So, I'm recently engaged and we have started looking at reception halls. The in-laws are paying for it, and they seem to be all about having an extravagant wedding.

We've looked at the Hyatt Regency, Renaissance, Muirfield and a couple other places. We are going to have around 250 people.

Anyone have any recommendations? We would prefer a place where we can bring in alcohol (my dad works for Budweiser and gets the hookup). Two places we are looking at next week that seem like good options are Pinnacle golf course and the Anthenaeum which is a pretty cool place.

Anything in the Columbus area is an option.

I've been told Nationwide rents their attrium.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral beautiful reception hall http://www.greekcathedral.com/index.cfm?page=BanquetHall
Ohio Bar Assoc - (seriously) Ohio State Bar Association
Tall Timbers in Reynoldsburg talltimbersonline.com
Scioto Reserve www.sciotoreserve.com/
Columbus Art Mueseum www.columbusmuseum.org/visit/plan-event.php
Ohio Statehouse http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/events/calendar/event.cfm?event_id=107722
Franklin Park Conservatory www.fpconservatory.org/weddings.htm
Columbus Athletic Club www.accolumbus.com/
Columbus Athaneum - not sure if they let you supply alcohol but a lot of different sized rooms are available http://www.columbusmeetings.com/index.php?PageID=14
York Golf Club (270 and High) http://www.yorkgolfclubonline.com/
Loft at Smith Bros http://www.venueatsmithbrothers.com/
North Bank Park (if your guest list shrinks, won't hold 250)http://parks.columbus.gov/homepage.aspx
Clintonville Women's Club.. think you can bring in your own alcohol but only for smaller guest list.http://www.clintonvillewomansclub.com/
Karen's event center, Marysville (haven't been there, think you can take alcohol)http://karenseventcenter.com/
Darby House (fabulous place and I think you can take your own alcohol). http://www.darbyhouse.com/contact.php
Columbus Grotto - I think you can bring in your own alcohol: http://www.columbusgrottotemple.com/

Also - you can rent the lounge for the Clippers and I think you can bring in alcohol there too. http://www.huntingtonparkcolumbus.com/Catering.html

Is this enough to get you started?

You work in the food and beverage business? Quite a list there.

We have looked into several places on that list. Thanks for your input!

My twin brother is having his reception at the Athaneum (sp?) in Columbus in June.

Really neat place, relatively inexpensive when compared to other placed in the Columbus area that they looked at, and you can definitely bring in alcohol.

Nice location with hotels in walking distance for those that will be coming in from out-of-town.

Another vote for the Athaneum, a friend had his reception, great location and great atmosphere.

I have been to wedding receptions at the following and would recommend any of them....

- Bridgewater (on Sawmill Parkwayjust south of Powell Road - Anna is great to work with!!)
- Pinnacle Golf Club
- St. Charles Cafetorium (yes, I know how it sounds...but it is a beautiful and unique venue that really lends itself to a reception)

I just went to a wedding at St. Charles and that place is really cool!

What did you like about Pinnacle?

thedynasty1998 wrote: I just went to a wedding at St. Charles and that place is really cool!

What did you like about Pinnacle?

Both the wedding and reception were there. Nice outdoor wedding, pictures on the golf course, etc.

The reception was also very nice...good food, large enough dance floor, etc

Nope - not in "the business", just go to a lot of formal/semi-formal social functions.

After a little more research, found one that I really like, www.fourseasonscolumbus.com and Villa Milano seems like an option.

Anyone been to either of these?

Getting married, you say? I'd say you should just hold the event in a cemetery, as marriage will put you there permanently before you know it. Then again, I've been told I'm a bitter, hate-filled man before, so you might not want my advice on things like this.

North Bank Park is really nice. Attended a wedding and reception there last October and it was beautiful. Tents were up outside for additional seating.

My best friend had her wedding at the Four Seasons in October.