13 Incredible Venues for Hosting a Rehearsal Dinner in Cincinnati, Ohio
While it's easy to get caught up in the logistics of wedding planning, you don't want to forget prewedding festivities such as the rehearsal dinner. However, before you begin hunting for a venue to host your rehearsal dinner in Cincinnati, it's essential to keep in mind what kind of vibe you're going for. Are you seeking an intimate space for your wedding party or will you host a more formal reception with all your guests? From there, you'll be able to narrow down your venue search as you check off your rehearsal dinner checklist. Fortunately, those looking to host their rehearsal dinner in Cincinnati, Ohio, will have a slew of spectacular venue opinions to choose from. While we've rounded up our top picks below, you can also head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace, which makes finding rehearsal dinner venues near you a breeze. This is also a great spot to look for rehearsal dinner photographers in your area.
Via Vite, Downtown
A chic rehearsal dinner venue in Cincinnati awaits in this sleek Italian eatery, which stands out for its old-world Italian cuisine. The interiors of Via Vite, with its striking fixtures, expansive windows, lush plants and red booth seating, also make this venue a favorite. While the restaurant offers several event spaces to choose from depending on the party size—it can accommodate up to 150—we especially love the covered outdoor terrace, which offers breathtaking views of Fountain Square.
Nine Giant Brewing, Pleasant Ridge
Nine Giant Brewing—or Nine Giant for short—is among our favorite rehearsal dinner venues in Cincinnati. Sample craft beers surrounded by your loved ones at the on-site Fermentorium bar. The space itself, which holds up to 40 seated guests or 60 standing, boasts an industrial-chic vibe with high ceilings coupled with exposed brick walls and ductwork. Greenery helps bring the outdoors in, while oversized windows let in plenty of natural light.
deSha's Cincinnati, Sixteen Mile Stand
deSha's Cincinnati is by far one of the best rehearsal dinner restaurants in Cincinnati, having won a coveted Best of Wedding award from The Knot. The timeless tavern offers a warm, inviting feel and cozy interiors. Choose a slew of semi-private and private event spaces to accommodate anywhere from 10 to 100 guests. Highlights include The Hearth Room, with its roaring stone fireplace and open beam ceiling and the Atrium, which offers large windows overlooking the duck pond and fountain, which only adds to the romantic atmosphere.
The Skeleton Root, Over-the-Rhine
The Skeleton Root is an urban winery housed in a historic building dating back to the early 20th century. The space pays homage to its industrial roots with exposed brick and concrete. The unique venue hosts rehearsal dinners of up to 100 guests. The interiors feature a blend of unique design touches such as large murals, tufted seating and circular-style chandeliers.
Nicola's, Over-the-Rhine
Nicola's offers a handful of eclectic event spaces for couples to choose from, including the 45-person Reserve Room, which is outfitted with beautiful brick walls, a bar area and a fireplace and the 80-person main dining room, which boasts glimmering chandeliers and dark wood furnishings. For alfresco soirees, opt for the covered patio area, which holds up to 50.
The Cincinnatian Hotel, Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the aptly named Cincinnatian Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1882 (albeit under a different name). The historic haunt is the perfect place for an elegant rehearsal dinner with its beautiful interiors outfitted with one-of-a-kind design features, including a gorgeous grand staircase surrounded by local artwork. The on-site Maverick's Restobar serves as the perfect rehearsal dinner setting with its contemporary design touches like exposed brick, blue seating, tile accents and sleek wood floors.
The Confetti Room, Over-the-Rhine
Host your rehearsal dinner at The Confetti Room, which hosts up to 65 seated guests. The intimate space features crisp white walls and serves as a blank canvas for your rehearsal dinner ideas. Props and decor are readily available, and the rental includes tables, chairs, linens, a sound system and use of the kitchenette.
Moerlein Lager House, Downtown
Moerlein Lager House features multiple dining spaces to host events large and small. The Beer Baron Hall accommodates up to 104 people sitting and 125 people standing. The expansive space offers floor-to-ceiling windows to let in loads of natural light and overlooks the Great American Ball Park, Reds Hall of Fame and Smale Riverfront Park. There are also several outdoor spaces, including two beer gardens plus an expansive lawn.
Trio Bistro, Kenwood
Trio Bistro offers a laid-back atmosphere and loads of charm. The Kenwood Room accommodates up to 24 people, while the Sycamore Room accommodates 35 guests. Both spaces offer neutral decor, cozy fireplaces and screen-in windows that allow for open-air dining should the weather cooperate. There's also the veranda, which holds up to 70.
LouVino, Over-the-Rhine
With its hip, industrial-chic aesthetic and effortlessly cool ambiance, LouVino is by far one of the best rehearsal dinner locations in Cincinnati. The downstairs Cellar, which holds up to 40 guests, offers exposed brick and bold pops of color. For more intimate rehearsal dinners, look no further than the 14-person Champagne Room, which boasts large windows for an airy feel. Bespoke menus and food packages are also available, as is a customized selection of wines.
Nicholson's, Downtown
Nicholson's prides itself on being Cincinnati's first gastropub. The restaurant offers two private dining spaces, including the Garden Room (max: 30 seated or 48 standing), which offers a bright and airy ambiance. The private adjacent patio is an added bonus. There's also the oh-so-cozy Hearth Room, which features a roaring fireplace as the focal point of the space.
Somerhaus Events Venue, Over-the-Rhine
Located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Somerhaus stands out for its industrial-chic interiors—think: lots of concrete. Hanging plants adorn the ceiling, while a skylight and expansive windows allow tons of natural light to flood in. The expansive 3,000-square-foot space offers several lounge areas along with a built-in bar.
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse, Mount Adams
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse is a fan-favorite for its flavorful BBQ fare and waterfront locale along the Ohio River. The restaurant offers five pristine private dining spaces, including the aptly named Riverside Patio and the Big Top Tent, the latter of which is available from April through October. We'd also be remiss not to highlight the second-floor River Room, which offers its own outdoor balcony along with panoramic river views.