Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venues

One question we (Jaime and I) get asked pretty regularly is ‘what are the best Pittsburgh wedding venues?’

THIS IS BASICALLY AN IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION TO ANSWER!

Couples who are newly engaged are likely to be very overwhelmed with all the choices. There are SO many amazing places to host a wedding or event. Before we share some of our favorites, we suggest you answer the following clarifying questions:

What is your budget?

Are you interested in a city setting? Or perhaps a more green/nature setting?

Do you want to get married in a church? Or do you prefer an ‘all in one’ setting where your ceremony and reception can take place?

How many guests do you want to host? (This answer can really help eliminate venues that are too small or too large)

Do you want to be able to select ALL your vendors yourself? Or is it okay if you’re limited to venue approved vendors?

Is parking (paid vs free) important to you and your family/guests?

Once you have your answers, you’ll have so much clarity on things. In the meantime , we decided to do a series highlighting all the remarkable choices the Pittsburgh market has to choose from.

This is the first post in the series — my top 5 list of best Pittsburgh Wedding Venues! I picked these in a very scientific manner …. JK JK! Jaime asked me this question, and these are the five venues I spouted out. I really can’t wait to share more venues in this series of blogs, but for today, let’s talk about these ones, shall we? In no particular order, by the way! If you’d like more recommendations on my favorite Pittsburgh wedding vendors, email me!

Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venue: The Carnegie Music Hall Foyer

I would be 100% remiss if I didn’t include the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer on my list of best Pittsburgh wedding venues. There are SO MANY OPTIONS for your celebration and photos in this venue. Rain, snow, sleet — it doesn’t matter! The BEST natural lighting scenarios in the museum, the grand staircase, the Hall of Architecture — the Music Hall! Grand and luxurious are two words that come to mind. BONUS: if the museums are open, the bride and groom are allowed to take photos with the art work (Monet’s Waterlily’s anyone? or if you love paleontology, you can pose with any of the dinosaur frames you’d like!)

Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venue: The PPG Wintergarden

Newly remodeled, the PPG Wintergarden is in the heart of the city. I’ve done weddings with both the ceremony and reception there, or just the cocktail hour and reception — either choice is a great one! Look up and out for some of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh. You’ll be hard pressed to find a space with this type of ambiance in Pittsburgh! BONUS: You can sneak out of your reception to take some unique and urban wedding photos while you guests dine and dance. It takes NO time to get back to your party. And if you love water features, the fountain outside PPG Wintergarden is not to be missed.

Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venue: The Duquesne Club

As and painter and artist, I ALWAYS look forward to working at the Duquesne Club. Every single inch of this venue is amazing. The character and luxurious feel of the rooms and public spaces is unmatched. It boasts a unique courtyard perfect for an intimate ceremony or classy cocktail hour. It’s neutral tones allow for any color scheme to be brought in and dress up the space even more. The Duquesne Club also has suites and rooms available for bridal parties to get ready. They also have outdoor balconies and places for killer portraits and photos. If you want a wedding full of old world charm and glam, this is the spot for you. BONUS: their pastry chef is world class. Every cake I’ve seen here is a work of art in and of itself.

Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venue: The Stables at Hartwood Acres

After doing my first wedding EVERY at Hartwood Acres this summer, I’ve officially have a wedding venue crush. The Stables at Hartwood Acres has everything you could want. Gorgeous architecture, nature and greenery, ample parking, places for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all in one. It also is REALLY affordable and even more photogenic. You are able to select whatever vendors you’d like for catering, decor, florals, entertainment and more. AMAZING. An extra bonus? It is pet friendly! Put this venue on your must visit list as soon as possible. You won’t regret it!

Best Pittsburgh Wedding Venue: The Frick

Finally, the Frick Mansion. Your guests will dine under the stars on the grounds of a historic mansion in the heart of it all. This venue does require you use someone on their tent and catering vendors list, but all other vendors are up to you! They also can walk the grounds and visit a historic car and carriage museum and tours of the Clayton House can be arranged at an additional cost. You feel as if you’ve stepped back in time with a gorgeous home as your backdrop. The Frick Art Museum is another favorite location for bridal party, family or couples portraits. It’s stunning white facade is perfect for a classic and elegant couple who wants timeless and stunning photos.