I’ll let you in on one of my best kept secrets: some of downtown Pittsburgh’s best restaurants provide fantastic backdrops for photo sessions. If we catch them during the day during slower times (I’ll help with the booking), we’ll have the space we need to capture a few romantic eatery photos. If you want an out-of-the-box style for couple’s portraits or engagement photos, consider one of Pittsburgh’s local bistros. They usually have great décor and industrial backdrops. Some even have kind of a cozy at-home vibe (if you like that look but don’t want to do the session at your home). 

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This fashion-forward engagement session featuring the sweetest couples deserves a solid spot on the blog! Kayla and Nate let me tag along with them to Emerson’s Market and downtown Pittsburgh to capture a bit of engagement bliss. In just over a month, we’ll be heading to Italy for their romantic destination wedding, so stay tuned for that! (I know it will be just as blog-worthy as their engagement session.)

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If you’re loving this look and need a few more ideas for your own downtown Pittsburgh engagement session, check out these options.I’m happy to help you find the perfect photoshoot location—get in touch with me to start planning your session.

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Downtown Pittsburgh Best Restaurants & Local Eateries

1. Emerson’s Market Pittsburgh

This limited-capacity lounge looks like it popped out of a magazine. If I styled a photography studio into a charming café, it would look just like this. The fireplace seating, market-fresh cuisine and craft cocktails, curated wine list, patio seating, stunning art pieces, and eclectic lounge options make it picture-perfect. Plus, it’s easy to unwind and get cozy in this beautifully-styled eatery. Learn more about Emerson’s Market Pittsburgh here.

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2. The Industrialist Hotel Pittsburgh

The Industrialist Hotel Pittsburgh is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection Hotels, which means there’s none like it. Each of these beautifully curated hotels features its own unique architectural design and interior artwork. It’s as if a luxury hotel and state-of-the-art gallery or museum merged together. 

The Industrialist is far from your average hotel. It’s as eye-catching as it is cozy. This hotel, as you might imagine, celebrates Pittsburgh’s industrial roots. Inside the hotel you’ll find The Rebel Room. Although bar-centric, it’s also a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The décor and lighting are perfectly photogenic, and you’ll love their craft cocktails. The Lounge is another intimate setting inside the hotel for quiet conversation and sophisticated photos.

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3. Market Square Pittsburgh

For trendy public square vibes, we can head over to Market Square, which has just about any kind of food and drink you can imagine. Peruse fresh farmer’s markets and local vendor booths, try the historic Pittsburgh Oyster House, grab a bit at festive NOLA on the Square, and satisfy your sweet tooth at Prantl’s Bakery. While you explore and taste, we’re sure to get some fantastic photos of your outing, simply enjoying each other’s company.

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Need more recommendations for Downtown Pittsburgh’s Best Restaurants?

What’s a best engagement photo location for foodies in love? Your favorite café, farmer’s market, or local eatery, of course! Let me know what you have in mind, and we’ll make it happen. As a local myself, I’m happy to suggest a few market or bistro-style spots that work well for photos.

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