13 Unique Venues for Weddings | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

If you’re looking for unique venues for weddings, this dazzling disco wedding celebration is sure to inspire you. Erica and Bryan’s wedding day was a long time in the making. They grew up together, but she viewed him more as a friend since he was two years younger. (She almost set him up with her sister!) They remained friends all through high school and college, but it wasn’t until their lives briefly collided on a short stent at home that they recognized the spark between them.

Unfortunately, he had to turn back around and move to Florida for his job, but their love remained. Through long-distance communication and tricky hours, they knew there was more to their story together. This was just the beginning.

On Christmas Eve, they had a chance to get away for a moment to exchange gifts. His gift to her happened to be a gold gift-box-shaped ornament on his family’s tree that said, “Marry me?” Inside, she found an engagement ring, and the rest was history! When you know, you know, so they dove straight into planning their summer wedding a few months later.

Given their summer wedding date, I’m completely in love with their disco-meets-garden-party aesthetic. Madeline’s Dining & Events offered a beautiful green space for their al fresco tented reception and dance floor. The wedding crew’s retro sunglasses and colorful florals by Allburn Florist were icing on the cake. This was an event to remember, and I don’t think a single person was sitting by the night’s end. Cue all the epic dance moves!

If you want to celebrate your love story in a truly unique way like Erica and Bryan, I’ve got a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

13 Unique Venues for Weddings

Pool & Garden Party

Have connections to someone with a great pool and garden area? Host a pool party for your wedding! You could also find a vacation rental with a pool through VRBO or Airbnb or try Swimply.

Museum or Art Gallery Wedding

Support local organizations and artists with your wedding! Host your reception at a museum or Art Gallery here in Erie, or take your pick from Pittsburgh’s many noteworthy sites and galleries.

Opera House or Theater

I saw photos of an Opera House wedding reception the other day and thought it was the most incredible idea! They exchanged vows center stage, and their sweetheart table was set up in a private opera box where they could share a moment and watch guests dance.

Renovated Warehouse

Warehouse venues are incredibly versatile. You can easily style it up a number of ways, especially if you book a wedding planner or designer.

Botanical Gardens

Have you ever been to Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens? Create an ethereal experience with a Peace Garden or Greenhouse wedding. The Greenhouse is open for weddings year-round!

Historic Mansion or Inn

For a unique and experiential wedding day, tie the knot at a historic home or inn like The Watson-Curtze Mansion and President’s Room in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Vacation Rental

Use the categories features or filters on VRBO or Airbnb to search for the perfect home for your wedding event and destination. You can search for mansions, amazing pools, homes with views, beach homes, mountain homes, unique designs, and more.

Restaurant

Some restaurants work better for weddings than others. Look for one with a unique ambiance, good lighting, a fun experience, and good food. Here in Erie, The Brewerie at Union Station checks off all those boxes, and they’re experienced in hosting weddings.

Urban Loft

Imagine cocktail hour out on the terrace overlooking city lights—dreamy!

Winery or Brewery

For intimate gatherings or micro weddings, a local winery or brewery creates a fun, laid-back feel for your day. Photos usually have a subtle vintage look to them.

National Park

As a globetrotter myself, I’m a little partial to stunning national park weddings. Tell me where you want to go, and we can probably make it happen. Check out my elopement packages to get started!

Yacht

Some newlyweds drive into the sunset, and some sail away! As far as unique venues for weddings go, a yacht party wedding would be pretty epic for smaller groups.

Sports Facility

Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers, oh my! Depending on the season, you may be able to rent a space within a professional sports park or stadium. If you’re a sports fanatic, this could be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Now all you need is a wedding photographer…

Connect with me here for information on wedding photography packages and pricing. 

(Psst—I love photographing destination weddings, too! Get in touch with me to coordinate travel plans or view my schedule here.)