[ManMadeMound]

Hello Pittsburghers. I recently got engaged and although I'm living in L.A. I will be getting married in Pittsburgh (because of proximity to both of our families and our fondness for the city). I was wondering if any locals could make a few recommendations. Here's what we're looking for:

1) Place for the wedding and reception (could be separate places or the same - it will be a non-denominational wedding). So far we've looked at the Carnegie museums that rent out space, the Grand Hall and a few Mt. Washington restaurants. We specifically don't want a hotel ballroom - since they're usually very generic - unless you know of a specifically interesting/ cool one. It will need to fit about 150 - 200 people

2) A good catering service. Someplace that offers really great food. I'm willing to look at all price points however am of course very budget conscious so the cheaper the better.

3) A band. Not a cheesy wedding band either. A legit band maybe that plays a lot of classic rock or something like that.

4) Any advice if anyone here has gotten married in Pittsburgh.


I appreciate all of your help fellow SSPers! Thanks so much.

[PhillyRising]

Hello Pittsburghers. I recently got engaged and although I'm living in L.A. I will be getting married in Pittsburgh (because of proximity to both of our families and our fondness for the city). I was wondering if any locals could make a few recommendations. Here's what we're looking for:

1) Place for the wedding and reception (could be separate places or the same - it will be a non-denominational wedding). So far we've looked at the Carnegie museums that rent out space, the Grand Hall and a few Mt. Washington restaurants. We specifically don't want a hotel ballroom - since they're usually very generic - unless you know of a specifically interesting/ cool one. It will need to fit about 150 - 200 people

Well...the ballroom and adjoining reception room at the William Penn Hotel are amazing and ornate rooms. They may be too big or pricey for you but they would make the affair memorable.

[TheMeltyMan]

Hello Pittsburghers. I recently got engaged and although I'm living in L.A. I will be getting married in Pittsburgh (because of proximity to both of our families and our fondness for the city). I was wondering if any locals could make a few recommendations. Here's what we're looking for:

1) Place for the wedding and reception (could be separate places or the same - it will be a non-denominational wedding). So far we've looked at the Carnegie museums that rent out space, the Grand Hall and a few Mt. Washington restaurants. We specifically don't want a hotel ballroom - since they're usually very generic - unless you know of a specifically interesting/ cool one. It will need to fit about 150 - 200 people

2) A good catering service. Someplace that offers really great food. I'm willing to look at all price points however am of course very budget conscious so the cheaper the better.

3) A band. Not a cheesy wedding band either. A legit band maybe that plays a lot of classic rock or something like that.

4) Any advice if anyone here has gotten married in Pittsburgh.


I appreciate all of your help fellow SSPers! Thanks so much.


1 service in the impossible to get booked Heinz Cathedral and then reception on the lawn. fresh air and ultimate frisbee. perfect for any wedding.

2 The O (second floor could also double as reception) JUST DOWN THE STREET!

3 Mike Macharyas - esteemed local musician and producer http://media-server.amazon.com/media/B0002R251I001001/Macharyas%20Mike-Lindsay%20Lohan.mp3

[Evergrey]

MrHerodotus should have a lot of good info for you.



For the wedding ceremony and/or reception, you might want to try The Phipps Conservatory in Schenley Park. http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/rentals.htm

Clayton (Frick Mansion)
http://frickart.org/features/rentals/

The Pennsylvanian
http://www.thepennsylvanian.com/specialevents_index.htm

[Grego43]

I can vouch for Rania's Catering. They do amazing work, they have exclusive relationships with many venues, you won't find run-of-the-mill food, and she even does cooking demos on Pittsburgh TV.

http://www.rania.com/weddings.html

p.s. in the spirt of full disclosure, she is a distant relation of mine.

Good Luck and congrats! :cheers:

[Evergrey]

I second Rania.

[mrherodotus]

Of course Heinz Chapel for the wedding. Better plan ahead!. They would never allow a reception on the lawn. You have to be off of the property in time for the next wedding. (I'm a wedding photographer and have done wddings there)

For the reception there is a converted church on Chartiers Ave. in McKeesRocks that is fantastic. Can't remember the name, I'll have to drive by there. You could probably do the wedding here too.

[edncc1701d]

Take a look at...

Schenley Park Café at the Schenley Park Visitor Center
(would probably need to divide group between indoors and outdoors but has great views of Phipps, Oakland and a little of downtown peaking out from behind the park and not ultra expensive)
http://www.pittsburghparks.org/VisitorCenter76.php

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
(fairly expensive but if want great urban location with an interior that wows even though a hotel this would be it)
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/pitbr-renaissance-pittsburgh-hotel/

Gateway Clipper Fleet does weddings.... on the river might be interesting.

although far from city center the Mountain Playhouse in the Laurel Highlands is really neat and would offer a very different experience.
http://www.mountainplayhouse.com/
you have to see the place in person to get a real feel for it, especially The Tuscany Room. they do have a few number of B&B type rooms available; however, ligoner has the nearest hotel.

[architorture]

go a little farther east and have it at fallingwater... although its a big pricey

[AaronClark]

What about the Warhol museum? They have a lot of unique space on their main floor and do a lot of functions like that.

[ManMadeMound]

Thank you all very much for your advice. We're in the process of investigating all of your suggestions.

Would love to have the ceremony at Heinz Chappel but you have to have a direct connection to the university and unfortunately I don't. But, my God (literally), what a beautiful church!