Historic Dayton Arcade Wedding Photos & Venue Information
July 28, 2024
Dayton Arcade Weddings
The Dayton Arcade is one of the most unique wedding venues in downtown Dayton, Ohio. As a Dayton wedding photographer who has photographed this historic landmark since 2017, I have documented weddings, events, and the incredible transformation of this iconic building. The Arcade’s glass Rotunda, historic architecture, and modern event spaces create an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photography.
Photographing weddings a the Dayton Arcade is one of the highlights of my career, and I can’t wait to shoot many more weddings at this iconic Dayton, Ohio, wedding venue.
Dayton Arcade Events is the official event manager for this downtown Dayton event space, the most iconic Dayton wedding, reception, and event venue.
Why The Dayton Arcade Is A Unique Wedding Venue
- Historic downtown Dayton architecture
- Three-story glass Rotunda with natural light
- Indoor ceremony and reception options
- Unique photo locations throughout the building
- Weather-proof wedding photography location
- Convenient downtown Dayton location
Why The Dayton Arcade Is One Of Dayton’s Best Wedding Venues
Why is the Dayton Arcade one of the best wedding venues in Dayton? The venue rental spaces, the Rotunda and The Tank, are perfect for hosting large weddings. The Dayton Arcade Events service is great, and the catering is amazing. The adjacent parking garage and street parking is easily accessible for guests. The built in hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, provides easy, indoor access to the entire event. No need to worry about drunk driving! And finally, this is a world class revitalized building(s) that is beautiful, large, and one-of-a-kind.
Dayton Arcade Wedding Ceremony & Reception Spaces
The Rotunda
Weddings and events take place in the famous glass Rotunda (South) and The Tank. The historic glass rotunda is a huge three-story open area with a domed glass ceiling providing an incredible amount of natural light. On sunny days, you can see the shadows dance around the floor, much like those on a sundial. There are large restrooms on the north side of this reception space as well as a dedicated kitchen for catering. The entire complex is accessible and air conditioned.
The Tank
The Tank is a below-ground event space that is partially designed for entrepreneurs to pitch ideas to investors. During wedding days, it is used for cocktail hours between the wedding and reception. After the ceremony, guests make their way downstairs to The Tank. High-top tables, two bars, and plenty of room to mingle occupy wedding guests until the reception begins. While the Rotunda is on the first floor, The Tank is in the basement. There is an elevator on the north east side of the Rotunda for accessing The Tank.
The Getting Ready “Bridal” Suites
In the basement, adjacent to The Tank are two getting ready suites. These are used for wedding couples and wedding parties to get dressed and prepare for the wedding day. These are nice but are by no means the largest in Dayton. There are no windows or natural light. For large wedding parties, these suites will be too small. A good solution would be to spend the night(s) at the Hilton Garden Inn and do most of the getting ready in a hotel suite. These suites are definitely good, just not huge.
The Experience Of Being A Dayton Arcade Wedding Photographer (IT IS AWESOME)
Since 2017, I have been legally photographing this building, thanks to the City of Dayton. It started as an urban exploration passion of mine. Since Cross Street Partners acquired this property and secured funding, I have been one of three official photographers providing before, during, and after photos of the revitalization.
In addition, I have photographed this 9-building complex many times on behalf of the University of Dayton and The Hub. My photos (not wedding photos) have been featured in the University of Dayton Magazine and various websites and social media with many Arcade-related organizations. The Hub Powered By PNC and the University of Dayton have also shared my photos. On November 12, 2021, I landed my first magazine cover and full feature published by the University of Dayton Magazine.
In addition to the rotunda, The Hub, and other event spaces, the Arts Lofts house tenants who chose to live in this restored structure. The final phase of redevelopment is underway in the north section and Gibbons annex, where a 94-room Hilton Garden Inn is being built. This work is transforming the 3rd Street entrance into a vibrant event space, hotel, entrepreneurship center, and retail destination.
