Are you planning a wedding in the Mid-Willamette Valley? If so, congratulations! Here's a tip- choose a location for your big day that features multiple spaces for gorgeous photo opps for the wedding party and your guests. Years from now, as you are looking back at those special moments preserved in your wedding album for future generations, you'll be glad that you did! The Salem Convention Center in downtown Salem, Oregon offers plenty of elements for a wedding photographer to work with- lots of open space, gorgeous art, beautiful lighting, contemporary design, natural elements and more. If you've ever viewed the Salem Convention Center photo gallery, you probably couldn't help but notice that our venue is pretty darn photogenic- especially for weddings. There are SO many spots to take the perfect wedding photo that it's hard to list…but we'll try. Here are our current Top 5 photo opps that will have you rushing to the photo print shop the minute you arrive home from the honeymoon. “The Gallery” The Gallery has a “wow” factor that can't be replicated anywhere in town. Wedding photographers love the hallways filled with unique works of art featuring artists from Oregon along with the effortless blend of contemporary and classic finishes. The large windows throughout the space offer an abundance of natural light. The Gallery will turn your wedding portraits into real pieces of art (as in, you're TOTALLY framing them). The Willamette Foyer The moment you walk into the Willamette Foyer, you are immediately struck by the one-of-a-kind views of downtown Salem along with the openness throughout the space. If you're saying “I do” during the day, the large windows will let in a natural light that will impress even the most seasoned wedding photographer. Or, if you're planning an evening event, delicate lights dangling from the ceiling and reflecting off the windows will give your photos a soothing, ethereal quality that will look absolutely stunning in your pictures. See more on Pinterest. The Grand Staircase We've seen some of the most fun wedding photos come from one of the most unlikely places, the Salem Convention Center stairwell a.k.a 'The Grand Staircase'. Like the Williamette Foyer, the Grand Staircase features a gorgeous natural light and plenty of space so your wedding photographer can get REALLY creative. Whether it's your entire wedding party or just the two of you for a cozy, evening shot, don't hold back here! The Grand Stairs at The Salem Convention Center The Sculpture Garden Located in our beautiful courtyard outside the Salem Convention Center, the sculpture garden has been showcasing some of the best sculpture artists in Oregon for almost a decade and offers wedding photographers a unique, artistic look to capture on your big day. Whether your taste is classic, funky, or a little something in between, a few pictures in front of any one of these sculptures will make it undeniably Oregonian. Sculpture Garden Salem Oregon - courtesy of Travel Salem The Grand Hotel Salem Lobby One of the advantages of hosting your wedding at the Salem Convention Center is the fact we are attached to the Grand Hotel Salem. Not only is this supremely elegant hotel the perfect place for the wedding party and guests to stay, but the hotel lobby also offers a special romantic backdrop that is ideal for wedding photography. The dramatic finishes throughout the newly decorated lobby will bring a sense of glamour and uniqueness to your wedding photos that are hard to find elsewhere. If you're looking for a photogenic rehearsal dinner space, be sure to check out Bentley's, the restaurant attached to the hotel. We love its warm and cozy ambiance, complete with a fire pit and classic lounge bar - so many fun photo opps for family members and the entire wedding party. Want to see more? Be sure to follow The Salem Convention Center on Pinterest and take a virtual tour of our lovely wedding ceremony and reception spaces! Better yet, contact us to plan an in-person tour and see our most photogenic spaces for yourself!