Top Pittsburgh Wedding Venues: Carnegie Museum of Art and Allegheny County Courthouse

July 2, 2024

Natalia Baqueiro

Eloping, Pittsburgh Locations, Weddings

Bride and Groom at Carnegie museum of art Hall of Sculpture

Choosing the right Wedding Venue for your Intimate Wedding

Planning your wedding in Pittsburgh and searching for the perfect venue? Look no further, I have two exceptional locations to consider for your day.

The Carnegie Museum of Art and the Allegheny County Courthouse are stunning and beautiful places to have your wedding at.

The Carnegie Museum of Art offers a stunning mix of classic and contemporary backdrops, while the Allegheny County Courthouse features majestic Gothic Revival architecture.

Both wedding venues provide unique and memorable settings for your big day.

It’s a photographer’s dream: the architecture, light, shadows and highlights call for very romantic photos.

Eurah and Aj Wedding

That’s what Eurah and Aj did for their civil wedding this year in Downtown Pittsburgh.

We started their experience at Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Their wedding ceremony was at the Allegheny Courthouse. And we finished by having their wedding photos at Carnegie Museum of Art.

Eurah and Aj will have their destination wedding in Korea, but they wanted to make their civil wedding memorable.

Let me gush about their day and show you some of my favorite shots.

Romantic Couple standing in front of each other at their wedding at the Allegheny Courthouse in Pittsburgh

Getting Ready at Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh

If you’re someone who enjoys an artistic and intimate spaces, then you should definitely check out Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh. It’s also a popular wedding venue in Pittsburgh.

The room Eurah and Aj had and where we took photos of them getting ready for the day and their first look photos was nothing more than stunning and interesting to look at.

If you want me to help you flush out a visual narrative of what your day can look like, then get in a call with me so you can tell me more about your vision and we’ll start planning your wedding day right away!

Choose a location you love to get ready for your wedding ceremony

BW Vintage Wedding Rings

Hotel Monaco in Downtown Pittsburgh is one of the most intimate hotels in the city of steel

Eurah and Aj wanted to be in Downtown Pittsburgh before their wedding day so they didn’t have to deal with the traffic, parking and the construction that is currently happening in the city.

Downtown Pittsburgh

The good thing about Downtown Pittsburgh is very walkable and beautiful to look. Even though it was Summer, the walk wasn’t bad at all, because Hotel Monaco is about a 7-minute walk from the Allegheny County Courthouse, so it’s a very convenient location.

This also gave me the opportunity as their pittsburgh wedding photographer to capture candid moments of them walking with their sunglasses looking cool.

Wether you’re coming from out of town, and you’re having a destination wedding in Pittsburgh, or you’re a local who is getting married, booking a hotel room in downtown Pittsburgh is a great idea.

It’s something I encourage all my couples to consider to make their day go smoother, which is something we can talk about in our consultation call.

Having an Intimate Wedding in Pittsburgh

There are so many gorgeous locations to choose from in Pittsburgh, and that’s part of my obsession with this city, because you will always find something to do and visit.

It’s a very Exciting time, trust me!

You won’t regret giving yourselves this experience. Most of the time my clients love it so much that they’re already planning their anniversary photo shoot for the following year.

The way that it will feel and all the fun you’ll have will leave you wanting more.

Capturing candid Photos of real moments

Running or walking in Downtown Pittsburgh while we’re on our way to your wedding ceremony, and getting awesome paparazzi cool pics while we’re at it? That’s a major YES!!

Eurah and Aj wanted an experience of a lifetime, and we were able to plan everything they wanted in gorgeous locations and document real moments.

Here are some photos of them on our way to Allegheny country Courthouse from Hotel Monaco wearing their sunglasses and strolling through the city of steel.

Wedding Photos at Carnegie Museum of Art

After getting hitched at The Allegheny County Courthouse in Downtown Pittsburgh we went back to Kimpton Hotel Monaco so they could cool down, have some water and refresh for a bit.

