The moment you arrive at the historic, yet alluringly modern venue of 21C, your curiosity is engaged. Every aspect of this boutique hotel, contemporary art museum and restaurant is designed to induce a sensory experience.
Start off your Friday by treating your bridal party to an extraordinary lunch around the communal table in the main dining room of Metropole restaurant, which specializes in seasonal ingredients gleaned from local purveyors and prepared in a custom-built, wood burning hearth.
After lunch, head to the in-house spa for pampering. Relax with a facial by ReVive, a blissful massage and a bath treatment that takes relaxation to the next level.
Later that evening, rehearse your wedding ceremony in one of the tastefully designed galleries, each one featuring the museum’s latest exhibition of contemporary art. Follow the rehearsal with a guided tour through the rest of the museum, finishing in another gallery for your rehearsal dinner of simmered tomato and torn bread soup, grilled beef tenderloin and mascarpone tart.
Finish your evening at Cocktail Terrace on the hotel’s rooftop that boasts unparalleled views of Cincinnati, creative cocktails that can be called art and a rotating selection of American craft beers.
Sleep in on Saturday in your custom-furnished hotel room. When you’re ready, saunter back to Metropole for a late breakfast of vanilla honey yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, scrambled egg whites and French toast.
Let your breakfast settle, then set up shop in the bridal greenroom to prepare for the ceremony. Once you’re ready to walk down the aisle, glide over to the gallery where friends and family await your presence.
After the vows are exchanged, invite the wedding party into the brick-walled solarium for a stunning photo shoot.
Ready to eat again? Join your friends and family in the main gallery for an exquisite meal of overnight tomato salad, puree of cauliflower soup, Tuscan spiced grilled swordfish, and of course, the wedding cake accompanied by petite sweets and cookies made fresh in the attached pastry kitchen. Stick around the main gallery for an energetic reception with a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting.
When you’re ready to be alone, slip away with your spouse to the corner suite to enjoy the city view through beautifully restored windows. On Sunday, wake up to rejoin your family and friends for a fabulous brunch of peasant potatoes, bacon and morning sausage served with coffee, tea and juices.
Say your goodbyes and set off on your honeymoon to an exotic land.
The 21c Hotel is located at 609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. You can reach them at 513.578.6600, by email at cin.events@21chotels.com or visit their website at 21cCincinnati.com.