check out rustic Cleveland wedding venues »

Marriage Requirements

One of the most important steps to getting married in Cleveland, Ohio is applying for your marriage license. In order to apply for a marriage license in the state of Ohio, you’ll need to provide your photo ID and social security number. If you’re a resident of Ohio, you must apply for your license in the county where you live. Non-Ohio residents must apply for a license in the county where the marriage will take place.

After the license is issued, it’s valid for 60 days and there is no waiting period. You must be at least 18 years old to get married without a legal guardian.

formal wedding party poses in a park in downtown cleveland with skyline in the background

Things to Do in Cleveland

While you're taking notes on how to get married in Cleveland, consider making a list of non-wedding activities to keep your guests entertained while they're in town! This is especially important if you're inviting people from out-of-state or have guests staying overnight

  • Museums
    Cleveland is known as the Rock and Roll Capital of the World, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a treat for anyone who’s into music. This museum houses thousands of artifacts in its permanent collection, and is constantly adding new exhibits showcasing current inductees and rare memorabilia. If you’re an ‘80s pop culture fan, you’ll want to plan a visit to Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood for the A Christmas Story House and Museum. Yes, you can tour the actual house where the kitschy cult classic was filmed, in addition to viewing the museum’s collection of original movie props. Other popular museums in the area include the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Great Lakes Science Center.
  • Arcades and Markets
    Walk through Cleveland’s history by exploring the markets and shopping arcades that are scattered throughout town. The West Side Market is Cleveland’s oldest market, with rows of more than 100 food vendors selling meat, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, seafood, dairy products, flowers, and more. The Old Arcade and the 5th Street Arcade are among Cleveland’s historic indoor retail centers that date back to the late 19th Century. Marvel at Victorian architecture, browse boutique shops, or pop into a locally owned cafe at these arcades.
  • Playhouse Square
    Take in a show at Playhouse Square located in downtown Cleveland. With 10 separate venues, this theater is the country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City and is a regular stop for broadway shows, comedy shows, dance tours, operas, and more.
  • Terminal Tower Observation Deck
    See Cleveland from above at this historic building. The observation deck on the 42nd floor offers unbeatable views of downtown Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and beyond. At the street level, this building houses a selection of hotels, shops and restaurants.
  • Edgewater Park
    Head to Edgewater Park on Lake Erie for a bit of outdoor relaxation. This 147-acre park has picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, dog-friendly beaches, and swimming beaches.

Cleveland Wedding Inspiration

Ready to plan your own Cleveland wedding? Take a look at these CLE couples for some real-life inspo on how to get married in Ohio!

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