Dayton Masonic Center Wedding Photos & Venue Information

July 29, 2024

Dayton Masonic Center Weddings

The Dayton Masonic Center is a historic and majestic wedding venue overlooking downtown Dayton, Ohio. Its grand architecture and Masonic history make it a popular destination for weddings and special events. The center boasts multiple event spaces, each with its unique charm and character. From the ornate and breathtaking Scottish Rite Cathedral (my least favorite for weddings) to the elegant ballroom with its shimmering chandeliers, the Dayton Masonic Center offers the perfect setting for couples to exchange their vows and celebrate their love in an indoor setting.

This venue provides a memorable experience for every couple and their guests. From the moment you step foot into the Dayton Masonic Center, you can’t help but be captivated by its undeniable beauty and grace.

Scottish Rite Cathedral

This wedding ceremony space is buried deep within the Masonic Center. Although it is pretty, it is very difficult to photograph. The entire room is filled with very dark wood, high ceilings, and dim lighting. I prefer not to photograph in here, but if the wedding is here, I don’t have a choice. The last time I was in there, the air conditioning was either off or nonexistent. It was brutally hot, even with industrial fans.

Elegant Ballroom

The elegant ballroom is a great wedding reception space. The balcony on one side of this room is a perfect spot for cocktail hour. The staff will corral people in this area with view-only access to the reception space. Once the reception begins, guests will be directed downstairs and into the ballroom. This is a beautiful, lightly decorated room with plenty of space for dinner tables, a head table, a DJ, a cake table, and a large dance floor. The staff usually sets up buffet dinners in one of the wings off the side and out of the way.

Best Thing About A Wedding Here

On a hot day, the air conditioning at this Dayton wedding venue cannot be beaten (in the reception space). In my opinion, DMC has the best A/C of any wedding reception venue in Dayton!

Each year, I photograph one Dayton wedding at the Masonic Center situated on Riverview Avenue next to the Dayton Art Institute. This is one of the most iconic buildings in the area and is an imposing building with large columns facing downtown. The weddings take place in one of the fascinating and dark rooms within the building, while receptions take place in the large ballroom. Of course, the ballroom is one of my favorite indoor reception venues in Dayton.

Getting Ready Spaces

This venue offers several different spaces for wedding day activities. The bridal suite, pictured in green pastel below, is large and perfect for a bride and her bridesmaids. There is a large lounge for the wedding party to hang out in before the wedding, and it has televisions, couches, and tables. Cocktail hour takes place on the second-floor balcony surrounding the reception area. The weddings and receptions I’ve done here have always been great. Lastly, you can use the outside of the building and steps as an engagement session location.