GENERAL INFORMATION

How many guests can The Blackwell Inn accommodate?

The number of guests The Blackwell Inn can accommodate varies by the additional setup requirements that you may have. We recommend 250 or less for the most comfortable fit.

Keep in mind, our Blackwell Patio is also available for events; it may be tented at an additional cost to accommodate more guests. Please ask our Wedding Coordinator for more details.

Can I have my wedding ceremony at The Blackwell Inn?

The Blackwell Inn has hosted many wedding ceremonies, comfortably accommodating up to 250 guests for a ceremony in two sections of our ballroom or on our patio. We require one hour to reset the room for your reception, so this time can be spent on our plaza level for your cocktail hour. There is a setup fee of $750 for the ceremony. The decision to set the ceremony inside or outside due to weather must be determined 2 hours in advance of the wedding ceremony.

How much time is included for my reception?

Your event is contracted for five hours, including the time spent on our plaza level for a pre-reception/cocktail hour. Additional hours may be added for $200 per hour until midnight.

When do I guarantee my number of guests?

Your final guest count is due one week prior to your event date. After this, you may not decrease your count, but, in most cases, you may add a few guests up until 36 business hours prior to the event date.

Does the hotel offer parking for my guests?

The Blackwell Inn offers valet service for your guests at a rate of $15/vehicle for an evening event. Overnight valet parking is $25. Your guests may also self-park at the Tuttle Park Garage about a block and a half away; the garage charges an hourly rate.

Do you have any limitations on decorating?

Restrictions regarding decorations include no glitter or confetti, no open flames, and no affixing anything to the walls or ceilings. As set-up times may vary, we prefer to set out any decorations for you, as you and your guests will be busy that day. You may drop off items up to three business days prior to your event for our team to set-up on the day of the wedding.

CUSTOM WEDDING MENU

How do you create the personalized wedding menus?

Once you've booked your wedding with us, our Wedding Coordinator will share our Wedding Menu Survey with you to complete as a couple. Questions include what you ate on your first date, childhood food memories, favorite beverages, cultural background, and more! Our Executive Chef and his team will then create a custom menu based on this information, which we'll share with you for feedback and approval before scheduling your tasting, when you get to come in and experience your wedding cuisine firsthand!

Can I taste the food prior to my reception?

We offer a complimentary tasting for up to four guests to enjoy the custom menu our Executive Chef and his team have created for your special day. You'll enjoy samples of almost every part of your menu, from hors d'oeuvres through salads and entrees.

BOOKING YOUR WEDDING

Is there a minimum number of guests or dollar amount that is required?

We do not have a minimum number of guests required. However, we do have a minimum in food and beverage revenue that must be met (this does not include tax or gratuity).  Please note, the minimums vary by date and lower minimums are available on some Friday evenings and Sundays. Be sure to check with our Wedding Coordinator for seasonal specials!

What if I do not meet my food and beverage minimum?

The Blackwell Inn can upgrade your food or beverage choices to help reach your minimum; however, if you do not meet the minimum in food and beverage revenue (not including tax and gratuity), the difference will be billed as a ballroom room rental fee.

What is required to reserve the date?

A contract will be sent outlining the date, time, deposits, and other details. You will have two weeks to review and return a signed copy of the contract along with your initial deposit.

May I hold the date tentatively while I am deciding?

A two-week hold may be placed on the date, which allows you “first right of refusal” if another bride is interested. After the two weeks, you may request a contract or release the date.

How do I block hotel rooms for my guests?

The Blackwell Inn offers discounted rates for friends and family. A designated number of rooms will be blocked for your guests to call and make their reservations, at which time they'll need to indicate which wedding they are with. The cut-off date for guests to make reservations will be 30 days prior to your event.

Due to our proximity to the Ohio Stadium, parking challenges, and the last-minute game time announcements, we cannot host weddings on home football game days.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

How are payments handled?

The Blackwell Inn accept cash, check, or major credit cards. A deposit schedule will be sent to you with your contract with payments broken down over several months until the final payment. The final payment will be due seven business days prior and a credit card authorization form must be on file for any incidentals. The final payment will include all applicable taxes and service charges.

Payment schedule is outlined below:

• Due at contract signing – $2,000 initial deposit
• Due six months prior to event date – 50% of anticipated revenue
• Due three months prior to event date – 75% of anticipated revenue
• Due seven business days prior to event date – 100% of anticipated revenue (i.e. the balance of the event)

A credit card authorization is required for incidentals and any additional costs the evening of the event.

Are tax and gratuity included?

Standard tax rates will apply to all charges and 24% gratuity (subject to change) is automatically added on top of all room rental fees and food and beverage rates. If you wish to add additional gratuity, this can be arranged through the Blackwell Wedding Coordinator.

What is your cancellation policy?

All deposits are non-refundable. If you need to move your date, your deposits may be transferred to the new date when re-booked within six months and to occur no later than six months after the original date, based on prior approval of The Blackwell Inn management team. The transfer fee is based on the cancellation date and event date.

VENDORS

Can I have a band?

The Blackwell Ballroom has enough space to accommodate a band. It is important to provide our Wedding Coordinator with specific space requirements and any requests from the band to make appropriate arrangements.

Do you have a preferred list of vendors?

We have a list of vendors that we have worked with in the past, but you are not required to use them. Feel free to request more information from our Wedding Coordinator.