Savage Mill, and the Great Room event venue inside it, is located in Maryland on the banks of the Little Patuxent River. The facility’s history dates back to 1820 when Amos Williams and his three brothers borrowed $20,000 from their friend, John Savage, to start a textile weaving business. The water from the river powered a massive 30-foot water wheel that ran the machines weaving the cloth. The mill, named after their generous friend, functioned as a working textile mill from 1822 to 1947. Today, the historic complex houses antique centers, home furnishing stores, craft galleries, artist studios, specialty shops, destination restaurants, and banquet facilities like The Great Room.
The Great Room at Savage Mill has evolved into a popular location for hosting a variety of events. Managed by Angie Wise, the venue is part of a larger organization, Putting on the Ritz, which has been running The Great Room for the last twenty years. The venue’s versatility is reflected in the variety of packages it offers, each thoughtfully designed to cater to specific event needs. While their four-hour rental package, inclusive of a buffet, DJ, bar, and table settings, is a popular choice, they also provide tailored packages for weddings, receptions, company parties, birthday parties, and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. With a capacity to host up to 275 guests for a buffet and 300 for a served meal, a spacious dance floor, and a tented deck for ceremonies and cocktail hours, The Great Room is equipped to transform any occasion into a memorable event.
One of the unique benefits of The Great Room at Savage Mill is its flexibility and adaptability to the needs of the event. The venue allows clients to bring in their own vendors, including photographers and DJs, at no extra cost. This flexibility extends to the catering options as well. While Putting on the Ritz is the exclusive on-site catering company, clients can bring in their own alcohol, with bartenders and mixers supplied by Putting on the Ritz.
The venue’s historic setting and architectural features offer a unique backdrop for event photography. The large windows and skylights allow for natural light to flood the space, enhancing the quality of photos. The venue is surrounded by many historic homes throughout Old Town Savage and is on the national historic record, providing plenty of beautiful photo sites inside and out. The historic Bollman Truss Bridge, located on the Savage Mill grounds, offers an iconic backdrop for portrait photography before or after events. This unique structure, with its intricate truss design and characteristic industrial charm, offers up a charming industrial aesthetic fitting of the venue.
The venue’s historic nature may also present some limitations for photography, though. The interior lighting may not be sufficient for all types of photography, and additional lighting equipment may be required. Additionally, the tented area often used for ceremonies can, at certain times of day, present challenges for the quality of natural light. You should discuss this with your photographer in order to get the best results.
