Nestled in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers award-winning indoor and outdoor green spaces for your wedding day. From rooms filled with lush tropical forests to its original 1893 Victorian glasshouse, Phipps provides an unmatched setting of natural beauty.
Beyond its breathtaking spaces, this standout venue is deeply committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into its daily operations and wedding celebrations. Options like their in-house catering showcase local, seasonal fare, creating an elevated dining experience for your celebration that aligns with their core principle: the connection between people, plants, and the planet.
We spoke with the team at Phipps, who graciously shared their insights on sustainable wedding practices, both for their venue and beyond, along with tips on how couples can reduce their carbon footprint while planning their big day. As their team describes, “Couples have access to a one-of-a-kind garden venue with impressive sustainability practices without sacrificing quality or a luxury experience. It’s a chance to celebrate your special day against the backdrop of one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful historic sites.”
What makes Phipps unique in terms of eco-minded practices?
We always say we’re not a wedding venue, we’re a conservatory that hosts events.
Sustainability is our core value, and we shape our practices around it. It’s at the heart of everything we do! The furniture in our dressing suites was purchased secondhand, and we use ethically sourced materials in our amenities, such as the organic bamboo flooring in our Special Events Hall.
What advice would you give to couples planning a green wedding?
The biggest thing to keep in mind is waste. Many aspects of modern weddings seem great in the planning stage but ultimately end up in landfills. Custom napkins, glow sticks, foam sticks, plastic sunglasses, and flip-flops are just a few small items you can omit to cut down on waste.
For larger items like vases or signage, make a fun day of thrifting to find pre-loved pieces. Then, use platforms to sell or donate them afterward to keep these items from going to waste. Both the planet and your wallet will thank you!
What sustainable wedding trends are most impactful and financially accessible?
In the digital age, implementing sustainable practices when planning a wedding has become easier than ever. We love when couples utilize digital invitations or wedding websites, which allow guests to access important information without generating unnecessary paper waste.
Another great practice across venues is recycling floral arrangements. Traditionally, flowers – often assembled with plastic and non-compostable florist foam – would end up in the trash at the end of the evening. Now, many programs can repurpose them. For example, organizations, such as Scent with Love, will pick up your flowers and donate them to hospitals, assisted living facilities, and more. You can also use sites like Etsy to preserve your flowers into keepsakes!
How can couples ensure their wedding vendors align with sustainable values?
The good news is that you don’t have to go far – literally – to make a big impact when choosing wedding vendors. Opting for local vendors may seem like a small choice, but it has a huge impact on both your local economy and the environment.
It’s also important to approach your vendor search with a solid understanding of sustainable practices. Have a clear idea of your sustainable dos and don’ts so you can ask the right questions when vetting vendors.
Is there anything else readers should know about your venue?
Planning your big day with sustainability in mind can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Our versatile spaces can transform into the rustic garden venue of your dreams or a romantic black-tie affair. No matter your guest count or theme, we’ll help you create a celebration filled with great memories – while being kind to the planet, too.
