Built in 1910, the historic Glidden House mansion has transformed into Cleveland’s only boutique hotel. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the French chateau-style mansion offers an intimate setting for special events, notably weddings. A majority of ceremonies are held on the grounds of the property with the Glidden House serving as a beautiful backdrop. The outdoor space is reminiscent of a park setting with lush landscaping, patches of ivy and mature trees. 

Following a ceremony, guests are escorted inside the hotel for cocktail hour in one of the opulent rooms. For example, the Parlor is a warm space with a fireplace, wood paneling and hand-painted ceiling beams. “Wedding parties are able to use the entire venue, both indoors and outdoors, for the evening,” says Carrie Cooney, Director of Special Events. “You truly have the best of both worlds.”

Wedding receptions of up to 150 guests are currently held in an elegant tent on the courtyard overlooking the picturesque gardens and gazebo. In May 2016, the Glidden House will open the Juniper Room, a 2,200-square-foot venue adjacent to the mansion, specifically for receptions. Reflecting the Glidden House’s architecture, the stone and brick building will feature French doors, hardwood floors, windows on all four sides and a grand chandelier. To ensure the party stays in the venue following a dinner reception, the Juniper Room will also have an area for the dance floor, band or disc jockey and satellite bar.

An attached brick patio, amid the property’s extensive gardens, will create a perfect space for guests to mingle outside during warm-weather months. “The Juniper Room will give us the opportunity to create distinctive weddings with the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor spaces,” says General Manager Thomas Farinacci. “Since it is a heated permanent structure, we will be able to accommodate weddings in the Juniper Room all year long.”

Wedding guests can stay in the hotel’s 60 rooms, including eight suites that are located in the original mansion where the Glidden family once lived in the early 1900s. The bride and groom receive a complimentary bridal suite for renting the venue. Special items are available upon request such as chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. Room accommodations include a complimentary European-style buffet, delicious pastries from a local bakery, fresh fruit, and more.

Whether a bride prefers a summer garden wedding or a majestic winter wedding overlooking the snow-covered grounds, the Glidden House offers an idyllic setting to tie the knot. “The Glidden House offers an intimate, cozy setting where the bride and groom can truly feel at home,” Cooney says. “Our goal is to ensure that every couple feels special on their wedding day.”