When you say “destination wedding,” most people think of a flight to the Caribbean. However, longtime readers of The Anti Bridezilla know that I don’t adhere to that concept. A destination can be anywhere that isn’t your hometown or current city of residence.
When you’re planning a destination wedding, you also need to consider attractions for out-of-town guests in order to turn your wedding into a full vacation. Nowadays, many American cities are undergoing a renaissance and debuting their revitalized downtowns. Pittsburgh, affectionately known as Steel City, has undergone a full renovation. This has resulted in a newly refreshed city that maintains its historical roots while building cultural enclaves, world-class restaurants, and venues perfect for luxe destination weddings.
Access to the Arts
Pittsburgh is home to the Pittsburgh Opera, which features a robust performance schedule and is one of the premier opera houses in the U.S. It can also serve as the setting for your fairy-tale wedding ceremony or reception.
Meanwhile, theater buffs will enjoy the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh program, which has a rotating annual schedule of top shows from Broadway including “The Color Purple,” “Rent,” and “School of Rock: The Musical.” On any given night, you and your guests can enjoy live jazz performances around Pittsburgh. Music lovers will also appreciate Pittsburgh’s rich jazz history, which includes iconic venues like CJ’s in the Strip District or Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild on the North Side.
Epic Sports Teams
Pittsburgh is known worldwide for its professional hockey, baseball, and football teams. The city is home to the four-time Stanley Cup winners, the Pittsburgh Penguins; the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, best known for Hall of Fame great Roberto Clemente; and the six-time Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During the season, take in a game with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Between seasons, sports fans can visit the Heinz History Center-Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum to learn about the growth of professional sports in this classic sports town. Roberto Clemente fans can head to Engine House No. 25, a historic firehouse-turned-memorabilia space and winery for the late, beloved Pirates right fielder.
Classic Eats and Sophisticated Drinks
Pittsburgh has a history of amazing comfort food, and as the city has transformed, it has become a hub for wineries, breweries, distilleries, and swanky nightlife venues. Foodies who can’t get enough of classic comfort dishes are required to stop by historic spots like Primanti Bros., which is best known for epic sandwiches stuffed with fries and coleslaw. Take your craft beer or wine aficionado guests on a tasting tour while learning about the city’s brewing history, which dates back more than 200 years.
When planning your destination wedding, don’t forget to help your guests find lodging that fits their budget and is near attractions that interest them. When at all possible, book a room block at your hotel to secure a preferred rate for guests. For inspiration and help with selecting accommodations, consider checking out sites like HotelPlanner for your destination wedding.
This article appears as a sponosred post on behalf of HotelPlanner.
Image via Flickr by josephleenovak
The Anti Bridezilla 