the only wedding venue guide you need
A visual walk through the venue with real wedding photos, so you can see your day here long before it arrives.
Let me confess something funny before we dive into this venue. As a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer, every time I photograph a wedding at Nationwide Conference Center, also known as The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center, I start acting like I’m on their unofficial payroll. Even after eight years of capturing some of the most elegant weddings in town, I still talk about this place so much you’d think I own stock in it.. If Nationwide ever opened a fan club, I’d be the president, the treasurer, and the person handing out T shirts at the door.
But can you blame me? The moment I walk through those doors, the venue just pulls me in with its elegance, its calm energy, and the way the light wraps around every corner like it was designed specifically for wedding photographers. My couples look incredible here without even trying, and I take full credit… but honestly, this venue makes my job very easy.
So before you fall in love with it, just know that I fell first. And now I get to show you exactly why.
Note: Nationwide Conference Center has recently rebranded and is now known as The Ohioan
If you are dreaming of a Columbus wedding where everything happens in one beautiful place, Nationwide Conference Center Wedding might already be on your radar. Tucked into 15 acres of village-like grounds in Lewis Center, with a 2-acre pond, courtyards and brick paths, it feels like its own little world while still being just off Polaris and Route 23.
Hi, Im Ahmed,
As a wedding Photographer based in Columbus Ohio, with nearly a decade of experience capturing Weddings, I have a love to artistic and elegant stories, & i see Nationwide Conference Center Wedding, Ohio as a canvas. The architecture, the water, the trees and the ballrooms all give you layers of texture to build a gallery that feels like you, not a copy of someone else’s wedding.
In This guide I will walk you through the venue, the spaces, what it really offers to your guests, plus planning and photo tips so you can get the most out of every corner.
Why Would you fall in Love with Nationwide Conference Center Wedding ?
Location and vibe
The venue & hotel are just minutes from Columbus and across from Highbanks Metro Park. With 15 acres of park-like, village-style grounds with Georgian-inspired buildings, cobblestone style paths and a central pond with lit fountains.
Guest comfort
Around 193 guest rooms and suites so most of your people can stay right on site.
Indoor and outdoor pools, wellness center, complimentary parking and an on-site restaurant and pub.
Events and capacity
Up to about 300 guests in the largest ballroom and overall event capacity listed around 600 people.
Multiple ballrooms and event rooms so your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, after-party and brunch can all live in one place.
Investment
Public listings show wedding packages starting roughly in the 40 to 85 dollars per person range, usually including hors d’oeuvres hour, dinner service, linens, cake cutting and more, plus service charge and tax.
The venue focuses on in-house catering and bar, which keeps logistics smooth but means you want to understand package details clearly.
Always confirm current pricing and inclusions with the venue, since packages change over time.
Wedding Reception Spaces & Photo Tips
Nationwide gives you three primary reception spaces, each with a different personality and look in photos :
1. Edgewater Room: Warm, Tuscan, Wrapped In Windows
Edgewater has a Tuscan feel with a modern twist. The room is surrounded by windows that overlook the 2-acre pond with lit fountains, and it includes a fireplace with a large mantle that is perfect for florals, candles and personal décor. It seats up to around 200 guests with a dance floor. Daytime receptions benefit from soft natural light pouring in from three sides. At sunset, the pond and fountains behind the glass give you a romantic, glowing backdrop. The fireplace mantle becomes an anchor for detail shots, cake photos and emotional speeches. here is my secret artistic tip If you love emotional, painterly images, ask me for ten minutes just after sunset to step onto the patio that overlooks the water. The reflections of the fountains and the sky behind you create a cinematic feel that looks incredible in elegant, close portraits.
2. Grand Ballroom: Big Guest List, Big Statement
The Grand Ballroom is the largest wedding space on property, a contemporary yet regal room with exposed brick anchoring the 6,000 square foot space, plus tall palladian-style windows and its own courtyard and attached atrium for cocktails. It seats up to about 300 guests with a dance floor. How it feels in photos you ask? Exposed brick and tall windows add depth and texture to wide reception shots. The atrium gives you a bright, airy space for cocktail hour candids. The courtyard just outside is perfect for first looks, wedding party portraits and night photos with string lights or subtle flash. My artistic tip : Plan your first dance with the lights slightly dimmed and just enough spot or uplighting on you. In a large room like this, that focus turns the moment into something intimate and cinematic, even with a big crowd around you.
3. NorthPointe Ballroom: Classic, Elegant Canvas
NorthPointe Ballroom is a traditional ballroom with 18 foot ceilings and about 4,500 square feet. It seats up to roughly 225 guests with a dance floor and includes a pre-function area and Study for cocktail hour, plus a charming courtyard. How it feels in photos? Clean, classic lines that work beautifully with timeless, elegant décor. High ceilings are perfect for tall floral pieces and dramatic chandeliers. The Study and courtyard give you tucked-away spaces for emotional, quieter photos with parents, grandparents or your wedding party. So My artistic tip is : Use the Study as a “breathing room” for private, emotional moments. A first look with a parent, a quick letter exchange or a quiet toast with your best friends here can become some of the most treasured images in your gallery.
