Dayton Art Institute Wedding Photos & Venue Information

July 28, 2024

Dayton Art Institute Weddings

The DAI is an art museum wedding and reception venue in downtown Dayton, Ohio. This world-class art museum is the perfect wedding venue for art lovers or those looking for a unique setting. The DAI features “The Great Hall” where ceremonies take place, a Gothic Cloister where receptions happen, and art galleries for guests to enjoy. Situated next to the Dayton Masonic Center, this prominent building overlooks downtown and is an art-lover’s perfect wedding venue.

Choose a wedding here if you want one of the most awesome wedding venues in Dayton. Getting-ready rooms are actually dressing rooms for a stage or theater within the museum. They are adequately sized for 10 people or less and can get quite hot. Bring fans if you want to stay cool.

Great Hall – A Grand Wedding Ceremony Location

Epic is the first word that comes to mind when I describe this Dayton wedding ceremony location. The marble floors and high ceilings set the mood for this room. For such a large room, it is easy to see and hear a ceremony. Using the art gallery at the back, you can hide away while guests arrive. I personally love the balcony that is adjacent to this room, as it is a little-used space.

Gothic Cloister

Located in the center of the museum is the Gothic Cloister, which doubles as the wedding reception space. This is a fully enclosed reception space with a glass-domed ceiling. There is a small balcony where the cake is usually set up above the guests. This is a difficult room to photograph in due to its dark walls and high ceiling. Great images are still possible.

Hale Cloister

The small outside courtyard provides an area for semi-private outdoor wedding photos. I have only been out there once or twice, and it is beautiful. I try to get the wedding couples in the grass by the fountain and then work my way around them.

The Rotunda

The moment guests enter the museum, they are greeted by staff in the large, bright rotunda. This is a nice welcome area for guests and sets the tone for the wedding. Staff is always on hand to help too.

Grand Staircase Outside

The Institute began a massive revitalization project several years ago to make the grand staircase facing downtown accessible. For years, the DAI has made the decaying staircase and fountain off-limits to pedestrian traffic. As a Dayton photographer, I obey rules and do not trespass. Therefore, until the staircase reopened to the public, I could not create great Dayton Art Institute wedding photos featuring the staircase and front of the DAI. Now that it is open, we can use it to create stunning photos!

Outside At DAI

The rehabilitation of this great art museum’s facade is evident. The staircase is safe, and the entire stone wall has been cleaned and restored. It is once again great to photograph engaged couples, wedding couples, wedding parties, and families on this grand staircase facing downtown. If you are considering this place for your wedding, you can’t go wrong. Additionally, if you are considering DAI as an engagement session location, check out my Dayton Art Institute engagement location information.

Throughout the day, be sure to utilize the Hale Cloister, the eastern balcony overlooking downtown Dayton, the Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium, and the eastern facade of the museum to take stunning wedding images. On nice days, you can use all of these indoor and outdoor spaces.

Lastly, even if you think this venue isn’t for you, give it a shot. It can suit a lot of different tastes. Before you book a different venue, at least take a tour. Indeed, you will not be disappointed!