Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Planning & Advice Wedding Venue Ideas Restored Warehouses Where You Can Tie the Knot By Becky Mickel Becky Mickel Becky is a former associate editor for Martha Stewart Weddings. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Cadence & Eli Photography Like the love story of you and your groom, the warehouses on our list have colorful histories. Though their exteriors may seem cold or uninviting, the interiors prove contrary: vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and a sea of natural light present a warm, blank canvas to make your very own. Plus, as former industrial hubs, these sites can accommodate guest counts typically reserved for ballroom affairs. Before you dive in, a few tips: All of the information included pertains to a Saturday evening reception. Prices are not included because rates may vary depending on the season, size of party, and a la carte additions unique to each venue. Further, an "open vendor policy" means that the space allows couples to hire whomever they choose, without pre-approval. On-site vendors are arranged through the venue; some are included in the facility rental fee, while others are not (we've noted when they aren't). Lastly, most venues offer basic furniture, so you aren't outfitting from scratch. 01 of 16 Basilica Hudson Michael Tallman Originally built in 1880 as a forge and foundry for steel railway wheels (later housing a glue factory until the 1980s), the building has since been stripped down to its architectural bones: industrial windows, brick walls, terra-cotta ceiling tiles and an intricate steel truss system. The Basilica Hudson hosts, in addition to weddings, public programs including large-scale music, art, and community gatherings. Location: Hudson, New York Year Established: 2010 Max Capacity: 1,000 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 12 Most Booked Month for Weddings: May Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: December through March (Note: You can book off-season, but the cost for heating is pricey) On-Site Vendors Available: No, but the venue doesn't require pre-approval for vendors hired by the client When to Book: 6 to 12 months in advance Travel Advisory: Albany International Airport, 50 miles away Something Extra: The space provides two acres of outdoor space with views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. Good to Know: The Main Hall, which is typically used as the reception space (though four distinct rooms are available), has no AC or heating. See Details from a Wedding at This Venue 02 of 16 Warehouse 215 Mike Olbinski Photography A commercial linen laundry for nearly a century, Warehouse 215 got a makeover in 1999, when an architectural firm renovated the 20,000-square-foot downtown venue into a gallery and event space. Location: Phoenix, Arizona Year Established: 2004 Max Capacity: 500 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 45 Most Booked Month for Weddings: March, October, and November Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None, though some priority dates, like holidays, might incur an extra fee On-Site Vendors Available: Valet (at an additional cost), day-of wedding coordinator, and security personnel When to Book: 8 to 12 months in advance Travel Advisory: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, five miles away Something Extra: Installing rented furniture and décor, if facilitated by professionals, does not cost an additional fee. Good to Know: Only venue-approved vendors (caterers, rental companies, and florists, for example) can conduct business at Warehouse 215. Parties of more than 450 will be charged a $275 trash fee. 03 of 16 Craneway Pavilion Courtesy of Craneway Pavilion Craneway Pavilion was built in 1931 as a Ford Company assembly plant, and then repurposed during World War II to manufacture goods before being restored to its original occupation. Saved from disrepair in 1989, the 45,000-square-foot event space, complete with an outdoor pier, overlooks the San Francisco Bay. Ample skylights and vaulted ceilings have maintained its industrial quality even today. Location: Richmond, California Year Established: 2009 Min Capacity: The space requires a minimum of 250 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: A select few each year Most Booked Month for Weddings: None Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Catering and bar staff (at an additional cost); day-of wedding coordinator When to Book: 6 to 8 months in advance Travel Advisory: Oakland International Airport, 20 miles away; San Francisco International Airport, 30 miles away Something Extra: Assemble Restaurant, adjacent to Craneway Pavilion, doubles as the site's caterer, if booked. The establishment offers a plethora of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes and can whip up recipes of all kinds, from "Jamaican jerked pork" to "tea-smoked quail" and chicken potpie. As for dessert, there are more than 20 sweets competing for your favor. Note: Outside caterers can be accommodated with a buyout fee. Good to Know: The location is not air-conditioned, but it is blessed with a bay breeze year-around, which might require your donning a slip or a jacket in cooler months. 