Now let's talk about the Outdoor Ceremony And Portrait Spots You Should Not Miss
Even if you never leave the property, you have a full variety of looks for your photos.
Lakeside patio with lit fountains
A must for romantic couple portraits at golden hour. The water and lights give so much depth and movement in images.
Courtyards and brick walkways
The Georgian architecture, arches and brick surfaces frame you in a very classic, editorial way.
Tree-lined paths and lawns
Great for family portraits with consistent light and clean backgrounds, especially earlier in the day.
Just across the street
Highbanks Metro Park sits right nearby, known for its dramatic bluffs and woodland trails along the Olentangy River.
If you want a mix of natural, wild scenery and the polished hotel look, you can plan a short portrait stop there before or after your ceremony.
My artistic tip
If you want bright, elegant photos with soft skin tones, schedule your couples portraits either one to two hours before sunset around the pond, or right after sunrise if you are doing a morning celebration. The low sun wraps around you gently and turns every little touch into something glowing and emotional.
What the Venue Offers, Spaces & Ambience at Nationwide / The Ohioan
Elegant indoor reception & ballroom spaces (including dance floor)
The venue features three main reception/ballroom options, each with its own distinct character — from cozy and intimate to expansive and grand.
Grand Ballroom: A 6,000-square-foot space, with dramatic exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows creating a regal, timeless atmosphere. It comfortably hosts up to 300 guests with a dedicated dance floor.
NorthPointe Ballroom: A classic ballroom with 18-foot ceilings and 4,500 square feet, ideal for a slightly smaller but still elegant celebration (up to ~225 guests) with its own pre-function area and courtyard access.
Edgewater Room: A Tuscan-inspired space bathed in natural light, full of warmth and charm, windows all around, views of the pond with fountains, exposed beams and a fireplace perfect for a cozy, romantic reception or dinner for up to ~200 guests.
These indoor spaces, especially with their mix of natural light, architectural character (brick, beams, fireplaces), and comfortable floor plans give you as a wedding photographer a dream canvas: you can create elegant portraits, dynamic reception shots, romantic couple moments, and lively dance-floor storytelling, all without worrying about logistics or awkward transitions.
On-site catering, convenience & guest accommodations
The venue offers full-service, award-winning on-site catering: plated dinners, buffets, butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, full bar service, and attention to every detail, including linens, table settings, and cake cutting.
Because the hotel rooms are right on the property (nearly 193 newly renovated guest rooms and suites), couples and their guests enjoy seamless convenience, no travel needed between ceremony, reception, rest, or after-party.
Additional amenities — like indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, pub/restaurant, cozy pre- and post-function areas, add to the guest experience, giving wedding weekends at this venue a relaxed, luxurious, “all-in-one” vibe.
Why all of this matters for couples and for your photos
With its mix of beautiful natural scenery, architectural charm, versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, and all the amenities on site — this venue doesn’t just host a wedding. It becomes a full wedding experience. As a photographer, I love that you don’t have to travel far for variety: one moment you can have sweeping portraits by the pond, the next — soft, romantic indoor portraits by a fireplace, a few hours later — a lively dance floor under warm light, and later — cozy candid moments in a courtyard or patio.
For couples reading your blog: this place offers everything. Comfort. Beauty. Style. Convenience. And a canvas for their story — in light, mood, and emotion — that feels luxurious, timeless, and deeply personal.
What You &Your Guests Actually Experience Here
A lot of blogs stop at the pretty photos. I promise you get that, and with that, Let’s talk about what your family and friends feel on the day.
Everything in one place
Rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, The Pub for an after-party and cozy beds are all on the same property. Guests who are flying in do not need to rent cars or learn a new city in one weekend.
On-site hotel amenities
Indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness center, breakfast in the Ohio Dining Room, plus easy parking make the weekend feel more like a mini vacation than just an event.
The Pub
The on-site bar gives your guests a natural spot for welcome drinks the night before and a relaxed after-party once the reception ends. They can walk back to their rooms safely, which everyone appreciates.
When you layer thoughtful photography into this environment, your gallery does not just show a pretty venue. It tells the full story of your people arriving, reconnecting, laughing by the pool, hugging in the lobby and dancing the night away.
how much does it cost to get married at Nationwide Conference Center | The Ohioan?
From public information and vendor listings, here is how couples often look at investment here. Always verify details directly with Nationwide.
Packages are commonly priced per person, with a range listed around $ 40 to $ 85 per guest, plus service charge and tax.
