Creative Weddings in Pittsburgh

Every little girl (and most big girls, too) dream of the perfect wedding with the perfect man. Oh, and the perfect dress, the perfect guest list, the perfect decorations and, of course, the perfect venue. For some, that may be a local place of worship. But for those who imagine something intimate, memorable and a little less routine, here are some creative options in Pittsburgh.

Church Brew Works, 3525 Liberty Avenue Lawrenceville, PA 15201
412-688-8200

Want the church feel without all the religious trimmings? At the Church Brew Works you can have the best of both worlds. This building, previously St. John's The Baptist Church, was restored in August of 1996 to a beautiful restaurant and brewery whose architecture and design are reminiscent of the church's original look. The high ceilings and arches, bright colors and stained glass windows give the place a warm, grand atmosphere, perfect for a smaller wedding of close family and friends.

In warm weather, the restaurant also opens up its patio, called "The Hop Garden," formerly the courtyard of the rectory. From the Hop Garden, you can see the Campanile (Bell Tower) and the stained glass windows of the main building. Nestled between the kitchen and the restaurant, the patio has a cozy feel even outdoors.

The menu includes a nice mix of styles, including some Pittsburgh favorites (I recommend the pierogies), all reasonably priced. They also offer a considerable selection of hand-crafted beers, including four house beers and a list of specialty beers. You can even take a look at their brewing process, as the brewery is housed where the pulpit used to be.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park (Frank Curto Drive)
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-6914

Pittsburgh's Phipps Conservatory is a jewel tucked away right between Schenley Park and Carnegie Mellon University's Campus. With thirteen rooms inside a historic glasshouse and additional gardens outdoors, Phipps can accommodate a wedding any time of year. Instead of an aisle, think a Palm court, a room full of Orchids, or a fountain surrounded by Victorian Lilies.

The Outdoor Garden is comprised of many smaller gardens including a perennial garden, a collection of dwarf conifers, a border of pink and white flowering plants, annual beds, a semi-shade garden, medicinal plant garden and an herb garden.

There are display rooms in the Conservatory available for rental year-round (except during seasonal flower shows), and the Outdoor Garden is available from mid-May until mid-October. The Conservatory can accommodate up to 175: another perfect location for an intimate gathering. The formal Broderie Room is available for professional photo sessions, by appointment, to give your indoor photos that outdoor look.

To inquire about rentals at either the Conservatory or the Garden Center, please contact Phipps' rental office at (412) 622-6915, ext. 6401.

The Grand Concourse, 100 W Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 261-1717

This restaurant is a dreamer's delight of elegance and class. The building is a renovation of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad terminal built in 1901. Opened to the public in April of 1978, the Grand Concourse is part of Pittsburgh History and Landmark's Station Square restoration.

The largest restaurant in Pittsburgh, the Grand Concourse sits right alongside the Monongahela River, across from Smithfield Bridge. It offers a splendid main dining room with a stained glass cathedral ceiling, as well as smaller dining rooms, including the River Room, the Audubon Room, and the private Boardroom. Their specialty is seafood, with delectable menu selections for your special occasion and an impressive winelist, even for the connoiseur.

While a little more mainstream as far as weddings go, the Grand Concourse does offer its unique style, amazing flavors and unbeatable view... and a chocolate dessert shaped like a bridge, with the Pittsburgh skyline in chocolate dust. You'd be hard pressed to find another one of those in the area, or anywhere else, for that matter.

Call (412) 261-1717 for booking options and additional information.