Sail into Romance!
Gateway Clipper Fleet Weddings
MANAGER
AWARD WINNER (1X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is a classic riverboat venue in Pittsburgh, PA, hosting weddings and milestone events. This stunning cruise boat brings couples and wedding parties on sightseeing journeys along the iconic Three Rivers. Providing breathtaking views of the city skyline from a tranquil distance, it offers the perfect setting for a romantic wedding experience.
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is an ideal choice for couples seeking an alternative celebration. They have been hosting milestone occasions for over 50 years, facilitating unique and memorable moments for passengers. They welcome couples from all over and accommodate all ceremony styles, including religious and humanist. The boat is an expansive and versatile space with a capacity for up to 350 loved ones. While it is a great place to host lavish parties, it can also be easily rearranged to suit more intimate gatherings. To begin your day at this one-of-a-kind venue, you can apply the finishing touches to your wedding outfit from the comfort of their onboard dressing suite. After, you can exchange vows on the deck with the sound of the river rushing in the background. The deck is a neutral space that offers the perfect blank canvas for applying a personal touch. Receptions are hosted in their main function space furnished with elegant decor including decadent curtains with ornate fringing and stunning Persian rugs. Here you can dine with loved ones, followed by a magical evening of music and dancing.
Jumpstart your occasion by contacting The Gateway Clipper Fleet for a friendly chat. Their expert staff can assist you with planning, helping you transform your special day into something spectacular. They offer a wide range of packages tailored to suit your needs and budget. All packages include a champagne toast, buffet-style dinner service with elegant linens, an open bar, custom-made wedding cake, and DJ services. They also provide an onboard cruise director and day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs seamlessly, allowing you to focus on having an amazing time with your guests.
Be sure to check out the gallery for an exclusive 360° Virtual Tour, and experience the breathtaking beauty of Gateway Clipper Fleet today!
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception
Contact for price
Reception
Contact for price
Ceremony
$2,000
Bar services
Contact for price
Catering
Contact for price
- Couples usually spend $16,000
- Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees.
- Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices.
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Reach out and share your wedding details.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Guest Capacity
Up to 250
Settings
Ballroom
Cruise
Historic Venue
Restaurant
Rooftop
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Other Desserts
Food & Catering
Planning
Wedding Design
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Transportation
Shuttle Service
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 3
- Gateway Clipper Fleet WeddingsManagerWe can't wait to plan your special day!
- Hannah RothVice PresidentHello! Thank you for considering the Gateway Clipper Fleet to host your speical day. We are thrilled about the possibilty of working with you and your fiance. Please take a look at our website and browse our wedding pacakges. We invite you down for a site visit to see your options and dicsuss questions. Talk to you soon!
- Noel DemagallWedding Charter RepCongratulations!
Availability
Reviews
4.7
out of 5.056 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
The Gateway Clipper received glowing reviews for hosting weddings, particularly on the Duchess boat. Reviewers praised the stunning city skyline views, helpful staff including Angela, Megan, Gillian, and Stormi, and the seamless planning process. Guests enjoyed the amazing food, preferred vendors, and overall experience on the boat, showcasing the dedicated efforts of the bartenders, Shauna, DJ Chachi, and other crew members. The inclusive packages were appreciated for simplifying the planning process, making it a highly recommended choice for engaged couples.- Top reviews
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Jacey M
5.0
4/10/2025
We have worked with the gateway clipper to plan our special day over the past year. To Patti, Daniel, Noel, Shauna, DJ Chachi, and the boat crew… thank you so much for our day.
There was some bumps because our planner had left the gateway clipper halfway through our journey, but Noel and Daniel assisted us in making this right. We also had issues with Lincoln Bakery, but the team worked with us on getting a new cake from Oakmont Bakery. Patti was also very willing to assist us when questions arose. Noel was so responsive and even showed us the boat over a video call when we had to come up with the layout. The packages they offer are great too and make planning very simple.
