The Lift Dayton Area Historic Former Factory Wedding Venue
October 24, 2024
My Final Wedding Of 2024 – The Lift Dayton
My 245th wedding since 2007 and my final wedding of 2024 was at The Lift in Dayton, Ohio. This Dayton wedding venue is a revitalized factory from the 1900s situated in the Huffman Historic
District. I had been in The Lift a few years ago when it was just a shell, unpainted, and unfinished. I had been anxiously awaiting October 2024 to finally photograph a beautiful wedding and reception at this
large event center.
Hiring Me For Their Wedding And Engagement Session
I love it when a good wedding couple hires me to photograph their wedding. Hiring me in 2023, they chose to have their complimentary engagement session in the historic Oregon District. They were nervous about performing well in front of the camera. I made the session fun and easy to help them feel comfortable. Upon delivery of the digital gallery, they let me know how comfortable I made them feel. I love making couples happy and receiving five-star reviews.
The Lift Wedding Venue Details
The Lift Dayton is a large indoor wedding venue with 20,000 sq. ft., a full bar, a bridal suite, a groom’s lounge, and four spacious event areas. You can use the two downstairs rooms for the ceremony and cocktail hour, while the two upstairs rooms work well for dinner, dancing, and other reception activities. The buffet area includes a large built-in bar and plenty of space for a DJ, photo booth, and dance floor. The property is ADA-compliant with ramps and two elevators, including a historic freight lift. It also offers multiple restrooms and excellent air conditioning.
Finding The Lift
Your first time arriving at The Lift may be confusing, This former ice cream cone factory sits in the center of a neighborhood of historic houses. It is so hidden, that I would guess some neighbors may not know it exists. Trust the GPS, you’re going the right way down a dead-end street. There are two parking lots, a small one on the east side and a large one on the west side. The west side lot is closer to the main entrance.
Bridal Suites And Wedding Prep Areas
The bridal suite is one of the largest and well-lit in the Dayton area. It features couches, a table, a television, several hair and makeup areas, large windows, a private restroom, and a storage closet. Makeup artists will love the large amount of natural light in this room. A small fridge packed with drinks is a nice perk for the ladies. The groom’s lounge is an L-shaped room with couches, television, and large wooden dressing lockers for the groom and groomsmen. This room is much smaller but has plenty of storage space and counters. There were 6 guys in the room at the October wedding, and the room was adequate. At most venues, the groom’s prep area is often overlooked. Not at The Lift!
Outdoor And Sunset Photos
If you’re looking for outdoor areas, there are very few. The venue sits between historic homes and a former Norfolk-Southern railroad track, leaving little outdoor space. At this wedding, I used the out-of-service railroad area for a few sunset photos with trees in the background—it was the only option. Since it’s close to downtown Dayton and I-75, you could easily include a nearby park in your Lift wedding day if you’d like outdoor photos.
Why Should You Choose The Lift For Your Dayton Wedding
If you want a classy, historic Dayton venue with plenty of space for your wedding and reception, choose The Lift. Its great service and beautiful building set it apart. The black-and-white aesthetic gives you freedom to decorate however you like—bright florals, for example, really pop. You can’t go wrong with this exceptional Dayton wedding venue.
Photos Of A Real Wedding At The Lift Dayton Fall 2024
The Lift Dayton Wedding Venue Wedding Film / Highlight Video
Empty Wedding Venue Photos
Former Ice Cream Cone Factory Wedding And Reception Venue Construction
The Lift in Dayton’s historic Huffman Historic District will become Dayton’s newest wedding and reception venue. This former ice cream cone plant from the early 1900s is undergoing a massive transformation. It will become another Dayton wedding venue in a historic building. These kinds of wedding venues are my favorite to photograph, as they combine history and weddings. The photos below are from June 2021 and show the progress being made to restore and revitalize this great Dayton property. If you have ever wanted to have an ice cream cone factory wedding, this is your place.
2023 Update On Dayton’s Ice Cream Cone Factory Wedding Venue
I have since seen photos of The Lift in its finished state. Wow is it gorgeous! There is so much space and it looks great. They did a great job turning an abandoned small factory into a gorgeous wedding reception venue. The entire building is black and white which means you can make your wedding colors pop. Can you imagine bright floral designs for your wedding day on a black-and-white background? Chef’s kiss!
Having Your Wedding In A Former Factory
Hosting a wedding in a former factory blends industrial charm with romantic allure. Towering brick walls, exposed beams, and open spaces create an atmosphere of raw elegance. The mix of metal and wood, along with rough textures and delicate details, forms a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. With creativity and vision, a factory can transform into a venue that captures love while honoring the beauty of repurposing.