04 of 16 Mile High Station Courtesy of Mile High Station Mile High Station dates to 1897, when the landmark employed hundreds of local ironworkers and craftsmen who built and shipped large-scale ship sections to the U.S. Navy during World War II. The structure's steel beams and exposed brick are true to the original architecture, while the outdoor patios, chandeliers, and indoor wrap-around mezzanine provide some factory glamour. Location: Denver, Colorado Year Established: 2001 Max Capacity: 550 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 65 Most Booked Month for Weddings: September and October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: Weddings cannot be booked on the same day as a Denver Broncos' home game On-Site Vendors Available: Event manager When to Book: 12 months in advance Travel Advisory: Denver International Airport, 25 miles away Something Extra: The west patio can accommodate up to 150 guests—ideal for a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch (at an additional cost). Good to Know: Only venue-approved caterers and rental companies are allowed to conduct business. The facility fee includes free parking for more than 200 vehicles. 05 of 16 Salvage One Averyhouse Salvage One, located in the heart of the Windy City, is part antique store, part venue. Brides can repurpose the building's retro relics into original décor, creating a reception space that's entirely their own. Three floors are available to rent, such as a courtyard, suite for dressing, and third-floor "pool hall." Location: Chicago, Illinois Year Established: 2007 Max Capacity: 200 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 115 Most Booked Month for Weddings: October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Day-of wedding coordinator (at an additional cost), security personnel, and a production team When to Book: 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: Midway International Airport, 10 miles away; O'Hare International Airport, 15 miles away Something Extra: Wedding-goers may leave with a souvenir, as the venue's decorative antiques are available for purchase. Good to Know: Only venue-approved caterers are allowed to conduct business. 06 of 16 The Chicory GK Photography Steps from New Orleans's French Quarter stands The Chicory. Originally a coffee warehouse beginning in 1852 ("chicory" is a common ingredient in NOLA-style java), the 25,000-square-foot building now serves as an event space with Big Easy flair. Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Year Established: 2009 Max Capacity: 400 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 150 Most Booked Month for Weddings: October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Catering (at an additional cost); event manager and security personnel When to Book: 12 to 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 15 miles away Something Extra: The property's chef, a local, dishes out twists on Cajun staples, such as crawfish pies, Andouille sausage puffs, duck empanadas, shrimp and butternut squash bisque, turtle soup, Mardi Gras pasta, and boudin-stuffed pork loin. Good to Know: If you plan on installing anything more than simple décor, a $200 setup fee may be charged. 07 of 16 Aria Cadence & Eli Photography Aria was originally built in 1895 as a three-story structure called the Produce Exchange Building. In 1909, a fourth story and Gothic detailing were added, and the warehouse was maintained for almost a century until the building was repurposed as a theater (ahem, the Tony-Award-winning Theater de la Jeune Lune) from 1991 to 2008. Today, its Old World elegance is still intact, as seen in its original brick walls, soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, curated artwork, and luxe furniture. Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Year Established: 2012 Max Capacity: 400 (for a seated dinner reception) Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 110 Most Booked Month for Weddings: May, June, September, and October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Aria requires that all couples employ a day-of wedding coordinator (at an additional cost). When to Book: 12 to 18 months prior to a Friday wedding, 18 to 24 months prior to a Saturday wedding Travel Advisory: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, 15 miles away Something Extra: The venue rents a plethora of a la carte offerings, including two types of decorative lighting—up lighting and café lights—as well as sheer drapes, minimal décor, and a large inventory of vintage and contemporary lounge furniture. Good to Know: Your caterer must be chosen from the venue's list of six approved options, but all other hired hands can be chosen independently. Venue services run the gamut, from VIP balconies to coat checks—all at a price. 