My biggest thanks is to the boat crew and staff. They worked so hard and we couldn’t have had a beautiful day without them. The bartenders were so hospitable and kind, Shauna and DJ Chachi made transitions seamless, and the food was great. Our guests all raved about how amazing the wedding was!
- The Mellingers 🤍
Shirley P
5.0
4/29/2024
We had our ceremony and reception on the Duchess this past weekend and the day could not have been any more than incredible. Our guests loved being able to go up to the deck and take in the amazing city skyline views during the evening. Angela was fantastic at helping us put together the event and made everything stress-free.
Any questions?
Amber N
5.0
7/14/2023
LOVE LOVE LOVED our Gateway Clipper reception. We had people who live in Pittsburgh and people who have never been to Pittsburgh at our reception, and they loved everything about the boat. The food was amazing, they had great preferred vendors, the staff went above and beyond, and the views were phenomenal. I couldn't recommend the Gateway Clipper enough.
Kati Jo B
5.0
9/14/2022
We loved our evening on the Duchess! Most of our guests were from out of town... They still cannot stop talking about how beautiful the views were on our dinner cruise. The staff were great and made the night one we will never forget! Megan made the whole planning process was a breeze, even though we live over 800 miles away. The night went by too quick :)
Gwen K
5.0
9/10/2022
We got married on 08/20/2022 and had our reception on the Gateway Clipper. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we were very happy with how everything went. We started the planning process in 2021 with one event coordinator and then were transitioned to working with Megan when she took over that position. I feel that she picked up our coordination very easily and the transition was smooth.
On the day of our wedding, we were assisted by Cruise Directors Gillian and Stormi. They were both awesome!! I cannot thank them enough for all that they did from helping our wedding party execute their entrances, to serving my new wife the largest plate of mashed potatoes ever (at her request), and just generally making sure everyone was happy all night long.
For any engaged couples looking into the Clipper, you should note that if you book with them, you are required to use their catering and their specific DJ company. We had no issues with this and were very happy with the food and entertainment for the evening, but if you were hoping to use a specific vendor, it is something you should be aware of.
Elizabeth R
5.0
9/08/2022
The Gateway Clipper Fleet was incredible! We absolutely loved the experience from start to finish. So many other vendors were included in the price. The up-front details team, big shout out to Megan, helped us all along through the process and took our requests in stride and fulfilled everyone. During the event, every single crew member checked in with us and our guests and ensured that everyone was enjoying themselves. The night was a complete success! We appreciate everything seeming effortless even though we know that an immeasurable amount of work went into making things spectacular.
Renée F
5.0
3/15/2021
We scheduled our wedding on the Gateway Clipper as a last minute change due to the COVID-19 pandemic; in fact, with the amazing help from Dan, the wedding coordinator at Gateway Clipper Fleet, we planned our wedding in less than a month. Dan was always available and answered every email and question we had very timely; we couldn't have done it without his help and patience! Everything went perfectly on our special day amid so many uncertainties, we couldn't have been happier with how our wedding turned out. The staff was so helpful, they set up and boxed up all of our decorations which was one less thing I had to worry about on an already hectic day and everything turned out beautifully! The weather was amazing and it was absolutely perfect night to be cruising on the river. Our guests loved our wedding as it was unique and quite intimate with just our closest friends and family there. The DJ was also amazing which is included with the package. He called us ahead of time to talk details and send us paperwork to complete of all of the song requests etc. Bethel Bakery made the wedding cake (also included in the package) and our guests loved it. Since it was all inclusive, it made planning seamless and easy especially on our very short timeline. We absolutely recommend the Gateway Clipper to anyone who wants a stress free, all inclusive and beautiful, unique wedding on the water overlooking the city. It was so perfect and we will always how amazing our wedding day was!
