Looking to get married in Pittsburgh? With all the rainy days we’ve had here this April, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about how to pick a wedding date in Pittsburgh.

So I’ve laid out the best months to get married in Pittsburgh based on the type of couple you are and what your needs and desires might be.

But before we get into choosing a wedding date in Pittsburgh, let’s get one thing straight… Pittsburgh is a rainy city! According to a 2023 Redfin article, Pittsburgh ranks 8th in the U.S. for the number of days with measurable precipitation. This leads me to my top tip when choosing a wedding date in Pittsburgh: prepare for rain.

What to Know Before Choosing a Wedding Date in Pittsburgh

As I mentioned above, Pittsburgh is one of the rainiest cities in the United States. Therefore, if you are going to commit to a Pittsburgh wedding, it’s best to prepare for rain by:

Preparing physically - by creating and budgeting for an inclement weather plan up front
Preparing mentally / emotionally - by developing a mindset early on that no matter what happens, your wedding day will be great

Of course, you’ll want to plan for the worst and hope for the best. But the most impressive couples are the ones who embrace Pittsburgh for what it is and maintain a sense of joy and positivity regardless of what the weather ends up being.

If the idea of a rainy day bothers you, I hear you! I have some tips for you below, but I also want to suggest considering a destination elopement or destination micro-wedding. Remember… It’s your day, and you have options!

Choosing a wedding date and location with an optimal inclement weather plan can be stressful! This is where a wedding planner can come in and guide you through the plethora of options and decisions. So consider hiring one (even just to help with finding a venue) to make the process less overwhelming.

Which Months are Considered Pittsburgh Wedding Months?

Peak season is considered to be May through October for Pittsburgh weddings. Expect to pay higher prices during those months, and book your vendors early because there is a higher demand for everything during peak season.

December through March can be considered the off season for Pittsburgh weddings. Many venues and vendors offer lower prices during the off season, and you’ll likely have more of a selection of vendors due to increased availability during that time. Another perk is that many vendors are quicker to respond, with some exceptions around holidays.

While April and November are considered shoulder seasons (the period in between peak and off-peak seasons), November weddings are still quite popular. However, as I mentioned earlier, April weather can be a bit unpredictable, so expect anything from snow to rain to a hot day if you’re planning to get married in April.

(Looking for a venue? Here are 17 Unique Pittsburgh Wedding Venues for the Non-traditional Couple.)

The Best Months for Weddings in Pittsburgh

For the eco-conscious…

As an eco-friendly wedding planner, I’d be remiss not to start with sustainability when it comes to choosing a wedding date. Sometimes having an inclement weather plan can create the need for more resources. For instance, if your venue doesn’t have the indoor space needed, you may have to rent a tent in case of rain or too much sun. Therefore, going with either a full indoor venue or one that already has an inclement weather plan may be more sustainable.

For a lower budget…

If you’re looking for optimal savings, consider getting married during the off-season/winter months. The day of the week is another consideration when looking to cut costs. Of course, Saturdays are the most highly sought after days of the month, so expect to pay the most for that time. Some venues offer discounted Friday and Sunday weddings, while others don’t. While not all venues offer weekday weddings, holding your wedding during the week can help you save some money (often at the inconvenience of your guests, so please keep that in mind!).

For the weather-conscious…

If you want a warm-weather month while trying to avoid high temperatures and humidity, then May or September might be ideal for you. July tends to be the hottest month with August falling closely behind.

Rainfall tends to be higher from May to July on average, and thunderstorms can be more likely to occur during the summer months. However, this past April showed how rain can still be high throughout the year, making it absolutely necessary to create an inclement weather plan regardless of which month you choose.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Date in Pittsburgh

Traffic is a big factor to keep in mind when planning your wedding date in or around Pittsburgh. Sporting events, concerts, and other significant events will create more traffic and affect wedding components like hotel availability and travel time.

Beware of events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, the Three Rivers Arts Festival in June, and Light Up Night in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas during November.

Regardless of which month you choose, if any part of your event is going to take place outdoors, you MUST have an inclement weather plan.