A Little More About This Venue
A special thanks to former Mayor Nan Whaley and the Dayton City Commission for helping make this development possible. This was a critical piece to the revitalization of downtown. Also, thanks to Model Group and MODA4 for doing a great job with this joint venture.
Bonus: Check out The Hung and the various office buildings along Fourth Street, Main Street, and Ludlow Street to get the whole picture of this Dayton wedding location for exterior photos.
Arcade Address
Address: 35 W 4th Street Dayton, OH 45402
Parking: Parking garages and street parking
Capacity: 500 guests
Dayton Arcade Photographer Reviews And Testimonials From Arcade Events
A Five-Star Review From A Bride’s Mom
“You are an awesome photographer!! So creative and the pictures are incredible!! You captured everything at my daughter’s wedding. I am so grateful!! I highly recommend you to anyone who needs a photographer for their special day!!” – Arcade bride’s mother
A Five-Star Review From The President Of The University Of Dayton
Dr. Spina was kind enough to write this photography review for me after our session at the Dayton Arcade. As a Dayton photographer and former University of Dayton photographer, this meant so much to me. I worked at UD for 14 years doing I.T. work. When I had free time, I photographed thousands of photos on campus. So all of my worlds collided when I photographed Dr. Spina at the Dayton Arcade for the University of Dayton.
“Kevin was a great partner. Beyond his high-quality work, he is unobtrusive and thoughtful as he positions himself to capture the best and most meaningful moments.” – Dr. Eric Spina
Dayton Arcade Wedding Photography Tips
Tip: Book early because this amazing Dayton wedding reception venue books up quickly.
Tip: Leave plenty of time for wedding photos. The venue is amazing. At my first wedding here, I had very little time for bridal portraits, and the switch from ceremony to reception happened around us during formal photos. I’m still happy with the images, but 30 more minutes before the wedding would have made them even better. Time is critical at this venue. Ceremonies are often short, so make the most of your cocktail hour.
Dayton Arcade Wedding Photo Samples – More To Come In Late 2026!
Dayton Arcade Commercial Photography Of The Hilton Garden Inn
Commercial Photographer In Dayton Ohio
In 2025, I finally photographed the Hilton Garden Inn inside the historic and revitalized Dayton Arcade as a hired professional. For seven years, I had photographed the Arcade with the goal of landing commercial work there. Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Arcade and Cross Street Partners now hire me to capture this downtown Dayton gem.
What I Photographed at the Hilton Garden Inn
Tom Gilliam of Tom Gilliam Photography and I were co-hired to shoot an exhaustive list of assets at the Hilton Garden Inn. We split the responsibilities which included public spaces and rooms. For the hotel room photography, we had a list of the various room types such as king, two queens, or queen ADA tub. Photographing the rooms was difficult because lighting for photos is not good. For a room stay, the lighting is perfect.
Directions For Commercial Photography
Hilton provided a 10 page PDF of the brand guidelines for photography. I was fascinated because I am always dealing with restrictions and requirements with wedding photography. Their most interesting directive was to have all the lights on in the rooms. This was less than ideal for me, as there were different color temperatures introduced. But, I had to deal with it. Things I watch for at weddings, I watched for here, too. Things out of place, trashcans, and messy rooms are some of the things I try to correct before photographing. I wanted to do a good job and for the Hilton Garden Inn to succeed.
This was a fantastic opportunity to be a commercial photographer in Dayton, Ohio.
An 8-Minute Commercial Photography Video I Created For A Cross Street Partners Award Submission
The Hub At The Arcade
The Arcade is the newest old building in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The Hub is now open and is the first new tenant. It is a partnership between the University of Dayton and The Entrepreneur’s Center. You enter this historic 9-building downtown Dayton complex (specifically The Hub) from Main Street between 3rd Street and 4th Street. I have provided and still provide many images for Arcade and The Hub. Contact me if you also need commercial photography.
Photos Of The Hub At Dayton Arcade
Below are photos taken in the newly renovated spaces. You can see that Cross Street Partners, the primary developers, did a fantastic job marrying the historical elements with the modern amenities. I see so many historical elements in these pictures that others may not pick up on. I am the definitive source for Dayton Arcade photography. No one has more photos from demolition, revitalization, and renovation of this Dayton icon. Contact me for permission to use them.