08 of 16 The Green Building JBM Photography Built in 1889, the Green Building (dubbed for the exterior shade) was originally constructed as a brass foundry. It has since been restored and has more than 6,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. Location: Brooklyn, New York Year Established: 2011 Max Capacity: 160 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 100 Most Booked for Weddings: April, May, June, September, and October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Private events manager, venue coordinator, operations manager, and hospitality manager When to Book: 12 to 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: LaGuardia Airport, 10 miles away; John F. Kennedy International Airport, 25 miles away Something Extra: Included in the rental is access to the venue's 2,400-square-foot courtyard that can accommodate an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour or dinner. Good to Know: Furniture and décor must be rented from the venue or Broadway Party Rentals. See Details from a Wedding at This Venue 09 of 16 Rivermill at Dover Landing Rivermill is located downtown in the historic Picker Building—a nickname inherited from its original use as a textile mill that processed raw cotton for weaving. Today, Rivermill maintains its 17th-century mystique: brick-and-beam architecture and tall, arched windows provide views of the Cochecho River, Henry Law Park, and Dover's historic City Hall clock tower. Location: Dover, New Hampshire Year Established: 2011 Max Capacity: 300+ Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 30 Most Booked for Weddings: September Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Catering and coat check attendants (at an additional cost) When to Book: 12 to 16 months in advance Travel Advisory: Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, 10 miles away; Amtrak station within blocks Something Extra: Valet parking is included in the venue fee. Good to Know: Outside caterers and hanging lights are acceptable at an additional charge. Area bed and breakfasts and hotels will shuttle guests for free to and from the venue. 10 of 16 The Bottle Factory Timeless Exposures Photography Forget the Champagne celebration; instead, pop a bottle of Coke at The Bottle Factory, which dates back to the Prohibition era. The 10,000-square-foot space maintains three distinct spaces fit for a reception: Priscilla's Rose Garden, the Duke ballroom, and the Coca-Cola ballroom. Location: Monroe, North Carolina Year Established: 2012 Max Capacity: 200 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 120+ Most Booked Month for Weddings: October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Wedding coordinator; valet (at an additional cost) When to Book: 1 year in advance Travel Advisory: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 40 miles away Something Extra: Arrange for your groom to dress in the venue's speakeasy-style cellar (found hidden behind a steel door), reminiscent of the Prohibition—and the building's storied past. Good to Know: Although the venue has no on-site catering, couples can select all vendors without pre-approval. Go ahead and provide your own alcohol; there's no corkage fee, and on-site bartenders serve the drinks. 11 of 16 EcoTrust Jos Valls Built as shipping was gaining significance for Portland in the late 1800s, the warehouse that is now EcoTrust was witness to the 20th-century boom. By the 1930s, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and increasing investments in the Port of Portland encouraged as many as 32 trucking companies to rent a loading door or two in what became known as the Centennial Truck Terminal. Until the '90s, Rapid Transfer & Storage, a small family-owned trucking company that moves goods around Oregon and Washington, owned the space. Today, Ecotrust aims to bring people together while supporting conservation and sustainability in the Northwest. During the building's renovation, 98 percent of the original 1895 warehouse was reused and recycled. Location: Portland, Oregon Year Established: 2001 Max Capacity: 150 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 50 Most Booked Month for Weddings: August Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Wedding coordinator When to Book: 12 to 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: Portland International Airport, 12 miles away Something Extra: The building's 2,240-square-foot rooftop terrace has the downtown Portland skyline as its backdrop. Good to Know: Wedding clients must book one of the venue's preferred full-service caterers. 