The Valley Dale Ballroom — Attraction in Columbus

The Valley Dale Ballroom - The venue that saved our wedding!

Long story short, we ended up changing venues from our original choice 45 days before our wedding. With a few options still available, we ended up choosing the Valley Dale.

I met Sahra, the boss lady (she runs the place- with grace, might I add) and she was nothing short of amazing and accommodating. I was a little skeptical at first because the Valley Dale is significantly different than the barn style wedding we were planning for roughly a year, however Sahra said it best, sometimes plan B is better than plan A. She was 10000% right and I had no idea how right she was until the day of our wedding.

We tried a different set up with where we got married (a circle ceremony) it was SO COOL!! The building already has a stage, an enormous dance floor and killer acoustics, we knew that this would be pretty fantastic since we had a band rather than a DJ- P.S. if you're looking for a band, looking further than Martini Affair is a waste of time. They were AWESOME and everyone (yeah, even Aunt Sally who doesn't dance) was up dancing, having the time of their lives!!

Also, there's a very cool bridge, walking distance from the venue where we took our photos... they came out BEAUTIFUL!!

With some hiccups in our wedding planning road, Sahra made it a smooth as possible. We got married at the end of September 2018 and are still continuing to get compliments on EVERYTHING! Sahra knows what she's talking about- for example: I was worried we wouldn't have enough bartenders, she assured me that based on the number of guests, that we would be fine, however if we wanted to add more, we could. It was so lovely to get her opinion, but she would accommodate any extra need if so desired. (P.S. we went with her recommendation and she was right again, glad we trusted her)

It was a no brainer that we made the right choice, plan B was definitely better than plan A. If you are looking for a wedding venue with a professional staff, that doesn't look like all of the other wedding venues, for a wedding experience that does't feel like all other weddings, go visit. From the history of the building, to the color changing crystal chandeliers, to the massive stage and dance floor- guys, you won't be disappointed. I promise, you will...

I actually do love valley dale the venue, we have a history that is dear to me…chuck selby was proprietors in the mid 70ies and I was a young concert promoter and had been holding my concerts at the Ohio state fairgrounds…A list entertainers,..such as Bobby bland, chi lites, Al Green, …when I first began, valley dale was just a little out of my price range, I met with Chuck Selby early 70s and we bonded and I began to use Valley Dale and the word was spread by my first artist Chuck Jackson how beautiful Valley Dale was and the chitlin circuit, where many major artists were being booked followed his lead …and he was helpful in getting me great prices on top artist …My most successful artists was David Ruffin after he was fired from being the lead singer of the TEMPTATIONS…the Columbus Ohio Fire Marshal on duty came and told me I was way over compacity (1200) … WE HAD a private talk and he left 😂🙏🏾….I moved in 2007 to surprise Arizona …2020 …our daughter was stricken with throat cancer …we came home and 9 month later march 28 2021… she was dianosed cancer free…I asked BUCKEYE GUY if he knew the knew the new owners …he said yes …WE went to V D and I met the new owners Rick and Landa Brunetto …I saw that historical venue had been just remodeled from front to back and it was gorgeous even more than it was when I was fortunate to have chuck Jackson tell the TOP ARTIST about this beautiful palace in CAPCITY O-H-I-O…I ask Rick & Landa if it was OK ..in the middle of COVID …when deposits were being returned..from constant cancellation…IF OK ..I would like to hold a INTERNATONAL JAZZ DAY CONCERTS ..I OWED VALLEY DALE for helping me as a young man trying to bring in TOP ENTERTAINERS …10 local artist/bands …plus Rick Brunetto BIG BAND they all played for the V D for gratis …100 year of serving CAPCITY and it looks like it was built yesterday …I will say this , that is one of the oldest and most beautiful facility in the ENTIRE STATE OF OHIO…owners are 2nd generation LANDA DAD WAS ONCE ….TOP proprietor just before I found this amazingly beautiful venue...

A Venue That Holds a Special Place in My Heart

I actually had my high school prom at Valley Dale Ballroom, so I’m thrilled to see this historic venue open again and welcoming couples and events back to its beautiful space. I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding here this past spring, and it was truly amazing.

Finding a wedding venue with character and charm can be challenging—so many modern spaces feel cookie-cutter or lack that special something. Valley Dale Ballroom solves this beautifully. The historic ballroom has stunning architectural details, gorgeous natural light, and an elegance that makes every photo feel timeless.

What makes it exceptional for wedding photography: The high ceilings and expansive windows create incredible lighting throughout the day. The classic ballroom aesthetic provides a romantic backdrop that never goes out of style. Whether you’re capturing intimate moments or the entire celebration, this venue photographs like a dream.

As a Columbus-area wedding photographer at Melchy Hill Photography, returning to Valley Dale as a professional was incredibly special. The venue has been beautifully maintained, and the staff truly cares about making each event memorable.

If you’re planning a wedding or special event in the Columbus area, Valley Dale Ballroom deserves to be on your list. The combination of historic charm and modern amenities creates the perfect setting for your celebration.

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