Ask The Expert: Most Stylish Places To Get Married In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a reputation for having its own style. Getting married in the 'Burgh is just as unique. With everything from the breathtaking mountainsides to bridges and long, winding rivers, it's no wonder that brides and grooms are overflowing with choices for tying the knot. Local wedding and event planner Katherine Shaw discussed five of her best tips for places to have a memorable, unique and stylish wedding in Pittsburgh and, without a doubt, her choices reflect the type of variety you would find in local style, trend and tradition.
Katherine Shaw
Trends To Traditions Full Service Event Planning
(412) 267-2108
www.EventDesignNorth.com
Katherine Shaw graduated from Theatre and Film school in 1992 with a concentration in Direction and Production and also studied Industrial Psychology and Shakespeare at the University of Stirling in Scotland in 1992. Soon after college, she interned with NBC News covering stories with reporters, developing health beats, and writing commentaries for Senator Eagleton. She has planned events for the NFL, NHL, the AFL, and the WB network. She moved to Pennsylvania in 1999 and went to work for an entertainment agency, where she shortly became their top producer. In 2004 she started her own wedding and event planning company here in Pittsburgh, 'Trends To Traditions.' She is certified as a Wedding Director through the National Bridal Service and a 10-year member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). Shaw has coordinated aspects of over 1000 events and is also a published author.
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
107 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 562-1200
www.renaissancepittsburghpa.com
Shaw places the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel high on her list because of its modern yet elegant staircase for beautiful wedding ceremonies. She says its "gorgeous ceiling, walls, architecture, and impressive staircase" are unremarkable as a choice to exchange wedding vows in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is perfectly located in bustling downtown Pittsburgh on 6th street. Surrounded by several little shops, major retailers and restaurants to suit any palette. Bonus: various parking garages, city transportation and tourist trollies make getting to this venue easy.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
4141 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-4253
www.soldiersandsailorshall.org
Shaw recommends the staircase to the Steps of Soldiers and Sailors in the downtown Oakland section of Pittsburgh. There is "a long long walk 'down the aisle' from Fifth Avenue up and up and up a massive staircase to a massive beautiful building," she says. This venue has a grand ballroom, auditorium, hall of valor, a patio, and a Gettysburg Room as well as many intimate spaces to exchange vows in. The city's surrounding landmarks make this a grand, historical place to get married.
Third Presbyterian Church
5701 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 661-4710
www.thirdchurch.org
Shaw says the Third Presbyterian Church in the Shady Side district of Pittsburgh has "the most elaborate and beautiful display of carved wood in any church in pittsburgh with a "noah's ark" feel." The church has held many weddings and the staff members are very experienced and helpful to wedding planners. They know exactly how many flowers sprays are required, how many people can walk in and out of the church in precession and how many minutes it will take.
The Aviary Museum
700 Arch St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 323-7235
www.aviary.org
Shaw says the Aviary is the perfect place for a wedding — with some extra, feathered guests. This exotic location brings "penguins, hummingbirds, flamingo's and talking parrots" to the wedding while exotic birds "fly overhead," she explains Katherine. Although tossing birdseed at the married couple on their way to the honeymoon car has become customary, this location almost demands it. The Aviary offers an atrium, a rose garden tent, and several other options for wedding ceremonies. With over 600 endangered and rare birds, this unique wedding venue is what Pittsburgh is all about.
Gardens Of Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4879
www.culturaldistrict.org
The elegance of a waterfall fits perfectly with weddings at the Gardens of Heinz Hall, in the cultural district of Pittsburgh. Shaw says outdoor, garden styled weddings are an elegant and stylish way to complete any wedding plan. This stylish wedding venue has a tree lined garden with cities most popular waterfall marked garden. No toast could be more romantic than in this garden in a Spring or Summer wedding.
Along with these five places, Shaw also notes that the city has several other stylish spots in a list that grows longer all the time. Places such as the Staircase at The Mansion's on Fifth street in Shady Side, The Grand Hall on the Northside, the Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton and Highland Park's own Pittsburgh Zoo are some of the many other options available.
Angel Rodrigues relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and loves exploring all things in the 'Burgh. Whether it's the local eateries, bakeries or shopping outlets, Pittsburgh is an exciting place to explore. You can find her work on Examiner.com.