12 of 16 Houston Station Amy Nicole Photography Houston Station, originally home to the American Syrup Company, a manufacturer of jams, jellies, and syrups, in 1895, is a space that marries Southern rustic with urban glam. Location: Nashville, Tennessee Year Established: 2009 Max Capacity: 300 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 60 Most Booked Month for Weddings: May, September, and October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Wedding coordinator (at an additional cost) When to Book: 15 months in advance Travel Advisory: Nashville International Airport, seven miles away Something Extra: The property is not only a venue, but also a culture and arts nonprofit business. Good to Know: The venue maintains an "open vendor policy" meaning the choice of whom you want to hire is up to you. 13 of 16 Sodo Park Mark Malijan Photography Built in 1907 for use by the Stetson-Ross Manufacturing Company, which created woodworking tools for ships, Sodo Park is directly tied to the original building, and still reflects those roots today: The factory floor is now the venue's dining room, while the coat-check space was originally used as a vault for Stetson-Ross. SoDo Park, short for "South of Downtown," is nestled in the heart of Seattle's historic district. Location: Seattle, Washington Year Established: 2008 Max Capacity: 300 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 100 Most Booked Month for Weddings: August and September Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Day-of wedding coordinator, catering services manager; floral designer, valet, coat check attendants (at an additional cost) When to Book: 12 to 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 12 miles away Something Extra: A private loft can be booked as a bridal suite and includes a private bathroom, full-length mirror, and living room furniture. Good to Know: The site has no central air-conditioning. See Details from a Wedding at This Venue 14 of 16 The Union on Eighth Todd White Photography Just 25 miles from downtown Austin, The Union on Eighth may look like an abandoned warehouse, but that metal exterior signals its rich past as a blacksmith post, Oldsmobile dealership, and transmission shop. Location: Georgetown, Texas Year Established: 2013 Max Capacity: 150 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 70 Most Booked Month for Weddings: Spring and fall months Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: None On-Site Vendors Available: Manager and valet; day-of or month-of wedding coordinators and mixologists (at an additional cost) When to Book: 1 year in advance Travel Advisory: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 40 miles away Something Extra: A vintage airstream trailer serves as the on-property groom's quarters. Good to Know: Go ahead and provide your own alcohol; there's no corkage fee, and on-site bartenders serve the drinks. However, all parties with alcohol require security, which the couple covers. 15 of 16 Moniker Warehouse Inc. Moniker Warehouse has housed all things sweet and savory from the very beginning; in 1913 Snowflake Bakery Building conducted business. Located in the Upper East Village of San Diego, the 10,000-square-foot space was reinvented by a group of friends with the goal of connecting artists with the growing neighborhood. Location: San Diego, California Year Established: 2011 Max Capacity: 200 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 40 Most Booked Month for Weddings: October Blackout Days or Dates of the Week: None On-Site Vendors: Day-of wedding coordinator When to Book: 12 months in advance for fall celebrations; 6 months otherwise Travel Advisory: San Diego International Airport, four miles away Something Extra: The managing staff doubles as a design team, facilitating décor installation and more to personalize the space. Good to Know: The site just underwent a second round of renovations. 16 of 16 The Foundry Courtesy of The Foundry A simple commute from midtown Manhattan, The Foundry is a 19th-century building that formerly housed the Albra Metal Foundry—one of several steel foundries in the Long Island City area that melted down and casted various metals, such as steel, bronze, and iron into molds. By the 1970s, the building had been abandoned, housing defunct vehicles and a mountain of debris. In 1982, the property was restored to its original character and began hosting events in 2001. The 3,000-square-foot landmark is the area's only foundry still standing today, though the lush greenery that climbs the building's brick exterior camouflages those industrial roots. Location: Long Island City, New York Year Established: 2001 Max Capacity: 125 Average Number of Weddings Held Annually: 100 Most Booked Month for Weddings: May, June, September, and October Blackout Dates or Days of the Week: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and July 4th On-Site Vendors Available: Day-of wedding coordinator, doorman, event host, and street attendant; coat-check attendants (at an additional cost) When to Book: 12 to 18 months in advance Travel Advisory: LaGuardia Airport, seven miles away; John F. Kennedy International Airport, 13 miles away Something Extra: The site also rents its courtyard, greenhouse, and terrace for portraits or for ancillary events (ceremony, cocktail hour) with a fee. Good to Know: You are required to bring in your own furniture rentals (provided by Broadway Party Rentals), caterers (chosen from the list of recommendations), and vendors. Confetti, rice, sparklers, smoke machines, helium balloons, and flower petals are prohibited on all properties. See Details from a Wedding at This Venue Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit