The Observation Deck

My fiancee and I became engaged over the holidays. Through quite a bit of planning (LOTS of family out of town/country) we determined that the best date for us to get married would be 8/12/06.

Little did we realize how difficult it would be to find a wedding reception site... and how quickly the ones that exist get booked.

Making the process more difficult is the fact that we want the food to be provided by Italian Creations... but a LOT of places I spoke to want to do the food themselves thereby limiting our choices.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a reception site? RR Civic center and the Women's Pavilion are booked, and the Beck has suspended booking any events for reasons unknown...

I would prefer to stay in or near Lakewood...

ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Peace,
~Charyn

We were married in 2000 at Rockafeller Center at Mayfield and Lee.
It's an old bank that JDRII built. Huge stone fireplace,barrel vault ceilings,stainglass...and it was very cheap.....this was all back in 200 of course.

How about the Pavilion in Lakewood Park? Or do you need something larger? Good luck and congratulations.

Recently I was given a tour of Lakewood's Masonic temple at Andrews and Detroit, which has a beautiful old ballroom in its middle level. I'd bet you could bring in your own caterer there, but I'm not positive.

I think the number is (216) 521-1242, but you could also try John Huetter at (216) 226-9225. He's the president of the Kiwanis Club, which meets in the temple's basement. He could probably direct you to the right person in charge of the hall.

Congratulations on your engagement.

Kevin Butler

The Nicholson House...

You also might try one of the vacant churches, not for the ceremony, but to use their hall?

Jeff

I thank everyone for their responses.

The Pavillion is already booked and I believe that the Nicholson house cannot exceed 100 guest (we'll be around 125-150) - but it is still worth a call in the event that that information was misleading.

I wouldn't know what churches are empty with halls to be rented, but I do know that our church (Lakewood Presbyterian) has a basement that we are considering. In the meanwhile, I did call the Masonic Temple and leave a message as well - if everyone would keep their fingers crossed for us it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Peace,
~Charyn

Congratulation!

I would also call the Nicolson House. I think they have allowed a tent to be placed in the yard to accommodate more guests.

You might try the Winking Lizard. They have a room upstairs that can be used a reception..but you may have to use their food.

Give Virginia Marti a call...they have a large room for their students...but I don't know weather they rent it out.

Sweetwater Landings is a great space...but you will also probably have to use their food.

I would call the Metro Parks and see what facilities they have available.

Goodluck,
Rhonda Loje

St. Hedwigs might still have the building for rent or sale, on Madison and Halsted and might allow you to use it. For sure it would be "bring your own" as far as food goes, since it might be still empty.
St. Hedwig Church
12903 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 521-5086


100th Bomb Group Restaurant
20920 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH
(216) 267-1010 //// but not sure if you have to use their food.

Marriott on W.150th, might be another possiblity. They have many different size rooms, and might be able to accomodate you even if they have to get creative.

Goodtime III - 825 E 9th St, Cleveland, 44114 - (216) 861-5110 for a maybe...*would be nice in August*

I also have a long shot I'll check into. It's a restaurant thats not open yet, it's very beautiful and I know the owner. I can't promo it, but I'll see if I can get in touch with him and if so, and it's ok, I'll post the info here. If it would be a go, your own food would be no problem.

Congratulations too, by the way.

Mark C.

Congratulations!!

My daughter just attended a Sweet16 Birthday party at Elmwood Park Cabin in Rocky River. The old one burned down a couple of years ago and the new one is very nice. Not sure of size, but with extra outdoor space you could accommodate a lot of guests, plus you're in a park.

I think you'd need to contact Rocky River Parks/Recreation.

Niko's on Detroit has just opened a party room. I don't know what the room capacity is, but there is a parking lot behind the place.

The food there is very good and while it isn't what you initially wanted, they are a Lakewood business!

Just a quick update for the archives (in the event someone else goes through the local reception hall search.. maybe some of this legwork saved for posterity will come in handy! )

We have an appointment at Sweetwater this weekend. We were lucky with the date as they had a cancellation and were able to pencil us in. They do allow for outside catering provided that you use their bar or you can have them provide food as well. Unless you get lucky (like we did) you need to call them pretty early in the process as they book quickly.

We may also look at the Masonic Temple - but they disallow alcohol service there so it is not a likely choice for us (makes the champagne toast a tad more difficult to accomplish )

I wasn't even aware of Elmwood Park Cabin! There and Niko's will be our next investigation if Sweetwater doesn't work out.

Note for others as well - it is my understanding that the Women's Pavilion in Lkwd park is also a 'no alcohol' venue so if you want to serve wine with dinner or have a bar or toast, it may not be the best choice for you. It is also another venue that fills quickly. I was informed that every summer Saturday is already booked!

Lastly, the river boats (Nautica & Goodtime II) are priced squarely between hotel prices (70/guest) and hall prices (25/guest) at 40/guest. They provide everything so IMHO they are a great value if that is the type event that you want. Goodtime was already booked for summer but the Nautica Queen still had space so there is n ot as much lead time required as there are for some of the other venues we've inquired about.

Thank you everyone again (and again and again) for all of the great suggestions!! We're now moving on to photographers, cakes and flowers...

What are the chances that we can make this a 100% Lakewood affair?

Peace,
~Charyn

FYI--Elmwood Park Cabin is also No Alcohol. I hadn't thought about that, sorry.

Sweetwater sounds like it might work.

Good Luck!

Mark

Charyn,

Our daughter was married Dec. 3. I have lots of great recommendations for cake, favors, flowers and a great Lakewood photographer.

Feel free to email me, if you're interested!

Suzanne Metelko

We held my parents 50th wedding anniversary at Sweetwater and it was terrific!

Some other thoughts:
Cake: Elmwood Bakery
Flowers: Stanton's Touch

Best wishes!!!

Teresa (proud to say that I was married 18+ years ago in an 'all-Lakewood' wedding!)