Packages typically include an hour of hors d’oeuvres, choice of dinner service style, cake cutting, linens, some décor basics and a complimentary suite for the wedding night, alongside group hotel rates for guests.
Questions to ask your Nationwide Conference Center | The Ohioan coordinator
- Which spaces are included in the package you are considering, and for how many hours.
- Exact bar options and how late service can run.
- What décor and rentals you can skip because they already provide them.
- Whether there are extra fees for ceremony rehearsal, outdoor ceremony setups or early access for your photographer and florist.
- What lighting is already in the room, and what they recommend for uplighting and candles.
- Looking at it with intention helps you protect your budget so you can invest in what really matters to you: photography, music, florals, or that surprise late-night snack your guests will never forget.
To save you even more time, here is the Wedding Day Timeline my couples value and invest in for a seamless day.
Here is a simple example for a wedding with a 5:30 pm ceremony and reception in one of the ballrooms. Adjust times seasonally.
12:00 pm Hair and makeup in a hotel suite. Detail photos of dress, invitations and rings while you relax.
1:30 pm Getting ready portraits with your favorite people, robe shots, emotional moments with parents.
2:30 pm First look in the courtyard or by the brick paths. Private vows if you want them.
3:00 pm Wedding party photos around the grounds and by the pond.
4:00 pm Immediate family portraits while everyone is fresh and the light is still soft.
5:30 pm Ceremony outdoors or indoors depending on your plan.
6:00 pm Cocktail hour in the atrium or pre-function space, candid photos of guests and reception details.
6:45 pm Ten minutes of golden-hour portraits by the water while guests find their seats.
7:00 pm Grand entrance, dinner, toasts and first dances in the ballroom.
9:00 pm Dance floor open, night photos outside if you want something dramatic with reflections or fountain lights.
11:00 pm Formal exit, then a relaxed after-party at The Pub for whoever wants to stay. Northwest Hotel and Conference Center
This rhythm keeps your day relaxed and leaves space for real, unscripted moments without rushing.
Timeline planning is only one of the pillars I offer my lovely couples to support and congratulate them. I also help with location choice, outfit guidance, and natural posing so your experience feels easy and your photos look elegant. If you need help with any of these, fill out the form below, don’t be shy, I’m just a message away.
How To Choose The Right Photographer For your wedding at Nationwide Conference Center | The Ohioan
Nationwide Conference Center Wedding is a venue with variety: bright windows, darker ballrooms, evening fountains, hallways, courtyards and busy dance floors. To get a gallery that feels elegant and personal, you want a photographer who can handle all of that while keeping you comfortable.
Look for someone who:
- Understands how to work with natural light and indoor light without making you look washed out or orange.
- Knows how to pose you gently so you never feel stiff, but still look elevated and confident.
- Pays attention to the small, emotional interactions: your dad’s hand on your shoulder, grandma’s smile across the room, your friends losing it on the dance floor.
- Values family, connection and legacy, and photographs your people in a way that future generations will feel.
- That is exactly the heart behind my work at Sassi Photo. I connect with my couples, learn their energy and love story, and then use all of these spaces at Nationwide as a backdrop to tell that story in an artistic, elegant way. Your gallery should feel like you, wrapped in all the beauty this venue offers.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a Columbus wedding venue that can host your entire weekend, treat your guests well and still give you a rich, artistic backdrop,Nationwide Conference Center Wedding is a very strong contender.
With a thoughtful timeline, intentional use of the grounds and a photographer who sees your love as art, this village-like property becomes more than just a hotel. It becomes the place where your story is written in images your future family will treasure.
Venue Facts :
- Location: Lewis Center, Ohio (Columbus area)
- Address: 100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, OH 43035
- Phone: (614) 880-4300 / Toll-Free: (866) 233-9393
- Guest Capacity: Grand Ballroom: up to 300 guests. Edgewater Room: up to 200 guests (with dance floor). NorthPointe Ballroom: up to 225 guests
- Reception Space Highlights: exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, private patio/courtyard areas
- Edgewater Room Vibe: Tuscan-style, lots of natural light, pond + fountains, fireplace
- On-site Hotel Rooms: 193 guest rooms
- Event/Meeting Space: around 40,000–45,000 sq ft
- Certified Conference Center: IACC-certified
- Outdoor Options: patios/courtyard spaces available depending on the event room
- Nearby Portrait Spots: close to Highbanks Metro Park
If you’re envisioning your own wedding at Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center, I’d love to help you see what’s possible. With nearly a decade of experience capturing love stories in this elegant space, I know how to bring out the venue’s best features while staying true to your unique connection. Let’s chat, I’m here to guide you in turning this elegant setting into a personal, & artistic story that feels entirely your own.
Browse more of my blogs, thoughtfully designed to answer your questions and save you hours of research.
100 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Browse more of my blogs, thoughtfully designed to answer your questions and save you hours of research.
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