We also used our time wisely while at Hotel Monaco and managed to get photos at their Lobby, which is so worth, before we headed out to Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland Pittsburgh.

Bride and Groom in Pittsburgh Hotel Monaco Lobby

Carnegie Museum of Art for your Wedding Photos

I can go on and on about all the wonderful things about doing your bridal photos at a Museum.

However, when it comes to Carnegie Museum of Art one of my favorite places about it is the space and architecture within the museum itself.

Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum of Art

There’s also so many gorgeous rooms and each has its own special thing going on. In the case of Eurah and AJ wedding photos, we began at the Hall of Architecture in Carnegie Museum of Art and it’s incredibly stunning.

The contrast of the huge space with the couple walking around is very interesting. Going to the Hall of Architecture truly feels like you’re going back in time.

According to Carnegie Museum of Art, “The Hall of Architecture was inspired by one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and it has remained intact through decades of public exhibition.”

Bride and Groom in Hall of Architecture at Carnegie Museum
Bride and Groom in Hall of Architecture at Carnegie Museum

The ONLY rule for your Elopement

Let’s get one thing straight—my only rule for your elopement: There are no rules when planning for your intimate wedding ceremony!

That’s right, we do whatever feels the most authentic to you. It’s a collaboration where Art and story come together to create a special and unique moment in time.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating your dream elopement day.

If you want more ideas of having an adventure for your elopement in Pittsburgh, where to go and how that would look like, check out this blog post to give you ideas on Pittsburgh must go to locations for your engagement photos and wedding bridal photos, such as The Strip District and Lawrenceville.

Wedding Photos at Carnegie Museum of Art

There’s magic at the Carnegie museum of Art. after going to the Hall of Architecture, we moved to one The Hall of Sculpture, which is one of the dreamiest and most ethereal halls in the museum.

Space and openness is one of the first things you experience in this hall. It’s very romantic, and we got some of my favorite photos of that part of the day.

In fact, The Carnegie Museum of Art and its halls such as the Hall of Architecture and the Art Hall of Sculpture are some of the popular spots to have your wedding photos taken.

The Carnegie Museum of Art is a popular and interesting wedding venue location in Pittsburgh. So if you’re looking to book an artistic and different wedding venue, make sure you check them out.

Bride and Groom at Carnegie museum of art Hall of Sculpture

A Bride’s Choice: Variety of Wedding Gowns

Eurah had the wonderful idea to have another wedding sleek and elegant wedding dress that we used for the second and last part of their bridal photos at Carnegie Museum of Art.

It was exciting to see her transform herself with her second look. Peek at her heart shaped pearl earrings that I couldn’t stop looking at.

The Story Behind What you Wear

The details of what you wear for your wedding day are important because it pulls the look together, but that’s not the only reason.

There’s a story behind every little thing you selected for your day.

As your documentary wedding photographer, I will make sure to focus on those details and bring out the story to make your photos even more meaningful.

Bride and Groom stand at Carnegie museum of art Hall of Sculpture
Bride and groom at Carnegie Museum of Art

Planning a Romantic and Timeless intimate wedding

As you can see, planning an epic intimate wedding or an adventure elopement in Pittsburgh is a lot of fun, and you can always contact Natalia Baqueiro Photography so I can help you plan yours in a way that feels exciting and true to you and your bae!

Pittsburgh alone has a unique vibe – it’s a city with soul, where historic charm meets an urban, industrial energy. And trust me, it’s the perfect backdrop for your love story.

Outfits for your Museum Wedding

Wether you want to do one or many wedding gowns like Eurah, or you choose a bridal wedding suit to go with your partner, knowing what you’d want for your museum bridal photos is essential.

On the other hand, If you’re doing planning on doing your engagement photos or an anniversary photo shoot at the museum, which I’m a fan of, it’s always a great idea to consider wearing black or dark muted colors to bring out an elegant look.

Bride and Groom walk up the grand staircase of Carnegie museum of art in Pittsburgh

Each Carnegie Museum of Art Hall has a different style, and by thinking ahead of what you would like to do and making a lose plan when it comes to what to wear is a great idea.

