University Circle & Waterfront Venue Guides · November 2026 · By Janet Abbey, Sterling Event Services
Some venues are beautiful. Severance is beautiful and romantic, right down to its bones.
John Severance built this hall in 1931 as a tribute to his wife, Elisabeth, who had passed away two years earlier. Look up in the concert hall and you'll see a silver ceiling patterned after the lace on her wedding gown. Lotus blossoms, her favorite flower, are tucked throughout the building. If you're looking for a wedding venue with a love story of its own, this is it.
At a Glance
Location: 1001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, in University Circle.
Wedding capacity: Up to 250 guests
Main space: The Grand Foyer, with 24 red jasper marble columns from Italy, brass and bronze details, and sweeping marble staircases
Smaller spaces: Private suites for rehearsal dinners and intimate dinners
Catering: Choose from a short list of approved caterers; bar packages can be customized
3D tour: Yes, take it below
The Spaces
The Grand Foyer is the heart of a Severance wedding. Dinner is served on the upper level, and dancing happens on the terrazzo level below, where the built-in bars are ready and waiting.
The private suites (the Taplin-FirstEnergy Suite and the Ginn Suite) are lovely for a rehearsal dinner the night before, so your whole weekend lives in one landmark.
What’s Included in a Severance Wedding Package?
Severance's wedding package covers the ceremony, the reception, or both. It includes bridal suites, a cocktail hour, a one-hour rehearsal, and setup access three hours before your event. Venue staff are included too: stagehands, a venue manager, a house manager, elevator operators, and cleaning.
Picture Your Wedding Here
Imagine welcoming your guests into the Grand Foyer, with warm lighting catching the brass details and flowers complementing the marble.
I would build the design around the room’s existing character: ivory linens, gold accents, white roses, orchids, and perhaps a subtle lotus motif on the stationery as a nod to Elisabeth.
The staircase would be high on my portrait wish list. I would coordinate the timing and permitted locations with the venue and photographer, then give you enough breathing room to enjoy those photographs.
For me, the goal here would be thoughtful restraint. Give the architecture room to shine, and bring in details that make the celebration feel like yours.
My Planner Tips
Start with the approved caterer list. Review menus, service styles, and proposals before committing to a dining vision.
Walk the guest route. Trace the journey from arrival through cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Ask to see the elevator route, too.
Confirm the complete floor plan. Make room for your entertainment, dance floor, bars, and any additional displays alongside guest tables.
Talk through setup early. A detailed design needs an equally detailed installation schedule.
Ask about décor rules. Confirm candle, attachment, floral installation, and lighting policies before ordering.
Make arrival easy. Ask about parking arrangements, accessible entrances, drop-off locations, and signage.
Consider the whole weekend. Explore whether a smaller rental space could suit your rehearsal dinner or family gathering.
Questions Couples Ask Me
Can you have your ceremony at Severance too?
Yes. Severance advertises packages for a ceremony, reception, or both. Ask the events team to explain the ceremony location and any room transitions for your preferred arrangement.
How many guests can Severance hold for a wedding?
Up to 250 guests.
Can we choose our own caterer?
You’ll choose from Severance’s three approved caterers. I recommend comparing their menus and service styles early so we can find the best fit for your celebration and budget.
How much does a Severance wedding cost?
When building your budget, I look at the complete proposal—including venue rental, catering, beverages, and applicable fees—so you understand the full investment before booking.
Explore the Whole Series
This guide is part of my University Circle and Waterfront venue series, the final chapter of our three-month 3D venue tour. See all five venues side by side.
Take the 3D Tour
Start with a virtual look around Severance, then bring your questions to an in-person visit. Look closely at the layout and imagine how your guests would experience each part of the evening.
Before You Tour
A beautiful room is only the beginning. Your tour is the time to understand the details that will shape your day.
Download my free 45 Questions to Ask Any Venue checklist, so you walk in knowing exactly what to ask.
Let's Talk
Wondering if Severance Music Center is right for your celebration? I’d love to hear what you’re imagining and help you think through the possibilities.
Sources for Venue Facts
Severance: Severance-3D-Tour-Reel-Intro.md (Cleveland Orchestra rentals site)
Shoreby tented weddings of 250+ (Meagan, Erin): Janet's own events
Janet Abbey · Sterling Event Services · sterlingeventservices.com
Founded 1995 · 700+ Celebrations · Northeast Ohio's Full-Service Event Planning Company