Misty M
5.0
7/20/2020
My husband and I live out of town and were looking for a venue that had a lot included so there was minimal for us to do! I was also looking for something that was not a traditional ballroom, as it was both of our second marriages. Not long after we booked, the Covid-19 pandemic started. Dan, the wedding coordinator, was amazing! He was quick at responding, and once we got closer and restrictions changed, he worked with management to figure out how to best help us still get married-giving us multiple options to choose from. Having to do minimal with the vendors already contracted with them was perfect for our out of town situation. The day of the wedding the staff was AMAZING! Dan and the rest of the staff had taken care of everything. It was perfect. Our family and friends could not stop raving about the amazing experience they had from the food, cake, music, and just overall good time! We couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding day! We would highly recommend the Gateway Clipper!
Marla V
5.0
11/10/2018
Great staff! Great DJ! Great day :)
Jackie S
5.0
9/11/2016
My husband and I wish we could relive our wedding day again and again. The gateway clipper offered a beautiful cermoney package and was a unique reception choice. They were organized and had everything from cake to the DJ included in the wedding packages. They were flexible as we kept changing our dates and making modifications. Steve Anderson the wedding coordinator couldn't of been more kind and helpful. He helped us sort out the details and was always quick to answer any questions or address any concerns. The food was delicious and our guests complimented us on the heart felt ceremony given by the captain. The staff made sure our wedding day was perfect and I can not thank them enough.
Brit B
5.0
7/10/2016
We used the Empress boat for our ceremony in May 2016, and could not have been happier! The Gateway Clipper team is amazingly thoughtful and organized. We were looking for a venue on pretty short notice, and reached out to their coordinator Steve in February 2016. He was one of my favorite vendors we worked with! He thought of everything as we went through the planning process, always answered my questions instantly, and was unfailingly kind when things slipped my mind or I accidentally asked him a question a second time. He's also incredibly enthusiastic and genuinely happy to help each of his couples, which is great because, you know, some vendors can be really jaded. Steve always felt as excited about our wedding as we were!
We planned a ceremony on the top deck of the boat, but thanks to non-stop rain literally all day, had to move things inside to the dance floor. The Gateway Clipper Team was ON IT -- they made the switch to inside seamlessly (everything still looked amazing), and Steve made sure I was always shielded from the rain when I arrived at the dock, covering me with umbrellas and even giving me the jacket off of his own back! Wedding day bad weather could have been stressful, but I didn't feel stressed at all given how thoughtful the team was. And despite the rain, everyone loved the cruise -- especially our out of town guests!
The Gateway Clipper team are calm, experienced professionals and could not be nicer -- I was never even close to stressed about working with them, even though I was planning my wedding from the other side of the country! To call them "attentive and nice" feels like an understatement. Team, thank you again for a flawless wedding ceremony! :)
Tonilyn L
5.0
7/07/2016
We could not possibly rave enough about this phenomenal site for our special day! With so many out-of-town guests, we selected The Gateway Clipper Fleet because we wanted to show off our fair city and create a memorable night. We were blown away by the staff, the vessel, the ease of working with suggested vendors, and the dedication of all of those involved in our wedding.
Steve Anderson was the pivotal part of planning for our day. His enthusiasm, time, talent, and ideas made the process so easy, and his staff worked tirelessly to create a magical evening!
From the seamless set up and tear down (completed entirely by staff of the Clipper!) to the attention to our guests during the ceremony and reception, we were beyond impressed, and we would absolutely recommend this venue for anyone wanting to make an impression and lasting memories for their happily-ever-after.
Thank you, Gateway Clipper, for the perfect wedding!
