Office of Student Life

Ohio Union

Weddings

Weddings

The Ohio Union is the perfect venue for weddings of all sizes, from the most intimate gatherings to parties with up to 2,000 guests. Our personalized approach to wedding planning ensures that your big day will be truly extraordinary.

Our stunning Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom is one of the largest ballrooms in Central Ohio, while the Performance Hall features a built-in stage and access to our outdoor courtyard.

Conveniently located at the heart of Ohio State’s campus, the Ohio Union is just minutes from downtown Columbus and the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, so guests from near and far alike can easily find their way to your celebration.

To learn more, set up a tour with an event coordinator by contacting us by phone at 614-292-5200 or by email at ohiounionevents@osu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The Ohio Union proudly offers several spaces that can accommodate both a wedding ceremony and reception. The Ohio Union is the perfect venue for your wedding, as it is centrally located for photo opportunities throughout Ohio State’s beautiful campus, as well as to other accommodations in Columbus.

During academic breaks, including summer and winter. This is typically mid-May through early August and the end of December through the New Year. For specific dates, please visit the academic calendar.

We do not permit outside catering within the Ohio Union, as we have our own incredibly talented culinary team (comprised of sous chefs and our experienced head chef) who will be thrilled to discuss the menu for your special day. We also offer a complimentary tasting for up to 4 guests.

Although we do not permit outside catering, we do allow a wedding cake to be brought in externally, with no cake cutting fee. 

University Catering in the Ohio Union can accommodate cash and/or host bars, as well as pass alcoholic beverages during cocktails. The couple may also choose to create a specialty cocktail, and can work with our catering team closely to find a signature cocktail that fits their needs. All guests purchasing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

A breakdown of the Ohio Union building hours can be found on our website. If you choose to host your ceremony or reception later than building hours, a $200 per hour late-close fee will apply. You will be granted access to the reserved space all day to allow for set-up in house and/or for vendors.

Wedding rehearsals are encouraged and dates can be determined with the help of your event coordinator. Exact time and date of rehearsal will be dependent on other events in the building.

Your Wedding Event Coordinator will send you a confirmation outlining the date and time of your event. You will then have 15 days to review it and return a signed copy of the confirmation along with your initial deposit. The payment schedule breakdown is as follows:

Due at confirmation signing: 50% of room rental cost(s)

Due 30 days prior to event date: 50% of anticipated catering cost(s)

Due 5 business days prior: 100% of remaining cost(s)

A 15-day hold may be placed on the date, which allows you “first right of refusal,” if another client is interested. After 15 days, you may submit a signed confirmation with a deposit, or the date may be released to another client.

Guests are able to pay for parking on the day of the event at one of our parking garages. However, you are also able to validate your guest parking prior to your event. For an updated list of prices, as well as directions to our parking garages, please visit our Campus Parc website.

Columbus has a plethora of accommodations, many of which are in close proximity to the Ohio Union. For a full list of nearby accommodations, please check the University Hospitality District website.

The Ohio Union is pleased to offer many amenities at our space for you and your guests, including:

  • Free WiFi
  • Handicap accessibility
  • Audiovisual equipment
  • In-house catering
  • Standard linens, china and silverware
  • Complimentary tastings
  • Bridal suite + 2 additional dressing rooms
  • Indoor event spaces
  • Open patio cocktail location
  • Day-of-wedding event coordinator