Ivory Meadows Is A First Class Wedding And Reception Venue In The Dayton Area
October 30, 2025
Ivory Meadows Yellow Springs, Ohio
Ivory Meadows is an absolutely amazing wedding and reception venue in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The amazing event venue just outside of the village is a purpose-built wedding destination. Saying that really sells it short. They host corporate events, weddings, receptions, and any other medium to large event you can think of. Below are all the reasons this is a perfect wedding venue. As a professional wedding photographer for 18 years (253rd wedding), this really says something!
The Grounds
Driving through the country to get to this event center, I was wondering how nice the venue would be. This was my first time photographing there, so I had only the venue website photos to look at. When I pulled in, I literally said “wow!” This place is huge and beautiful sitting atop a hill surrounded by farm fields and tress. Between the street and the building is a huge parking lot, big enough for probably 100 cars.
The Reception Building Exterior
The only building on the property is a huge indoor chic barn. It isn’t a typical farm barn. It is an all-white modern facility especially for events. On the northern edge are huge windows and doors that lead to the reception area. On the east are the back door entrances to the wedding couple suites. This is the only “ugly” part of the venue and is where the caterer parks. The south side features a full concrete patio that is lined with white chairs. The guests face a lush green hill behind the ceremony location. I loved the look there.
The east side of the building has several purposes. There is an outdoor patio overlooking the hills and the sunset. There is an indoor-outdoor patio that houses the large bar for drinks and large glass paneled garage doors. These can be open on nice days. The rest of the indoor patio can be used for cocktail hour.
Large white doors sit on the north and south sides of the event space. They can close to cover the entry doors, creating a clean, attractive backdrop for wedding photos. When the on-site coordinator showed me these doors, I was thrilled. Since the venue sits on open farmland with no shade, I made do with the smallest patch of shade for wedding photos.
Indoor Event Space
The indoor event space featured two large tables running the length of the venue. Think the great hall in Harry Potter. On both side of these two were several round tables. At the south end there was room for the DJ and a large dance floor.
As a photographer, I was allowed to upstairs to place lights or take photographs. A staircase leads to a walkway which can be used for unique angles at this event center.
At wedding, I always feel for the groom and groomsmen (if any) because they are so hot. So, I am always very aware of the air conditioning at venues. Some such as Canopy Creek don’t have enough to keep up on hot days. Ivory Meadows was purse air condition perfecting on an 85 degree October day. I can’t say enough how important this is when choosing a venue for a potentially hot wedding day.
Bridal / Wedding Couple Suites
The “bridal suite” or wedding couple partner 1 suite, is at the north east corner of the building to the left when entering. It featured hair and makeup stations with individual seats and mirrors. The was a couch and several chairs as well. Every inch of counter and table space was being used by this large group, but it never felt cramped.
The “groom’s suite” or wedding couple partner 2 suite, is at the south east corner of the building. Inside was a television and pool table. Lounging on the couches was a popular pre-wedding activity at this wedding. My favorite feature of these rooms was the keypad lock on the room. It’s a fantastic method to prevent unwanted wedding guests from entering. You probably leave your keys, phones, and wallets in the room.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Location
Of course, everyone is at this venue for the wedding ceremony. The large concrete path was perfect for the processional, recessional, wedding couple, officiant, an wedding party. The guests were seated in rows of white folding chairs on a well-manicured law. Again, the hill behind the ceremony complemented the beautiful trees, bushes, and flowers just behind. As a photographer, I was excited to work with this setting.
Day Of Coordinator Venue Staff
Never have I experienced a better on-side venue staff / day-of coordinator. I am a solo photographer and have been for 253 weddings. My wife assisted with bags for the first few but that was years ago. So, when the venue staff help me corral people, fluff the dress, call out names for pictures, and help with photo locations, I couldn’t believe it. A big shout out to Ivory Meadows for having a generous and friendly staff. A+
Ivory Meadows Drawbacks
The only drawback to this Dayton-area wedding venue is that it is out in the country. It is 35 minutes from the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 75. Other than that, it is perfect!!!