Jessica T
5.0
7/05/2016
Me and my husband Mike were planning our wedding in Pittsburgh from Texas so working with professional vendors was very important. When we learned of the Gateway Clipper Fleet wedding packages, we contacted them to get info and pricing, since it sounded like a really unique reception idea. Our event planner was Steve Anderson and from the moment I contacted him, I was hooked. We were really happy with the prices per guest for what the package came with and that Steve would essentially assist me with every step (very important for out of town planning, but just overall awesome to have - no need for a wedding planner with them!). The planning process couldn't have been much easier. Steve sent me everything we needed to choose and provide ourselves for the entire night to go smoothly. The best part was that everything from the chair covers, to the DJ, to the food, and staff exceeded our expectations. The upper deck was easily everyone's favorite place due to the amazing views, but everyone complimented us on almost every aspect of the reception. Mike and I could not have asked for a better night spent with our friends and family on the Gateway Clipper Fleet!
Lacey P
5.0
5/26/2016
My husband and I had our ceremony and reception on the Gateway Clipper in mid-May and it was amazing! We decided early on that we wanted to find a place that allowed the planning and wedding day prep to be as stress-free as possible at a reasonable price, and we found it! Our wedding planner, Steve Anderson, guided us every step of the way and was available whenever we needed him. He went above and beyond to make sure our day went off without a hitch. It would not have been the same day without him. The Gateway Clipper staff during our reception was phenomenal. They made sure my husband and I got to try all of our food and never allowed our glasses to be empty. They were pleasant and helpful to our guests. If I had to do it all over, I would choose the Gateway Clipper again.
Marissa S
5.0
10/13/2015
We only had our wedding ceremony on the Clipper, but our guests absolutely loved it! They got an incredible view of the city of Pittsburgh while getting to participate in our special day. The entire staff at the Gateway Clipper was wonderful to work with throughout the entire wedding planning process! They were all so friendly, helpful and willing to do whatever it took to make my wedding day absolutely perfect! They were very flexible in allowing us to decorate however we wanted, as we had a very distinct vision. They also worked with us to make it enjoyable for our guests by opening up the bar after the ceremony and sailing the Allegheny while we took pictures on the top deck. Again, they made our dream wedding become a reality and I am so glad that we had our wedding ceremony on the Gateway Clipper! I would absolutely recommend this is a wedding venue to anyone looking for something different!
Lori W
5.0
9/23/2015
Just had our wedding on the Princess, only way to describe it was the best night of our lives. The staff was awesome and Steve Anderson was amazing!
Marissa G
5.0
8/18/2015
My husband and I wanted to do something different, and were so excited when we found out Gateway Clipper did wedding receptions. The total cost mentioned was after taxes, for 100 people, and covered food, open bar, DJ (who was awesome), all linens and tableware, wedding cake, etc details which all came with our package. Our wedding coordinator was always very quick to help us and answered all of our questions. The staff set up the boat exactly as we asked on the wedding day. And that day-wow the reception was gorgeous. The views of the city from the outside deck were amazing as well. All of our guests had a great time and loved that we did something different! We would relive it if we could!
Stacy K
5.0
7/28/2015
We held our wedding reception on the Empress vessel. It was the perfect unique venue for us to show off the city to our guests from out of town. It is also so conveniently located! We blocked off rooms at the Sheridan so our guests from out of town were able to easily fly in, take a cab to Station Square and have everything they needed as far as food and entertainment within walking distance. The convenience was also very beneficial after the reception when we went out with our guests for a few more drinks.
Our guest list was about 200 so it was also important for us to have a large dance floor, but also to have things to do for guests who do not dance. I don’t mean to brag, but so many of our guests that that this was the best wedding reception that had been to. It was just such a fun venue! You also do not have to worry about decorating too much as you would with a cookie cutter wedding venue because the view is so spectacular.
Steve Anderson worked with us each step of the way, and was always available and friendly to help with any questions or issues we had. Our packaged included Steve’s services as our event planner, a DJ (who was great by the way) from First Class Entertainment, a cake (we chose Lincoln Bakery, but Bethel Bakery is also an option), chair covers and bows, open bar, a champagne toast, cocktail hour h’orderves and dinner. Everything in the package was good quality and it was nice having a one stop shop so to speak. As someone who did not hire a wedding planner and did everything myself, it helped to have everything going through the Gateway Clipper. Both my husband and I highly recommend choosing the Gateway Clipper for your event and all of our guests would agree!
