The 101 Seattle: A Wedding Photographer’s Perspective on One of Pioneer Square’s Best Venues
As a Seattle wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph countless celebrations at The 101 in Pioneer Square. Each time I step into the space, I’m reminded why so many couples choose it: the dramatic windows, the warm brick walls, and the way it adapts to different styles and stories.
In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned from photographing real weddings at The 101 — the pros and cons, how the light behaves, what clients love most, and a few honest considerations to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your wedding day.
First Impressions: The Aesthetic
When you walk into The 101, you’re immediately greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows and historic brick that set a timeless tone. From behind the lens, those details matter. The walls add texture and depth, the windows bathe the room in natural light, and the open floor plan gives me the freedom to move, angle, and frame shots creatively.
For couples who love the mix of industrial charm and romantic ambiance, The 101 provides a backdrop that photographs beautifully with very little extra décor.
What I Love Photographing at The 101
The Natural Light
Daytime ceremonies and portraits at The 101 are a dream. The big windows flood the space with soft, even light that flatters skin tones and makes colors pop. On overcast Seattle days, the diffused light is especially kind — eliminating harsh shadows and allowing for effortless candid photography.Architectural Texture
The brick walls, wood columns, and industrial lines give photos character. Whether I’m shooting wide frames of a ceremony or tight portraits against the brick, the space adds an organic richness that makes images timeless.Flexibility in Layout
Every couple I’ve photographed here has used the space a little differently — from separate ceremony and reception setups to dance floors framed by the windows. That flexibility allows me to get a variety of compositions and perspectives without running into layout restrictions.Urban Backdrops Just Outside
One of my favorite perks: stepping just outside into Pioneer Square. The cobblestone streets, historic facades, and alleyways offer a second layer of storytelling. Some of my favorite bridal portraits have come from combining The 101’s interiors with the surrounding neighborhood.Vendor-Friendly Staff
I can’t emphasize this enough: the team at The 101 (shout-out to Alison, Emily, and Sam) are incredible collaborators. As a photographer, having a staff that communicates well and runs a tight schedule means I can focus entirely on capturing the day without worrying about logistics falling through.
Challenges I’ve Learned to Work Around
Even the best venues come with quirks. Here’s what I prepare for as a photographer — and what you should know as a couple planning your wedding at The 101:
Light After Sunset
Once the sun dips, the natural light disappears. The venue’s beauty is still there, but artificial lighting becomes essential. I always bring supplemental flashes and coordinate with couples to add uplighting or candles to keep the atmosphere warm and photo-ready.Window Direction & Glare
Depending on your ceremony time, the windows can create strong backlight. I’ve learned to position couples carefully or use diffusers so their faces aren’t lost in shadows.Echo & Sound
With high ceilings and hard surfaces, sound can bounce. While this affects videographers more than me, it’s worth knowing — speeches can sometimes sound echoey without proper AV support.Parking & Downtown Traffic
Being in the heart of Seattle is both a blessing and a challenge. I recommend couples communicate clear parking or transit options to guests, especially if there’s a Mariners or Sounders game nearby.
What Couples & Guests Love (From My Side of the Camera)
Over the years, I’ve heard countless comments from couples and their families about The 101:
“We barely had to decorate because the space was already so beautiful.”
“The staff made everything seamless — we felt cared for the entire day.”
“Our guests loved being downtown, and the photos turned out incredible.”
As someone documenting their day, I can confirm: the combination of location, staff, and aesthetics consistently translates into heartfelt moments and stunning images.
Real Wedding Stories
David & Maria braved a rainy Seattle day, and we used clear umbrellas to capture romantic outdoor portraits around Pioneer Square. Inside, the warm glow of The 101 kept everyone cozy, and their ceremony against the brick wall photographed like a movie scene.
Grace & Sam chose a late-summer wedding. Their portraits by the tall windows glowed with natural light, while their evening reception transformed the space with string lights and uplighting — a reminder of how versatile the venue can be from day to night.
Joe & Kayla incorporated both indoor and outdoor settings, creating a gallery with consistent textures (brick inside and out) while still offering variety. Their first dance under the high ceilings framed by dramatic uplighting was a photographer’s dream.
Pros & Cons (Photographer’s Snapshot)
Pros:
Gorgeous natural light during the day
Textured, architectural backdrops that need minimal décor
Flexible layouts for ceremony, reception, and dance floor
Downtown Pioneer Square location for variety in portraits
Professional, supportive staff
Cons:
Needs supplemental lighting after sunset
Potential glare/backlighting during afternoon ceremonies
Echo and acoustics may need AV solutions
Parking and traffic can be tricky downtown
Décor and vendor coordination are DIY-friendly but require planning
Tips for Couples Considering The 101
From my experience photographing here, here are the best ways to get the most out of the space:
Plan your ceremony timing around the light. Mid-afternoon offers the most flattering daylight.
Budget for evening lighting. Think candles, uplighting, and a photographer comfortable with flash.
Use the neighborhood. Build in time for outdoor portraits — Pioneer Square is too good to pass up.
Communicate logistics early. Give guests parking tips and ask vendors to plan for downtown load-in.
Lean into the architecture. Keep décor simple and let the venue’s textures shine.
Final Thoughts
As a photographer, The 101 remains one of my favorite Seattle venues to shoot weddings. It’s not just because the space photographs beautifully — though it absolutely does. It’s because the venue has personality, flexibility, and a staff that genuinely supports each couple.
Every wedding I’ve captured here has felt unique, even within the same four walls, and that’s the sign of a truly great venue. If you’re looking for a downtown Seattle space with character, natural light, and endless photo opportunities, The 101 should be at the top of your list.
If you would like to more about Vow House capturing your wedding at The 101, reach out here to inquire.