Dayton Arcade Nighttime Exterior Photos
The Arcade, a place I have photographed dozens of times since 2017 is lit up beautifully at night after decades in the dark. Arcade nighttime photos of the Commercial Building, entrance, and The Hub are so beautiful. The lighting outside the building is done incredibly well and complements the architecture. Cross Street Partners did a fantastic job as the lead developer here.
Capturing Arcade Nighttime Photos
Most of the photos you’ll see online are of the historic Rotunda and The Hub. I like to photograph places at different times of the day. Take look at the results. The exterior looks even more beautiful with the lighting package that was installed. The signage on Main Street between Third Street and Fourth Street is the perfect addition to this area. The display windows beneath the sign hearken back to the days when this was McCrory’s store. I enjoy being a Dayton commercial photographer.
I Earned My First Magazine Cover And I Am Again A Published Photographer
In November 2021, I officially scored my first magazine cover and feature story as a published photographer in Dayton. The University of Dayton Magazine commissioned me to photograph the Dayton Arcade for a before-and-after series. Check out my first magazine cover and feature.
My directive was to photograph students entering and exiting The Hub, students using The Hub, and anything else involving UD students and the arcade. At one point I was able to capture students coming and going from the RTA Flyers into The Hub.
Although I have been published dozens of times in calendars, fliers, postcards, and more, this piece was very special to me. l have loved the Arcade since I was little, and the fact that I brought together this property, my UD work, and my photography is mind-blowing.
In May 2017 I gained legal access to the Arcade and got to see it before any demolition or work had begun. In fact, it would be a year later when Cross Street Partners out of Baltimore would begin any work. I used my 2017 photos to get in with CSP and eventually made myself an official Dayton Arcade photographer. As I worked at the University of Dayton, they knew of my photography business and relationship to the arcade. It is cool how my love for the arcade came together with my job at UD.
I Scored My First Magazine Cover – How I Made It
The cover shot came from a few hours of photos with students in them. I photographed students heading to class, in class, and leaving class. The photo below is of students getting off the RTA Flyer bus heading into The Hub on Main Street. Later I would photograph the RTA Flyer in front of the Arcade. A nice synergy of sorts. The Dayton organizations are working together. Contact me for your commercial photography needs.
Dayton Arcade’s Kuhns Building Architecture Revealed During A Power Washing
As one of the official Dayton Arcade photographers, I have been granted access that almost no one has. One experience I had this summer was getting in a bucket truck to photograph the Kuhns Building architecture. The Kuhns Building, the most ornate of the 9-building arcade complex, was undergoing a massive power washing for the first time in decades. The power washing brought out lost details of this architecturally beautiful building in downtown Dayton Ohio.
Power Washing The Kuhns Building Architecture
This is the first time I have ever commercially photographed power washing or photographed from a bucket truck. As a kid, I always thought “cherry pickers” (bucket trucks) were so cool. I will tell you that being in one, shaking in the wind was not as cool as I had envisioned. I could have gone up four floors but decided I’d be too scared. Still, I love the detailed photos I was able to capture from up high.
Dayton Ohio’s Historic Red Gem
In the heart of Dayton, Ohio at 4th Street and Main Street, the Kuhn’s Building stands tall as a treasured piece of the city’s history. With its stately architectural charm and enduring presence, this venerable structure has witnessed the ebb and flow of the city’s growth for over a century. It has seen a resurgence since Cross Street Partner bought the Arcade in 2018.
Originally constructed in 1894, Kuhn’s Building has evolved with grace to capture the essence of the eras it has seen. Its historic brick facade, adorned with intricate detailing, serves as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Until you are up close, you don’t realize how many bricks this building has.
Kuhns Building Info
Its beautifully restored spaces have recently become a sought-after destination for weddings, events, and celebrations of all kinds. Although events don’t happen in the Kuhns, it is part of the 9-building Dayton Arcade Complex.