5.0
6/17/2015
My daughter recently got married on the Gateway Clipper and it was FANTASTIC! The wedding planner, Steve Anderson was knowledgeable and great to work with. Price is very reasonable and includes many top notch items, and it's the best way to show off the city. Food was excellent! All of our guests had a wonderful time and remarked on how great this venue was. HIGHLY recommend!
5.0
2/02/2015
My husband Justin Walker and I chose the Gateway Clipper for our wedding ceremony and reception. Their attention to detail was beyond exceptional. Steve Anderson is hands down the best wedding planner there is. He is a wonderful caring and easy-going individual to work with and made sure our experience was stress free. He is a great asset to the Gateway Clipper. The setup and venue was absolutely breathtaking and very beautiful. Food was delicious and the cake was phenomenal. DJ Cha-Che with First Class Entertainment kept the party live and had everyone dancing the entire time. He was fun and caring. The boat was beautiful and the staff was excellent and made sure we had the time of our life. All of our guests had a wonderful time. It truly is a unique and memorable event that we will cherish forever. We would definitely recommend the Gateway Clipper for any future event or even just a night out on the town!!
5.0
11/25/2014
My husband and I recently had our wedding/reception on The Queen. Hannah was our coordinator and her and the entire staff were so professional and a lot of fun. We were shocked at how much was included in the price. Being the youngest of 4, my parents have been through many weddings and this was by far the least expensive but most fun! It was classy and elegant. Our wedding was in Sept and our family and friends are still talking about it being the best they've ever attended. Seriously, look no further. Our wedding was everything we dreamed it would be and more mostly in part due to Hannah and the Gateway Clipper staff. They made sure everything went smoothly. We would do it all over again if we could!
Lindsey P
5.0
11/15/2014
Awesome food! Very helpful people! If something isn't going right they did something to make it right! Very fun and different! Guests will love!
5.0
11/06/2014
Let me start this by saying Steve Anderson was/is the best! We lived out of state and only came to see the boat once about a month before the wedding. We went by word of mouth to book the venue. I was beyond pleased with Steve and the staff at the Gateway Clipper. I felt completely at ease with everything and I trusted them 100%. I knew we were in good hands. The wedding itself was directed by Ashley and she was awesome! My husband kept (and keeps) praising the attentiveness of all the staff aboard the boat. Very detail oriented and make you and your day top priority. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Toni W
5.0
10/31/2014
I recently held my wedding reception on the Gateway Clipper's Princess. I planned the wedding in a very short amount of time and was impressed with how Steve and the rest of the staff were able to pull things together so quickly and accurately. I enjoyed working with Steve and was beyond pleased with the reception.
One of the items that made the night particularly fun and memorable was the photo booth. I have so many fun pictures of each of my wedding guests - and they also had a lot of fun taking them (at times, there was a line!). I highly recommend.
My cake from Bethel Bakery was beautiful and delicious - again, I highly recommend.
Kudos to the team at the Gateway Clipper for a job very well done!
Rebecca A
4.0
10/22/2014
The Gateway Clipper was a great find for our reception. They provided everything we needed for a wonderful stress-free party: food, bar service, waitstaff, tables and linens, DJ (Todd from First Class Entertainment), cake (from Bethel Bakery- AMAZING!), a hotel for the newlywed couple at the Sheraton in Station Square, and a team of knowledgeable planners to help the day go smoothly. The food was great and we were able to try everything at a tasting beforehand and customize our menu. Our guests had a great time and we had a beautiful evening on the rivers. We would definitely recommend this vendor to anyone in Pittsburgh.
Ellen C
5.0
10/21/2014
When we originally planned our wedding, we had started working with one employee, however about nine months away from our date, the employee was let go. After she was gone, Hannah took over and did a wonderful job! She came in and introduced herself and ensured everything was perfect for our wedding day.
