My Picks for the Most Gorgeous Garden Wedding Venues in Pittsburgh PA
Garden wedding venues in Pittsburgh are my favorite type of venue to photograph. These venues have a rich mixture of intimacy, peacefulness, and elegance. The perfect garden venues provide private space for the couple to capture spectacular portraits and have beautiful and intricate architecture complimenting their gardens. Luckily, Pittsburgh is home to some breathtaking garden venues that are sure to excite couples who are looking for the kind of elegance only nature can provide. From lush botanical gardens to historic landmarks and estates, here are my top 5 garden wedding venues in Pittsburgh.
My Top 5 Garden Wedding Venues in Pittsburgh
1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – My Top Garden Wedding Venue
With its stunning glass architecture, lush gardens, and unique sights and sounds, Phipps Conservatory is one of my top picks for a garden wedding venue in Pittsburgh. Nestled in the heart of Oakland, this indoor/outdoor venue offers countless backdrops for gorgeous wedding photography. My couples love taking a secluded stroll through the greenhouse during their private portrait session as the reception continues out in the garden. Speaking of gardens, the outdoor wedding ceremony space makes for an incredibly intimate and picturesque place to say “I do”. You’ll spend the night surrounded by enchanting flowers as the sun goes down, then dance the night away under the stars.
- Who it’s for: Couples who want an iconic Pittsburgh garden wedding with just the right amount of intimacy
- Typical guest count: 150-250
- My favorite feature: The indoor garden areas make for incredibly natural and unique couple’s portraits!
Check out Phipps Conservatory here!
2. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
If you’re looking for a garden-themed wedding venue in Pittsburgh that feels a bit more intimate than Phipps, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden might be for you. This space also features indoor and outdoor sections and gorgeous gardens. The ceremony usually takes place in the rustic Peirce Celebration Garden, with dinner to follow under the outdoor tent space, which is always illuminated with string lights. Inside, you’ll find the DJ and live band have the dance floor bumping, but out in the garden, a serene garden party is taking place with quiet conversation and cocktails. It’s the perfect combination for couples who love to get out on the dance floor but also need time to relax in the calmness of the gardens.
- Who it’s for: Couples who love the idea of Phipps, but are looking for something more intimate
- Typical guest count: 100-200
- My favorite feature: The secluded gardens, and the ability to have your reception completely indoors, not just under a tent
3. Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at the Priory
Located in the historic North Side of Pittsburgh, the Grand Hall at the Priory is housed within a restored 19th-century monastery. The towering ceilings and intricate stone architecture are complemented by its beautiful gardens. This venue is perfect for the couple who is on the fence about the size of their wedding. Intimate weddings can be held in the garden courtyard, while larger weddings take place in the historic grand hall. Depending on the package chosen, the venue also offers catered meals and includes room rental for the evening. The entire venue screams sophistication and class, while also offering to be a one-stop shop for many.
- Who it’s for: Those who want a choice between intimate and larger weddings, or those who want an all-in-one option
- Typical guest count: 100-350
- My favorite feature: The gorgeous stone architecture and towering ceilings
Check out Pittsburgh Botanic Garden here!
4. Sewickley Quarter
This venue is perfect for those couples looking for an intimate wedding venue outside of the city of Pittsburgh. Tucked away in the small town of Sewickley, Sewickley Quarter offers an intimate ceremony and reception space. There is an equal blend of sophisticated, elegant brick and metal architecture with plenty of garden decoration throughout. This venue also gets bonus points for having a beautiful getting-ready space, which makes for perfect morning bridal portraits.
- Who it’s for: Couples looking for an intimate wedding outside of the city
- Typical guest count: 50-150
- My favorite feature: The gorgeous tent space lined with greenery and string lights
5. Twelve Oaks Mansion
Nestled in over 100 acres of rolling hills in Mars, PA, Twelve Oaks Mansion is a luxurious Pittsburgh wedding venue with elegant decor and scenic views. This venue is unique in its ability to provide portraits with views that stretch for miles. It also features a beautiful indoor space, which means your wedding will go off without a hitch regardless of weather. Finally, the mansion provides plenty of opportunity to decorate with floral decor, but it is also surrounded by plenty of natural beauty and an intricate outdoor garden space. This combination makes for some incredibly detailed portraits regardless of the time of day.
- Who it’s for: Couples who have scenic views and sunset portraits high on their priority list
- Typical guest count: up to 200
- My favorite feature: The outdoor patio space lined with vine-wrapped frames
Garden Wedding Venues in Pittsburgh
These venues are some of my favorite to photograph for good reason. They offer an opportunity to take sunset portraits in beautiful outdoor locations while also offering stunning architecture in their reception spaces. Without a doubt, these venues offer the perfect mix for couples who are looking for natural, vibrant portraits and sophisticated reception spaces.
Let’s have a conversation about wedding photography! View my work as a wedding photographer.
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