ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE PHOTO BY DRAGONFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Couples searching for a spring or summer wedding venue in Pittsburgh have so many options that it can feel overwhelming. Pittsburgh Magazine spoke with local event planner Lorenda Howell, photographer Kristen Wynn, and Burgh Brides owner Victoria Deardorff to find out some of the outdoor venues in the area they recommend. Here’s a list of 10 to get you started.

Riverview Park

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Chapel Shelter at Riverview Park, which was once a Presbyterian church and was restored by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in 2008, offers an indoor and outdoor space for guests. The venue, located in Perry North, is a great choice for couples who are looking for natural, floral scenery and an intimate space with an indoor area for guests to take a break.

The Frick Pittsburgh

PHOTO BY KRISTEN WYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Local photographer Kristen Wynn enjoys the venue space at The Frick Pittsburgh in Point Breeze and says she doesn’t think it’s as popular as it should be. In addition to the indoor community room, the building has an outdoor lawn, courtyard and terrace.

“We don’t see a lot of couples getting married at The Frick,” Wynn says. “I would love to see that more and would love to see that venue grow in popularity. I just think the grounds are so beautiful.”

The Terrace at Hyatt House

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

The tented patio at the Terrace at Hyatt House on the South Side is a great option for couples who are looking for an outdoor reception space that’s still in the hustle and bustle of the city.

“[This] is a really cool spot because I don’t think there are many outdoor venues that offer a view of the city skyline like they do,” says Victoria Deardorff, owner and editor of Burgh Brides. “They have something that’s so unique.”

Hartwood Acres Mansion

PHOTO BY STEVEN DRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Hartwood Acres in Indiana Township offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venue options for weddings, but the stables are a perfect space for couples who want a classic, rustic feel for their venue. The mansion’s terrace and grand pavilion is another great option for couples who want an outdoor venue that requires little to no set-up.

“It’s beautiful,” says Lorenda Howell, owner of Lorenda Howell Events.

“The good thing about Hartwood Acres is that they have a clear top tent in place that is installed permanently during wedding season. … And they have a really lovely stable where [couples] can have a backup rain plan for the ceremony and/or cocktail hour and then continue the evening for reception under the tent. It’s super diverse and … you can do whatever you want because the space lends itself to that.”

Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard

PHOTO COURTESY ALLEGHENY COUNTY

The Romanesque architecture at the Allegheny County Courthouse Downtown offers couples who are looking for an elegant indoor-outdoor venue as a classic, timeless option.

At the center of the courtyard is a fountain surrounded by gardens, and the space is framed by the courthouse’s granite bell tower and arched turrets. The indoor lobby offers guests a space to rest away from the sun and can accommodate up to 200 people.

Twelve Oaks Mansion

PHOTO BY JENNA HIDINGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Twelve Oaks Mansion in Mars has a variety of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for couples to choose from. The gazebo is a romantic setting great for ceremonies and photos, and the mansion grounds and outside patio overlook a lush wooded forest, making the venue a perfect choice for those seeking to capture a more secluded feeling for their wedding.

Gardens of Stonebridge

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

Gardens of Stonebridge offers couples an intimate outdoor space in Economy that includes both water and landscape settings for photos, along with an ethereal woodland arch and walkway for ceremonies.

“It has a secret kind of feel,” Deardorff says, “[and] it’s surrounded by beautiful trees and blooming gardens.”

Point Breezeway

PHOTO BY VERONICA VAROS PHOTOGRAPHY

For couples seeking an indoor-outdoor venue suited to a smaller guest list, Point Breezeway in Point Breeze is an excellent choice. The venue has a down-to-earth feel, and its historical urban former barn offers a reprieve from the weather during outdoor weddings.

Rustic Acres Farm

PHOTO BY EVA LIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Rustic Acres Farm in Volant, Lawrence County, owned by JPC Event Group, is another great option for couples who want a relaxed space surrounded by nature. The nearby hills and charming willow trees make a great backdrop for photos, and the venue has a beautiful barn and an on-site ceremony space, as well as a recently added dancing courtyard, stone fire pit, and terraced slate stairways.

“It’s kind of this hidden gem,” Deardorff says. “It’s a beautiful indoor-outdoor venue and offers the best of both worlds.”

Armstrong Farms

PHOTO BY JILL GEARHART PHOTOGRAPHY

The rustic space at Armstrong Farms in Butler can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests and is an excellent choice for couples who want a simple, nature-focused outdoor space. The venue is also part of a Pennsylvania program to preserve wetlands, and the area around the farm’s Love Pond is undeveloped to protect wildlife.

“You can have the full ceremony outdoors and then the reception is tented, and they have a small covered area,” Wynn says. “So, they do have an indoor and outdoor option. It’s really neat, and it’s underutilized.”