The reason I chose the Gateway Clipper was because of the value. There are so many items included in the package and it is truly worry free since you do not have to worry about coordinating vendors. I have already recommended the GCF to another friend. They made my wedding day very special!
Katie S
5.0
10/18/2014
My husband and I really enjoyed our special day on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Steve Anderson, our wedding planner was beyond the best thing that could have happened to us. He truly cared about making our day, our day! Not only did he plan our wedding with us, he spent the day of our wedding decorating and running around making sure we were taken care of. Our guests loved the view of the city and thought the idea of the boat was very unique. The food was amazing, the service was wonderful and the crew was fabulous. We also enjoyed our DJ-he made sure we stayed on schedule and ensured we had a blast. We loved it and would recommend the Gateway Clipper Fleet to everyone who loves the city of Pittsburgh! Best wishes!
Jess R
3.0
9/27/2014
Our "wedding planner" was changed 3 times with in the 9 months dealing with them and on our actual wedding day the last wedding planner wasn't even there since it was a Saturday. We almost didn't have a stop to the dock after dinner for the priest and grandparents to get off because the info wasn't passed onto the girl that was helping us that day and from the beginning we had told them we wanted that stop after dinner. Every time they changed planners the information was clearly not passed along to the next correctly. There was no communication between any of the office workers at all. As for the staff on the boat the day of the wedding they we're so wonderful! Very professional! They did set up everything exactly the way I wanted and everyone there was very professional, they just lack in communication skills.
Tracy G
5.0
9/27/2014
If you want a wedding that keeps your guests talking for weeks afterwards, usually using the phrase, "Best wedding I have ever attended..." then book the Gateway Clipper fleet. My husband and I had our wedding on the Princess and it was beyond even my biggest dreams. When I walked on that boat and saw it decorated, it took my breath away. We had our service and reception on the boat and we got married on a Sunday--Sundays are discounted, so we were able to provide our guests with the best package offered because of the discount. The package includes your cake and dj service, as well as a night stay at the Sheraton Station Square, so it really is budget friendly.
Our wedding planner, Joanna, was amazing. She answered all of our emails, phone calls, etc, in a very timely manner, and was up for all of our crazy suggestions. The only "negative" that my husband and I agreed on after the wedding--we should have paid for more time on the boat. We were booked for 5 hours and between boarding, the service, dinner, etc, it went way too fast. Another 1 1/2 would have been perfect.
I know it was my wedding and I know that all brides feel the same, but I had the best wedding ever. I can't imagine anyone having a more perfect wedding than my husband and I--and our guests agree with that statement. Our goal was to have the best celebration ever--Mission Accomplished! Thank you Gateway Clipper Fleet and Joanna!!!
Laura Z
4.0
9/25/2014
The Gateway Clipper was a really unique opportunity for a wedding reception. We had a fantastic time!
The Clipper let us depart from the Convention Center rather than Station Square, which was very convenient. We loved the food, the DJ, the cake, and even though some guests went to the wrong dock, the Clipper went and got them!
We loved the attention to detail in the entire reception, and the great way the atmosphere was handled. The staff were scarce unless needed, and they managed everything well.
The only issues were with the Gateway Clipper planning staff themselves. We went through three planners since Sept. 2013 to our wedding in Sept. 2014--and not through "bridezilla" actions! They just left the Clipper and we didn't know they were gone until someone else FINALLY got back to us.
We also had trouble with our table assignments--the Clipper wasn't clear, and then we wasted time fixing the tables. The Clipper can't really vary things a lot, being a boat, but it was very frustrating.
Other than that, a stellar time, and well worth the money!
