Outdoor Ceremony at Salvage One
Planning an Outdoor Ceremony at Salvage One in Chicago: Everything You Need to Know
One of the biggest questions couples ask the BW Studio team when touring Salvage One isn't whether they love the outdoor ceremony space, it's how it actually works.
The outdoor patio has a completely different layout than a traditional wedding venue, which is part of its immense charm. Instead of perfectly straight rows leading to an altar, Salvage One embraces a more organic, architectural flow that feels effortlessly unique - and quintessentially SO.
After coordinating many many weddings here, we've learned that once couples understand how the ceremony and its setup flows, they absolutely fall in love with it.
Here's exactly what to expect.
Why Couples Love the Outdoor Ceremony Space at Salvage One
Beautiful courtyard
Exposed brick + Chicago Neon Sign!
“Industrial meets garden”
Outdoor experience
Unique atmosphere
Guests get to experience a completely different side of the venue than the reception space
Plus, you have a built in rain plan!
One of the Best Features: A Built-In Weather Backup
This is a huge advantage over many Chicago outdoor venues.
If the weather doesn't cooperate, Salvage One already has an indoor ceremony location ready to go.
There's no tent to rent.
No stressful last-minute venue changes.
No compromising on style.
The indoor ceremony space is already furnished with beautiful vintage pews and chairs, making it feel intentional instead of like a backup plan. This gives couples peace of mind while still allowing them to hope for an outdoor ceremony.
The Ceremony Layout Is Different, And That's What Makes It Special
Imagine…
Guests arrive at Salvage One, exit the rear of the building.
They turn right and pass by the covered pergola. (Which will be their outdoor bar later!)
They naturally arrive at the ceremony seating area.
Instead of walking into perfectly straight chair rows...the ceremony unfolds in sweeping curves.
They turn and see the altar and musicians against the backdrop of Salvage One.
Then take their seats.
Sometimes this layout is hard to imagine without seeing it in person, but a photo is worth 1000 words.
Let’s visualize the details together!
Where Does the Wedding Party Line Up?
First up, where does the wedding party line up before the ceremony starts?
Typically, we take them from the getting ready suite down the back staircase by the freight elevator and to the back door nearest the garage door. It doesn’t sound fancy, but it’s a nice clean pathway. Then we are out of the main line of sight from guests still arriving for the ceremony.
Then the wedding party processes in from the side of the building, along the front of the pergola, and down the aisle to the ceremony. It’s a nice long aisle and gives the wedding party a great view of all their guests. I always recommend you put some of your favorite people on that first corner of garden chairs because they are the first guests you’ll see when you enter the ceremony space.
Where Should Ceremony Musicians Go?
Ceremony musicians also have a few options for great placement at the outdoor ceremony site, but our favorite at BW Studio is always right behind the fountain. There’s a lovely little patio area right behind the “tub fountain” that has perfect sightlines to the wedding party lining up along the building, processing into the ceremony, and also the couple on the altar. Then they have the perfect view of the couple and officiant for when the ceremony ends and they need to cue their recessional songs! Plus, they are in constant shade, even if the weather is a little warm.
Where Do Parents and VIP Guests Sit?
Thankfully in the outdoor ceremony space at Salvage One, there isn’t just one right answer for parents and VIP seats. You have the option to seat them on the elevated platform to the left of the altar (when facing it), directly on the grass (for a small number), or in the first row on the concrete driveway. This decision varies depending on the amount of VIPs or parents you’re including in this group or if your wedding party is standing up with you in the ceremony.
Personally, at BW Studio, we love to recommend the wedding party be kept small and the parents or VIP’s be front and center right on the grass.
The Raised Platform Gives You More Flexibility
The elevated platform along the brick wall can be used for more than just VIP seating arrangements. We have also used this area for live musicians! But since it can be directly in the sun, you have to consider your weather that day as well.
Typically, we can get about 12-14 chairs on this platform! Which is ideal for a wedding party, close family, grandparents that want a better view, or just a friend group that you want to give special treatment to. It really does feel special!
The Altar Doesn't Need Much Decoration
Thankfully, this altar space is already gorgeous and doesn’t need much additional decoration! Most of our BW Studio clients will embrace the draping greenery and trellis work but incorporate pedestals or potted plants at the base to add more color. One of the biggest benefits is that the altar itself is on another raised platform, giving all of your guests a really great view of the couple and the officiant.
After the Ceremony, Cocktail Hour Happens Naturally
Immediately following the ceremony, once the couple has made their grand exit, guests essential stand up and walk right into their cocktail hour. It’s a seamless transition from ceremony to celebration! And guests love it too because there is no confusion on where to go or what to do. Sometimes we guide the first 20-30 people indoors to the larger bar inside to ease up the line, but then they are welcome to utilize the ground floor and outdoor patio for all of cocktail hour.
Our Favorite Planning Tip
If you're touring Salvage One and having trouble picturing how the ceremony works, don't worry… you are not alone. It's one of those spaces that makes complete sense once you see it set up for a wedding and hopefully all of these images help set the stage.
At BW Studio + Events, we'll walk through every detail with you (from where your grandparents sit to where your string trio sets up) so your ceremony feels effortless for both you and your guests.
Planning a wedding at Salvage One?
We've coordinated weddings throughout this incredible venue and can help you make the most of every space—from the outdoor ceremony to the final dance.
Learn more about our wedding planning services or schedule a consultation to start planning your Salvage One wedding today.
All photography courtesy of the talented Louie Abellera!