I took detail shots of Eurah’s bridal shoes, wedding bands and earrings at Carnegie and it was a very beautiful and artistic moment. I love these photos because they’re so artistic and unique.

BW Bridal Shoes, Anthropologie earrings and Veil

How to plan your time at the Museum

When planning your museum photos make sure to allocate the right time to be able to capture what is important to you.

As a Documentary Pittsburgh wedding photographer my advice is to plan for at least three hours if not more for your engagement photos at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

To start planning your Wedding, reach out! If you’re looking to have an Elopement, don’t hesitate to let me know about your date, and if I’m not booked, I would love to help you have an amazing day!

Bride and Groom walk up the grand staircase of Carnegie museum of art in Pittsburgh

How to Choose your Wedding Venue in Pittsburgh

Finding the spot that speaks to your soul is very important. Whenever I’m talking to couples and we’re planning their wedding timeline, I tell them to share with me what they’re most drawn to visually.

All those photos you’ve been saving on Pinterest and on Instagram are a gem, because it will give us clues as to what you resonate with.

Are you envisioning a quiet ceremony in a tucked-away park, or maybe something a bit more upbeat that we can do at the Strip District?

Now’s a good time to take some time to explore your options and consider what vibe resonates with you individually and as a couple. What are your favorite activities to do together?

Here are my top Pittsburgh Museums for your Wedding Photos

Pittsburgh boasts a diverse array of museums, each offering its own unique charm and character. Consider the atmosphere and aesthetic that aligns best with your personalities as a couple.

Here are some notable museums in Pittsburgh to consider as your wedding venue.

  1. The Andy Warhol Museum: Celebrates the iconic Andy Warhol legacy with a vibrant collection of pop art, multimedia installations, and photographs.
  2. Carnegie Museum of Art: Immerse yourselves in a world of classical and contemporary art, featuring works from renowned artists across various genres.
  3. Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Explore the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur skeletons to stunning gemstone collections.
Bride and Groom in Hall of Architecture at Carnegie Museum

If you need even more inspiration, here are more Pittsburgh Unique Wedding Venues to consider

  1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Surround yourselves with the beauty of nature in one of the nation’s oldest and most exquisite Victorian greenhouses. Check out the latest Phipps Wedding I did.
  2. Mattress Factory: Another cool place filled with contemporary art. It’s an immersive and thought-provoking installations.
  3. The Heinz History Center: For a touch of local history and charm, this museum offers a variety of spaces, from industrial-chic to classic and timeless.
Bride and Groom in Pittsburgh Hotel Monaco Lobby

Choosing a Pittsburgh museum as your wedding venue is a fantastic way to celebrate your love in a unique, beautiful, and culturally rich setting.

As a Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer, I can assure you that the stunning backdrops and charming atmosphere will make your wedding photos truly spectacular.

If you have any questions or need recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help make your wedding day as authentic and artistic as possible.

Considering Downtown Pittsburgh for your Wedding Photos?

PLEASE and TAHNK YOU!

Downtown Pittsburgh is an incredible wedding location for your bridal photos. Always! Yes, that includes the winter.

Pittsburgh has stunning riverfront views, charming cobblestone streets, and a skyline that is iconic to the city – it’s like something out of a movie.

BW Bride and Groom Couple at Allegheny County Courthouse

Planning your City Hall Wedding

Planning your Wedding or an adventure elopement is an exciting and fun experience.

Especially after getting the very technical things out of the way, such as how to apply for a marriage license in Pennsylvania.

If you still need help on how to get legally married in Pennsylvania, check out this blog post where I list all the steps in hopes of helping any couple who is going through the process.

Romantic Couple standing in front of each other at their wedding at the Allegheny Courthouse

Having your Wedding Ceremony at the Allegheny County Courthouse

City Hall Wedding – Doing your civil wedding at The Allegheny Courthouse

Have you ever visited the Allegheny County Courthouse in Downtown Pittsburgh?