Paloma D
3.0
8/31/2014
My husband and I decided to go with the Gateway Clipper because of the unique experience it could offer to our guests. Our experience dealing with the team at the Clipper was disappointing overall. There were multiple situations in which we were disappointed and tried to communicate that to the organization and they choose not only not to find solutions but in general to treat a paying customer with a bad attitude. Explanation below:
1. Lost three expensive items (total value worth over $500). Instead of helping they chose to write an email saying "best of luck finding your items". The staff on the boat was suppose to pack up our things at the end of the night and somehow these items were never returned to us.
2. The bar. Despite numerous communications, we ended up with a bar that wasn't what we expected due to information that was lost in translation from one sales person to another. After trying to remedy the situation the management team was rude and not helpful. In addition we asked for bar basics (bitters, etc) and they agreed to this. Nothing was there on our wedding day.
3. Change in sales team. The person we originally started planning with was no longer with the organization about 3 months before the wedding. They never reached out to make us aware of this and instead we found out when we tired to get a hold of her and got a bounce back email. This was the beginning of the problems.
Generally they were not flexible and poor communicators. However, I will say the staff we had the day of our wedding were phenomenal. The food was great and our guests had a great time. The DJ was great to work with and kept the energy up. The venue provided the unique experience we were hoping for and we enjoyed our day. If you are looking for a unique experience - get the Clipper. For the money we spent we wanted a better experience with our venue, but instead they treated us like we weren't spending enough money and therefore weren't important.
Hillary H
5.0
10/23/2013
I had my wedding on the Gateway Clipper's Princess boat on 8/31/13 and it was the BEST time of my life! It was the perfect wedding! The food, music ( DJ Kevin -from First Class Entertainment who comes with the Clipper package), and everything else was perfect! Denise from the Clipper was amazing! She planned everything exactly how I wanted it and she was very nice, professional and always prompt! The Clipper also includes many thing in their package making planning super easy ( DJ, hotel for bride and groom, cake, food, alcohol, linens ect). I can not rave about my wedding on the Princess enough! Everyone said that it was the best wedding that they ever attended and they were right!!
Heather G
5.0
10/20/2013
We had several out of town guests and wanted to give them a great view of the city so we decided to do our ceremony and reception onboard the Gateway Clipper! We had 100 guests so we used one of the smaller ships - the Princess. So many things are included with their wedding package (officiant, food, cake, DJ) - it took a lot of the guess work out of things and the vendors are used to working with the staff and made everything run seamlessly. The food was amazing!!! The cake came from Lincoln Bakery and was amazing too! The DJ was so nice and so much fun! We used Captain Mike to do our ceremony while parked at the point with the fountain and city in the background - it was truly memorable and everyone got to see a great view of the city! Our wedding planner was Denise Dell she was very helpful and walked us through everything we needed to figure out. The day of the event you have an onboard Wedding Coordinator that keeps everything on schedule and directs you what to do - thank goodness for her!!! She kept the show running and made sure we didn't miss anything! One concern I had going into this was having all of our pictures on the boat so we were actually able to dock at PNC park and get off the boat to take some scenic pictures around the park, on the Clemente bridge, and along the waterfront. We would highly recommend this venue for ceremony and/or reception to anyone - especially if you have out of town guests that would love to see the city for the first time!
Gina L
4.0
10/07/2013
The wedding was absolutely breathtaking. There is no better view of the city of Pittsburgh than when you're on the water. The food was amazing. The DJ they provided worked well and played exactly what we wanted. Denise was our coordinator and she always responded to e-mails quickly. She made everything so hassle-free. The only thing I was disappointed in was the bakery that they contract with. I would recommend using your own bakery. It was perfect having an all-inclusive wedding, it took a load off of my shoulders having to find and meet with a DJ and compare prices, as well as linens, etc. The staff was great and they seemed to be having a good time themselves. I highly recommend this to anyone and cannot say enough great things about it.
Darcy H
5.0
6/05/2013
We had a lot of out-of-town guests so what better way to show off our city? We were hooked with the all-inclusive package which is so much easier and cheaper than finding vendors individually, and we were happily surprised with the great quality of each. The staff and servers on the Clipper could not have been more friendly, helpful and accommodating. The food was excellent. Couldn't have been better! I highly recommend the Clipper!