More than just an architecturally remarkable structure, Kuhn’s Building stands as a symbol of community, resilience, and beauty. It continues to capture the hearts of all who enter its doors, preserving the legacy of Dayton’s past while offering endless possibilities for future memories to be created.
Early Morning Dayton Arcade Helicopter Heavy Lift August 2020
On August 30, 2020, I was able to capture Midwest Helicopter Airways lifting large air conditioning units atop the Dayton Arcade. Prior to the first takeoff, I positioned myself in the parking garage just to the north of the Arcade. I and one other photographer were several stories up at eye level with the roof where the HVAC would go. We were ready.
The Dayton Arcade helicopter lift started around 7:45 am and lasted about an hour. It was amazing, loud, and windy. This vintage heavy lift helicopter made several trips between an empty lot and the top of the 9-building complex in downtown Dayton Ohio. To remain safe, any time it was close to the Arcade, we were instructed to stand further back in the parking garage. Since I was prepared with a long lens, this was no problem for me. It was awesome to see this powerful aircraft lifting expensive equipment between buildings and dropping it into place. I don’t know of another circumstance where I’d have the ability to watch and photograph something this cool. The other people who covered it were on the ground shooting up at the lift. In my opinion, I had the best shooting spot.
Dayton Arcade Construction And Rehabilitation Photos
Restoration and revitalization of the historic 9-building Dayton Arcade is currently taking place. It is sandwiched between Main Street, Ludlow Street, Third Street, and Fourth Street in Downtown Dayton’s core business district. Cross Street Partners, Model Group, and McCormack Baron Salazar along with the City of Dayton and Montgomery County are bringing this 1904 building back to life. The goal of this Dayton Arcade construction is to reopen the Arcade as a mixed-use property including housing, collaboration space, retail, and restaurants. The first tenants of the Dayton Arcade, upon reopening, are the University of Dayton and The Entrepreneurs Center. Eventually, many more businesses and tenants will occupy the remaining buildings. Check out my other Dayton commercial photography.
Artistic Dayton Arcade Photos Using Mirrors And More
After having been a Dayton Arcade commercial photographer since 2018, I decided to try to create some unique artistic images of the main features of this building. For some photos, I used a circular mirror to capture this historic Dayton building. The glass rotunda is so large and tall that it is hard to capture to floor and ceiling at once. To that end, see the photos below and see the floor along with the ceiling. I opted for black and white photos to increase the contrast in these photos.
I had been at an arts and crafts store before the photo session and I bought a circular mirror that would create some fascinating photos. My favorite is the one where the mirror is lying on the rotunda floor and the glass ceiling is fully reflected in it. I love the way the straight lines and curved lines play off one another in real life as well as in the reflection. In some of the shots, it is hard to tell which is real and which is a double.
Using Creative Techniques
Occasionally it benefits my creative brain to experiment with different photography ideas. I would never do this during important parts of a wedding day, for example. You won’t see me trying mirror shots during the first kiss, of course. So for the Arcade photos, I wanted to do something no one else had done. I already have thousands of photos here, but what could I do to get something new? I thought about square or rectangle mirrors, but since the room is round, I figured circular mirrors would be best. To my surprise, my favorite shot is the one where I set the mirror on the floor and stepped back. It almost looks like the rotunda roof is a portal in the floor.
Key Takeaways
- Dayton Arcade is a premier wedding venue in Dayton, Ohio, featuring the iconic glass Rotunda and the unique space known as The Tank.
- The venue’s revitalization involved various community partners and is now a hub for weddings, retail, and entrepreneurship.
- I have photographed numerous events at the Dayton Arcade, gaining recognition including a magazine cover.
- For memorable weddings, book early and allow ample time for photos to take full advantage of the stunning venue.
Bonus Wedding Tip: Hire an inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer who will treat you, your guests, and your families with respect. It makes a difference in your big day.
Check out more of my Dayton and Cincinnati commercial photography and corporate photography clients.