Whether you grew up here or just fell in love here, there are many reasons to get married in Pittsburgh. We might be biased but we think it’s the best city on earth…and an even better place to say “I do”. From the vast selection of venues to the killer backdrops to the bomb ass people who can make it all happen, we’ve come up with our favorites reasons you should get hitched in the 412!
The Cookie Table
Need. We. Say. More? This Pittsburgh wedding tradition is so famous it even has its own Wikipedia page. While there is some dispute about how the cookie table got its start, no modern Pittsburgh wedding seems to be complete without it. Heaven forbid the couple not be fans of the tiny treats; guests might form a mutiny if they don’t get their cookies! Family and friends have come to expect to indulge in dozens and dozens homemade goodies, both at the wedding and the morning after. After all, nothing cures a wedding-induced hangover quite like a breakfast of cookies.
Those Views
There is nothing quite like standing on the overlook of Mt. Washington and taking in the breathtaking Pittsburgh skyline. It’s one of the things for which our city is so famous, but it isn’t the only gorgeous site to behold. Stand at the end of the Clemente Bridge with the seats of PNC Park behind you. Look up as the water of Point State Park’s infamous fountain shoots into the sky. Or take a drive outside the city to bask in the natural beauty of the mountainous Laurel Highlands. Either way, you’re surrounded by beauty no matter where you turn, making for some pretty amazing photo ops!
The Variety
No matter what your wedding style is, you can make your dream day a reality right here in Pittsburgh. Downtown city chic in an opulent ballroom, quirky and colorful in a hip art museum, laid back and homespun in a wooden barn surrounded by lush fields…there’s something for everyone in our lil’ neck of the woods. Couples are limited only by their own imaginations. Whatever crazy idea you have for your big day, we guarantee there is a talented professional out there who can make it happen. Don’t believe us? Check out our Pittsburgh wedding Vendor Guide for the best of the best!
Affordability
According to Wedding Wire’s 2019 Newlywed report, the average cost of a wedding is a whopping $38,700. Ho.Ly. Shit. Hang on. Before you cry and wonder how on earth you are ever going to come up with that kind of money, remember a few things. First, this is an average cost based on the responses of 18,000 couples across the country who completed Wedding Wire’s survey. Secondly, many, MANY factors need to be considered when determining a wedding budget. These include (but are definitely not limited to) time of year, number of guests, style, and, of course, location. The same report shows that the average cost of a wedding in New York City is $50,000, making it the most expensive city in which to say “I do.” Luckily, we’re not in NYC; we’re in Pittsburgh, where the average cost is (only) $27,000. While this is still a literal shit ton of money, a couple can get hitched here for less than what their big city counterparts are paying!
Passionate Pros
The Pittsburgh wedding industry is a special one. I’ve been working in it for almost 15 years and there isn’t a day that goes by that I am not wowed by the creativity, passion, and camaraderie exhibited by the vendors I know and work with. You won’t find better people anywhere. Period. These wedding pros get their thrills on creating and being artistic. Of course, they do. But more than that, they thrive on making their clients – YOU – happy. At the end of the day, if you’re satisfied, they feel like they’ve done their job and they’ve done it well. Outside of “work”, members of the Pittsburgh wedding industry have built genuine relationships (nay, friendships) with each other. How does this benefit you as a client? Each vendor has a network of other providers who they can rely on, collaborate with, and even refer you to should they not be able to meet your particular needs. If there ever was a fine example of “community over competition,” the vendors in this city are it!
A Great Destination for Out-of-Town Guests
Who says Pittsburgh can’t be a vacation destination? If you’ll be welcoming out-of-towners, we bet they’ll want to make a mini break of your wedding weekend. From Cultural District happenings to sporting events to killer restaurants, there will be plenty to keep them entertained. Do them a favor and provide a list of not-to-be-missed stops in their hotel welcome bags. Or go one step further and include a pass to your favorite museum for them to check out during down time. Most first time visitors to Pittsburgh are pleasantly surprised by all the city has to offer, and we guarantee your guests will be too!
Photos by Christina Montemurro Photography & Video
“The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made”
No, really. We aren’t making this up. In 2014, the Huffington Post declared Prantl’s burnt almond torte the “greatest cake America has ever made.” And if you’ve ever had this delicious delicacy, it’s easy to understand why. Slivered almonds coated in sugar, creamy custard, divine cake, and buttercream frosting make for a winning combination for which your taste buds will surely thank you. How cool is it that this one-of-a-kind, award-winning confection can only be found in our city? What’s even cooler is that you can feature this Pittsburgh claim-to-fame at your very own wedding. Cut the (burnt almond torte) wedding cake in traditional ‘Burgh fashion!
Why did you decide to get married in Pittsburgh? Comment below and give us your reasons or post a photo on Instagram that describes why. Be sure to tag @burghbrides and #burghbrides so we can see it!
