Becca & Jake’s Wedding at the Old Courthouse
A grand Cleveland setting for Becca and Jake’s wedding reception.
Some venues need decorating. The Old Courthouse needs only one thing: people to walk in and look up.
Just north of Public Square, the Old Courthouse is the closest thing Cleveland has to a European palace. The grand staircase sweeps up beneath stained glass. Marble columns, painted murals, and carved stonework surround you. During the week, it’s still a working courthouse. On the weekend, it becomes one of the most breathtaking celebration spaces in Northeast Ohio.
That’s why it was the perfect setting for Becca and Jake.
From Garden to Grandeur
Becca and Jake’s day told a story in two chapters.
They said their vows at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, surrounded by greenery and soft natural light. Then guests headed downtown for the reception, trading gardens for grandeur.
The day began with garden vows at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
From garden vows to a grand downtown reception.
The two settings could not have been more different, and that’s exactly what made the day so memorable. The ceremony felt fresh and romantic. The reception felt timeless and grand. Together, they captured both sides of who Becca and Jake are.
Simple Elegance in a Grand Room
Becca and Jake’s wedding was simple elegance at its best.
In a room this grand, they didn’t need to add much, and they knew it. Their choices were few but thoughtful, so every detail felt intentional. The architecture did the talking.
One of my favorite touches was their guest message station. Friends and family stopped by all night to leave words for the couple. I still remember Becca’s grandfather leaving a wonderful message, one I’m sure they’ll cherish for years to come.
A place for loved ones to leave messages the couple can treasure.
Guests were in awe of the building all night, and the dance floor stayed packed until the very end.
A beautiful room, filled with the people who made it a celebration.
That’s what I love most: a wedding that looks beautiful and feels even better.
Inside the Old Courthouse
The main atrium is the heart of the celebration, surrounded by marble columns and ornate detail. The grand staircase gives you an entrance your guests won’t forget. The mezzanine above is ideal for cocktail hour, with guests gathered at the railing looking down over the room.
The grand staircase makes a memorable setting for wedding portraits.
A view from above of the room where the celebration unfolds.
The stained glass, murals, and stonework are already part of the décor. For the right couple, that means you can keep the design simple and still have a room that feels extraordinary from the moment guests arrive.
Traditional or modern? Both work beautifully here. Lean classic with ivory florals and candlelight, or go modern with clean lines and a bold color palette that contrasts with the old-world architecture. Either way, the building keeps the evening timeless.
How Many Guests Fit?
The county lists seating for up to 300 with space for a dance floor. In my experience, the Old Courthouse is at its best with up to 250 guests. That leaves comfortable room for a dance floor, a bar, and guests to move freely.
With 150 guests, the room feels intimate and glowing. With 250, it feels like a grand ball.
Becca and Jake celebrated with 165 guests, which was the sweet spot. The room felt full and lively, with plenty of space to mingle and dance.
Thoughtful table details complement the courthouse’s grand architecture.
Janet’s Insider Tip: If your guest list is getting close to 250, plan your floor layout early. Tables, the dance floor, the bar, the band or DJ, and the guest message station all need a home. I always map out guest flow before we finalize the rentals.
How to Book the Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse is rented directly through Cuyahoga County. To check dates, email weddings@cuyahogacounty.gov or call 216-443-7095.
The county lists Saturday rentals, with Sundays and holidays available for an additional fee. Contact the county early to check availability for your preferred date.
Who the Old Courthouse Is Best For
I’d recommend the Old Courthouse to couples who want:
A wedding that feels historic, romantic, and grand.
The feeling of a European celebration without leaving Cleveland.
A dramatic staircase entrance and unforgettable photos.
A venue that needs very little décor to impress.
A downtown location close to hotels for out-of-town guests.
A ceremony somewhere else, with a reception that feels like the grand finale.
What to Know Before You Book
The Old Courthouse is a working government building, and that comes with a few planning considerations.
Guests go through a metal detector when they arrive, so build extra time into your schedule and give guests a heads-up in advance. A quick note on your wedding website or in your welcome bags helps everyone know what to expect.
There’s no preferred caterer, which gives you freedom to choose your own team. Confirm exactly what the rental includes and what your caterer and rental team must provide, including tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and kitchen equipment. This is where an experienced planner and vendors who know the building make all the difference.
Décor works differently here, too. I use battery-operated candlelight at the Old Courthouse, and it still glows beautifully against the marble. Ask the county about current rules for candles, décor, and setup before you start designing.
Planning these details early helps the evening feel relaxed once guests arrive.
What to Ask During Your Tour
Bring these questions along when you visit:
Which spaces are included: the atrium, the mezzanine, the staircase, or all three?
What does the rental include, and what will we need to bring in?
When can rentals be delivered and picked up?
What are the rules for candles, décor, and music?
What are the setup and teardown times?
How does guest security screening work on the weekend?
How is the building cooled for warm-weather dates?
Where do guests park, and is there a garage nearby?
How long will the county hold a date while we decide?
A Planning Note
I’ve planned celebrations at the Old Courthouse and worked with A Taste of Excellence there, and I’ve found them very good.
Policies, capacities, and pricing can change, so confirm all current details directly with Cuyahoga County before you finalize your plans and budget.
The building made it grand. The people made it warm.
My Final Take
The Old Courthouse gives your guests a moment they’ll talk about for years.
Becca and Jake’s wedding showed exactly why. A garden ceremony, a grand reception, a grandfather’s message, and a dance floor that never emptied all came together in a way that felt elegant without ever feeling stiff.
The building made it grand. The people made it warm.
Let’s Talk About Your Celebration
If you’re planning a wedding or celebration at the Old Courthouse, I’d love to help you think through the timeline, guest flow, design, and details.
Let’s talk about your vision, your guest list, and what you want your celebration to feel like. I’ll help you think through the next steps for a wedding that feels like you.
Find Your Downtown Cleveland Venue
Considering the Old Courthouse alongside other downtown venues?
Download The Cleveland Downtown Shortlist to compare your options with guidance from a planner who knows how these spaces work on a wedding day.
Get The Cleveland Downtown Shortlist.
New to venue hunting? Start with my 3D Virtual-Tour Guide to learn how to shortlist venues from home before scheduling your in-person visits.
Janet Abbey, founder and principal planner of Sterling Event Services.
Janet Abbey · Sterling Event Services · sterlingeventservices.com
Founded 1995 · 700+ Celebrations · Northeast Ohio's Full-Service Event Planning Company
