Mariah & Matt’s Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Wedding

Weddings

Jun 14

An Aquarium Ceremony & Giraffe Portraits

If you’re searching for unique wedding venues in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to beat the experience of a Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium wedding.

Mariah & Matt’s day had everything: an aquarium ceremony, portraits with incredible animals, and even a surprise appearance from one very photogenic giraffe (shoutout Lewis!).

Add in a couple who clearly adore each other — lots of laughter, big smiles, and a room full of people celebrating their story — and you’ve got the kind of wedding day that’s unforgettable from beginning to end.

A Truly Unique Wedding at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of the most distinctive Pittsburgh wedding venues for couples who want something a little different from a traditional ballroom or barn.

Where else can you:

Exchange vows surrounded by aquarium exhibits
Take portraits with animals hanging behind you
And casually run into a giraffe who likes to pose!

Mariah & Matt leaned fully into the uniqueness of the venue, creating a celebration that felt fun, relaxed, and completely true to their personalities.

An Aquarium Ceremony

Their ceremony took place inside the aquarium — a setting that immediately feels immersive and magical.

As guests gathered, soft blue light from the tanks filled the room while fish moved slowly behind the glass. It’s the kind of ceremony backdrop that feels almost surreal. Add in the waterfall - perfection!

For couples considering an aquarium wedding in Pittsburgh, the atmosphere creates something incredibly special in photos: movement, color, and a sense of wonder that you simply can’t recreate anywhere else.

Mariah & Matt were fully present for it all — laughing, joking, and clearly having the best time.

A Couple Full of Joy

Mariah & Matt have been together for years, building a life filled with love, laughter, and a big, beautiful family.

Matt’s a tattoo artist.
Mariah’s a bartender.
And together they bring the kind of grounded, joyful energy that makes a wedding day feel effortless.

Throughout the day there were constant smiles, inside jokes, and moments of laughter with their kids and friends. It felt less like a formal event and more like the best kind of celebration — one where everyone could simply be themselves.

Those are always my favorite weddings to photograph.

A Surprise Appearance from Lewis the Giraffe

Just when you think a zoo wedding can’t get more memorable…

Lewis the giraffe showed up.

And not just briefly — he hung out with us long enough to create some truly incredible photos.

Lewis stood nearby, curious and calm, as Mariah & Matt laughed and soaked in the moment. The result was a series of portraits that felt both playful and surprisingly beautiful.

It’s not every day you get wedding portraits with a giraffe in Pittsburgh, but when it happens, you absolutely take advantage.