If not, take a look at the photos of Eurah and AJ who had their civil wedding at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Like I said before, If you’re like me and you appreciate architecture, you’ll be captivated by the stunning architecture of this iconic building in the heart of the city.

Allegheny County Courthouse Wedding Photos

Photographing intimate weddings at the Allegheny County Courthouse never gets old for me.

It’s always a joy to have the honor to document another wedding there, and quite frankly they’re all different.

This Pittsburgh wedding venue offers breathtaking and intricate designs, which makes for countless opportunities to create memorable and special moments with stunning photos to remember.

Pittsburgh Allegheny county Courthouse Wedding in Downtown Pittsburgh

Booking Allegheny Courthouse for your Wedding Ceremony

Due to its popularity, dates at the courthouse fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book your wedding date well in advance.

You can begin the process by visiting the Allegheny County Courthouse website.

As an artist, I utilized the courthouse’s architecture to enhance the photos, creating a sense of intimacy and drama with the unique spaces and varying lighting conditions.

One of my favorite shots is on the grand staircase.

If you choose the Allegheny County Courthouse as your wedding venue, you can expect this stunning photo as a part of your collection.

The venue will also provide seating for your close family and friends, making it a beautiful and intimate celebration of love.

Storytelling with a documentary style to create Artistic Photos

As a documentary intimate wedding photographer, my goal is to provide a safe space for couples to be themselves.

Let’s face it, having a camera follow you around can be intimidating and awkward, but I promise to make the experience as fun and beautiful as possible.

Learn more about what to expect when you book Natalia Baqueiro Photography, and discover if my documentary intimate storytelling style is the right fit for your wedding.

Booking Natalia Baqueiro Photography for your Wedding

Before booking any couple, I always take the time to hear their story, understand their wedding plans, and learn what they hope to achieve on their special day.

This initial conversation, which takes about 20 minutes, ensures that I can understand your vision to capture your wedding in the most authentic way possible.

I’ll stop gushing about why you should consider having your city hall elopement at the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh.

I think it’s clear how much I love this venue, and I’m sure you will too after seeing Eurah and Aj’s beautiful wedding photos, especially the moments they shared with their loved ones.

Documenting Your Love Story while Capturing your Essence

These are the moments you’ll cherish forever. That’s why it’s so important to find the right wedding photographer for you.

Ideally someone who will make your story unique and artistic. Take the time to find someone who truly understands you as a couple.

What to look for in a Documentary Wedding Photographer

Look for photos that speak to you in some way. Those photos that you can’t forget and keeps you wanting more.

My advice as a professional wedding photographer? Look for a photographer’s work that makes your heart skip a beat.

Choose a documentary wedding photographer who captures candid, authentic moments, because those are the memories you’ll hold dear.

If you’re interested in having me document your wedding or elopement in Pittsburgh or anywhere in the world, reach out!

Are you ready? Let’s schedule a call so I can hear more about you your day. I’ll help you craft something truly unique to you.

A Guide to a Dreamy and Romantic Intimate Wedding

So there you have it – your personal guide to crafting the perfect intimate wedding in Pittsburgh.

Start dreaming – your perfect day is waiting for you in the Steel City!

Pittsburgh Location Recommendations for any occasion

For location recommendations, help with planning, and you’re ready for an awesome wedding photographer, click here to check my availability!

For more inspiration, check out this blog post about Jill and Dontae’s intimate elopement in Pittsburgh.

Another Allegheny County Courthouse Elopement that was incredible was Karen and Jevon’s, click here to see it!

Gravitating towards a more romantic and dreamy wedding venue? Check out my latest Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Wedding.

Groom puts shoes on for bride while sitting in Kimpton Monaco Hotel in Pittsburgh

If you’re planning your elopement and you want an experience that is relax, authentic and fun, make sure you send me an inquiry so we can start crafting the right experience for you.

If you need more inspiration when it comes to locations, here’s two guides on the most Iconic Pittsburgh Locations in the Steel City and the Best Pittsburgh Engagement Locations to consider so you can get more ideas on what vibe you’d like.

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