The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at Salvage One Chicago
If you’re considering Salvage One Chicago as your wedding venue, you probably have a taste for the unique. You’re not looking for a ballroom with beige carpets and generic chandeliers. You want a space with character, history, and a little bit of edge - Salvage One is part event space, part antique store, which means it’s filled with ever-changing vintage furniture, exposed brick, and three floors of character-packed photo ops. The vibe is vintage-industrial, with a touch of “I swear I saw that in an old movie set.”
As wedding photographers who have shot weddings here (shoutout to Annie & Dave and Chloe & Myke!), we’ve seen firsthand what makes this venue great—and what couples need to know before booking. Consider this your one-stop guide to a Salvage One wedding, minus the fluff and straight from people who have actually worked here.
How Much Does a Wedding at Salvage One Cost?
Let’s talk real numbers—because when you're researching wedding venues, you want more than a vague “it depends.” The following pricing insights don’t just apply to Salvage One—they’re common across most wedding venues and industry vendors.
Base Venue Rental Costs
Off-Peak Dates (January–March, weekdays, some Sundays): Starting at $6,000
Peak Dates (spring, summer, fall weekends): Starting at $7,000
That’s just the rental fee. It gets you access to the venue but not catering, rentals, or extras.
What Drives the Price Up?
Most couples end up spending $9,000–$10,000 on the venue once they factor in the extras. Here’s what affects your total cost:
Day of the Week – Friday and Saturday weddings cost more than Sundays or weekdays.
Season – Peak wedding season (May–October) is always more expensive.
Guest Count – Salvage One guarantees seating for 175 guests. More than that? You’re renting extra tables and chairs.
Catering & Alcohol – Salvage One is BYOB (huge money saver), but alcohol must be served by an approved caterer (which usually means finding a bar service caterer).
Extended Hours – Want extra venue time? That costs extra.
Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect
Here’s what often surprises couples:
Extra Rentals – If you need more tables, chairs, or specialty decor, you’re renting them separately.
Vendor Load-In Fees – Some vendors charge extra for loading into city venues with no dedicated parking.
Transportation for Guests – Since there’s no valet, some couples book shuttles or cover Uber rides.
How to Save Money at Salvage One
Book a Thursday, Sunday, or winter wedding – You’ll save at least $1,000.
Stick with Salvage One’s provided seating – Extra rentals = extra money.
Keep decor minimal – The venue already has insane character. Skip the excessive florals.
Salvage One Wedding Logistics: What You Need to Know
1. Guest Capacity & Event Spaces
Courtyard (Outdoor Ceremony) – 200-250 guests
Indoor Cocktail Party & Ceremony Space – 175 seated, 250 standing
Reception Space (2nd Floor) – 250 seated (with dance floor)
Bridal Party Suite – 60 guests (great for getting ready & pre-ceremony hangs)
2. Is Parking a Nightmare?
Not exactly a nightmare, but definitely a mild adventure.
No on-site parking. Street parking is your best bet - and there’s surprisingly a decent amount of it.
Nearest SpotHero/public lots are a 10-20 minute walk.
No valet. But most guests Uber anyway.
3. Is Salvage One Accessible?
Yes! There’s an elevator and wheelchair access through the courtyard.
4. What’s the Alcohol Policy?
BYOB (a rare Chicago wedding venue perk).
All alcohol must be handled & served by an approved caterer.
5. Can You Take Engagement Photos at Salvage One?
Yes—but only for free if you’re getting married here. Otherwise, it’s $150/hour. It’s a solid choice for indoor engagement photos in Chicago, especially in winter.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near Salvage One Chicago
If you have out-of-town guests, they’ll need a hotel close to the venue. Here are the best options:
The Robey (Wicker Park) –
Boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & cool, artsy
vibes (8-minute drive).
Hyatt House Fulton Market –
Close to the best restaurants in the West Loop
(6-minute drive).
The Emily Hotel (Fulton Market) –
A stylish boutique option with a great coffee shop
(6-minute drive).
Photographer-Approved Wedding Tips for Salvage One
1. Have a Backup Plan for the Ceremony
If you’re doing an outdoor courtyard ceremony, have an indoor plan ready just in case. The Indoor Ceremony Space has wooden church pews, vintage chandeliers, and columns. Basically, vintage romance perfection.
2. Build in Extra Time for Photos
This venue is photo-rich—but that means you’ll want to budget enough time for portraits.
First look & couple’s portraits – Do this before guests arrive. The great part about this Salvage One has quirky little corners, staircases, and random antique finds that add texture to portraits.
Golden hour courtyard shots – Trust us, this is when the magic happens. But if weather isn’t complying - no worries. The Second-Floor Reception Space has a mix of exposed brick, wooden floors, and vintage lounges that makes every reception shot look editorial.
3. Let the Venue Speak for Itself
Don’t overdo the decor. The mix of exposed brick, chandeliers, and vintage furniture is already aesthetic gold.
Final Thoughts: Is Salvage One the Right Wedding Venue for You?
If you want a unique, non-cookie-cutter venue that’s full of character, perfect for photos, and BYOB-friendly, Salvage One is an incredible choice.
And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer who knows this venue inside and out, we’ve got you covered.
📷 Ready to book your wedding photography?