Salem Convention Center

The Salem Convention Center is a large event venue in downtown Salem, on Commercial Street close to the Willamette River. It is a practical choice for big weddings, with indoor space for up to 800 guests, in-house catering and a hotel attached to the building. Couples choose from tiered packages, so much of the planning comes bundled in one place.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

This is a venue built around a single coordinated team. Catering, bar, setup and guest room bookings are all handled under one roof, which cuts down on the number of suppliers you need to brief. It also suits couples with a long guest list, or families traveling in from out of town, since everyone can stay next door.

Ceremonies

All events here are indoors, which takes the weather out of the equation. A ceremony space is included in the mid-level and top packages, and the venue can seat up to 800 for a ceremony. Staging and a dance floor with draping come with the upgraded packages, which helps if you want to hold the ceremony and reception in the same building.

Receptions and food

Receptions take place in the ballroom and banquet spaces. The base package covers the reception room with tables, chairs, linens and dishware, plus bar setup with a bartender, a catering coordinator and staff, and a wired microphone for toasts. Higher packages add passed appetizers, a champagne or sparkling cider toast, uplighting, charger plates, a tasting and a photo booth with an attendant. Food and drink come from the in-house kitchen and bar. Amplified music is allowed, with some restrictions.

Staying

The center connects to the Grand Hotel. Every package includes help booking rooms for out-of-town guests, and the upper tiers add a honeymoon suite and a dressing suite in the hotel.

Getting there and the area

The venue is in the heart of downtown Salem, Oregon's capital, about an hour south of Portland along Interstate 5. Complimentary underground garage parking is included in the packages. Riverfront Park, the State Capitol and plenty of restaurants are within walking distance, and the Willamette Valley wine country is a short drive away.

Good to know

• All event spaces are indoors.
• Catering and bar service are in-house.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible.