Welcome to the Best Reception
Locate a venue that’s perfectly you, whether
it’s for the ceremony, reception, or both!
By Nicole Barley
Think about it — your new life together begins to unfold at your wedding reception. And that venue is the place where many, many months of planning come together, too — the cookie table(s), the centerpieces, the cake, the lighting, the dinner, and of course, the dance floor, where you newlyweds will dance your first dance. Decide on a venue that suits your personality, your decorating theme, and every other big day detail with our portfolio of 27 wedding-ready places.
REAL WEDDING
Katie Barley & Brian LaMendola
Photography by Christopher Gooden
After exchanging vows at the Duquesne University chapel, this adorable couple — she’s my cousin! — dances to “At Last,” by Etta James. The Priory’s Grand Hall is the backdrop, the venue selected because “we loved the atmosphere — the stained glass windows, the high ceilings, how open it is.” During their first dance, “I felt so happy, I didn’t even remember anybody else was there. I just remember looking at Brian and being really, really excited,” says Katie, who wears a Stephen Yearick gown from Anne Gregory for the Bride. Before the big day, the LaMendolas took a few lessons at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, just for fun.
Go Green The Atrium’s patio, gazebo, gardens, greenhouse, atrium and banquet hall are all available for use on the day of the couple’s exclusive event, accommodating 50 to 500 guests. 1031 New Castle Road, Prospect. 724.865.2830.
Destined for Each Other Do a destination wedding at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa’s Grand Lawn, Spa Garden, or Wedding Grotto, before celebrating in the Grand Ballroom. 2138 Business Route 220, Bedford. 814.623.8100.
Beautiful Evening Experience unparalleled cuisine and service at Bella Sera, which means “beautiful evening.” The Italian-inspired venue is easily accessed from Route 79, near Southpointe. 414 Morganza Road, Canonsburg. 724.745.5575.
Love Is In the Air Feel the love at one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns, Buhl Mansion. Event capacity ranges from 60 in the carriage house to 120 in the gardens and courtyard. 422 E. State St., Sharon. 866.345.2845.
Find Your Museum Plan the big day with the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, choosing from many locations, including the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum. 412.622.1906.
Delicious Dish With all catering provided on-site by The Fluted Mushroom, the Circuit Center & Ballroom is one tasty venue and able to seat up to 400 guests. 5 Hot Metal St., South Side. 412.432.1420.
Party Plan Work with the certified wedding planners at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, which has 402 guest rooms and banquet seating for up to 550 guests.
112 Washington Place, Uptown. 412.471.4000.
What a “Vue” “The Vue,” at the Doubletree Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh City Center has a hospitality suite located on the 18th floor, suited for intimate receptions.
One Bigelow Square, Downtown. 412.586.1830.
New Venue Fairmont Pittsburgh opens on March 29, 2010. The hotel can host a sit-down dinner for 500 guests, and offers catering and banquet services.
510 Market St., Downtown. 412.391.1033.
Garden Party The spacious lawns and gardens of Stonebridge Farm Nursery’s Event Garden can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. On-site parking is also available.
2 Merriman Road, Economy. 724.266.7312.
Let Romance Set Sail Contact The Gateway Clipper Fleet’s wedding specialists, who can help customize the wedding of your dreams on Pittsburgh’s picturesque three rivers.
350 W. Station Square Drive, Station Square. 412.355.7965.
In the Club Featuring a number of indoor banquet rooms, a newly redecorated ballroom, a covered patio and front porch, Greensburg Country Club welcomes parties of up to 350.
309 Pleasant Valley Road, Jeannette. 724.837.1810.
Many Amenities A 10,000 square foot ballroom and on-site banquet services are just a few of the amenities available at the Hilton Garden Inn, located in Southpointe.
1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg. 724.743.5000.
Cool Space Looking for something different? Try J. Verno Studios. The venue also provides photography, HD video, and even, an in-house photobooth.
3030 Jane St., South Side. 412.381.5350.
The Mansion Outdoor weddings are The Mansion at Maple Heights’ specialty, says owner Chukky Okobi. The turn-of-the-century estate accommodates up to 150 guests.
5516 Maple Heights Road, Shadyside. 412.224.4404.
Grand Entrance The Omni William Penn Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, able to host up to 1,000 guests, has a balcony perfect for making your entrance as newlyweds.
530 William Penn Place, Downtown. 412.281.7100.
Spacious Seating The Cranberry Ballroom at the Pittsburgh Marriott North is a popular choice for receptions, with space to seat 400.
100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, 724.772.3700.
Park It Say I do, outside — event rentals that can be reserved through the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy include Schenley Plaza and the Mellon Park Walled Garden.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, 412.682.7275.
Party Animals Have a wild reception at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, celebrating by the Water’s Edge exhibit, in the Garden Tent, or in the PPG Aquarium. Choose from a number of detailed wedding packages. One Wild Place, Highland Park. 412.665.3640.
Field Day Have a ball at PNC Park where the event staff can help plan for catering services, furniture and equipment rentals, parking services, and more, where indoor and outdoor venues are available. 115 Federal St., North Shore. 412.325.4746.
A Joyous Occasion The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel’s “Joy Wedding” package details include a complimentary Champagne toast and luxury overnight accommodations for the newlyweds. 107 Sixth St., Downtown. 412.992.2045.
A Historic Event Housed in a renovated 150-year-old church, Rosario’s Banquet Center accommodates 100 to 225 in one of three grand halls, which are filled with gorgeous stained glass windows. 401 Washington Ave., Carnegie. 412.279.6103.
Fairytale Weddings Wed with sparkling lakes and lush greenery as the backdrop at West Virginia’s Stonewall Resort, a AAA Four Diamond Resort.
940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV. 304.269.7400.
Serenity Now Say “I do” at The Succop Conservancy, surrounded by 50 acres of quiet land, ponds, and gardens. Indoor and outdoor events are available.
185 West Airport Road, Butler. 724.586.2591.
Southern Comfort Get swept away by Tara, A Country Inn’s Gone With the Wind theme. Invite up to 150 and celebrate outdoors beneath a tent or indoors in the Old South Armory. 2844 Lake Road, Clark. 800.782.2803.
Culinary Delight Plan your occasion with The Willow Room’s wedding packages, celebrating in the Grand Ballroom, with a menu personalized for you.
800 Plaza Drive, Belle Vernon. 724.379.5666.
Achieve Greatness Seat 350 in The Priory’s Grand Hall, formerly part of St. Mary’s Church, where the staff can help plan everything from the cocktail party to the cake.
614 Pressley St., North Side. 412.323.9394.