What do you get when you combine an amazing wedding couple, a classy group of people, and a grocery store? A fantastic 240th wedding for this Dayton and Cincinnati wedding photographer. The Oscar Event Center is one of the best wedding venues I have ever been to, and it is part of Jungle Jim’s in Cincy.
I had seen photos of the space leading up to the wedding. Having lived in Cincinnati a while ago, I had also been to Jungle Jim’s grocery store. So when I arrived and parked in front of the grocery store, I was still a bit skeptical. Once I walked through the doors, I was blown away by how beautiful the venue was.
The entryway is on ground level and features a beautiful elegant staircase leading upstairs. On the second floor is a coat check area, a large event space that can be divided into three separate functional areas (wedding, spare, and reception on this day), a bridal suite, and plenty of space to hang out between events. There is an outdoor patio that overlooks the parking lot but it is a nice feature.
Also on the second floor is a really well-themed bar area separate from everything else. This served as the location of cocktail hour, the main family photo location, and the bar for the wedding. It was perfect, and two large door areas opened up to the reception area.
The wedding area was fine. It has pipe and drape as well as a small stage and rows of chairs. The reception space had round tables, a giant head table, and tons of space. I am guessing a party of up to 400 could be accommodated if all three spaces were used. Although the lighting and decor tended to be darker, the style was modern and classy.
Parking at Oscar Event Center is plentiful but challenging. Since this event space is attached to the grocery and various other stores (Starbucks Coffee, Jersey Mike’s, etc.) parking is quite tight. Around the back of the building, there is ample parking, but up-close spaces are limited. If a guest is in need of handicapped parking, I would suggest you assign a guest to valet park the car for your handicapped or elderly guest. This will greatly reduce the walking distance for those guests and will make their experience better. There is an elevator just inside the main entrance to the venue.
The wedding suite or bridal suite is large and well-lit. Sitting at the back of the event space away from guests is a separate room for getting ready. An entire wall of mirrors and countertops provides a great space to do final wedding day touch-ups. A comfortable set of couches and chairs allows you to relax before the ceremony or reception begins. Just outside the room is a table where the catering staff stages a small selection of cold drinks and a fruit, cheese, and cracker spread for the wedding party. During getting ready time and wedding photo time, the catering staff also had cold drinks available in the bar area.
I would love to photograph many wedding receptions at Oscar Event Center. This is the perfect indoor reception location in Cincinnati, and I love it!!