Dani M
5.0
1/26/2013
The Gateway Clipper staff was very friendly and professional. They truly went above and beyond in making our girls' night special aboard the boat.
Jamie S
4.0
11/13/2012
I am giving 4 stars because I LOVE the Clipper, but this particular event deserves no stars. Anyway, for my bachelorette party, my sister found a "Friday Night Jamz Moonlight Dance Cruise". We had issues the whole time. People were smoking pot at the front of the boat (on all levels) so the smoke carried back to us and it was skunky and awful no matter where we went. None of the crew stopped them. The food line was insane. My friends waited in line for over an hour and a half. Drinks took at least 30 minutes. It was an awful experience, but I think it was just that my sister picked the wrong cruise.
Leigh Y
4.0
9/15/2012
The Gateway Clipper is a great place for a wedding reception. The planning process is very efficient and they make sure that every last detail is thought of and accounted for. The only downside was that I was from out of town and was unable to meet with the wedding coordinator in person. We had scheduled a meeting but she cancelled. It would have given me piece of mind to have met with her in person but we were able to do all the remaining coordination over the phone and the event went off without any problems. I ordered off the Allegheny buffet and the food was so delicious. The DJ and cake which was also provided from the Gateway Clipper were both really good as well. Overall, I would recommend the Gateway Clipper for all brides that want to ensure they get the whole package in one place and want an evening that will be memorable for their guests.
Laura F
5.0
7/10/2012
My husband and I got engaged on a cruise ship, so in keeping with the nautical theme we wanted to get married on a boat. The Clipper was FANTASTIC for our reception. We booked them two years in advance to ensure our date.
We did have a few issues, mainly relating to the ceremony. We had a wedding of 125 guests and we told them this at the time of booking. We were not informed until 17 DAYS prior to our wedding that the ceremony space on the top deck of our boat could only seat 90 people. They thought it was perfectly acceptable to have our guests stand, which I found absolutely unacceptable.
Also, we extended our reception time, but it never specified that the large sum we paid to extend our time did not include the DJ or the alcohol. Five days before our wedding an additional $1,000 was added to our bill.
That being said our guests had a wonderful time and didn't even seem to mind that tight ceremony seating. They loved having the option of going out on the top deck to see Pittsburgh as they sailed by, or staying inside and dancing.
I would 100% recommend the Clipper for a reception...but I wish we would have been able to book our ceremony somewhere else.
Mandy M
5.0
6/24/2012
Ashley and Alaina were wonderful to work with to plan our day. Our guests loved the venue as well and were saying it was the best wedding they have gone to. It was a beautiful night and most of our guests enjoyed the top deck watching the views of Pittsburgh!
Laura G
5.0
6/19/2012
The wedding package the Gateway Clipper was great, especially for planning on a short time horizon (I got married less than six months after getting engaged)! It reduced the number of other vendors I needed to find, while still offering me options to make my wedding absolutely perfect. They set up the catering, the bakery and the DJ, and all of the options they provided were flexible. The food was good, and the cake was delicious. I wanted a cake decorated with fondant. The usual bakery they use only does buttercream, and the Gateway Clipper gave me the option to use a different bakery (I can't remember which one it was). They were quick to answer questions via email and were helpful in my set-up. The day of went so smoothly and I would definitely recommend the Gateway Clipper Fleet for any event, particularly a wedding.
Nicole D
5.0
11/22/2011
Very accommodating and responded back in a timely manner
Jennifer S
5.0
11/12/2011
we did an hour sight seeing tour with my whole bridal party and family for the start of my bacherlotte party. it was very nice that even my flower girl and younger cousins could spend some time with us before we headed out to the bars.
Amy D
5.0
11/01/2011
Everyone we worked with through the Gateway Clipper from the learning stage, contract stage, planning and actual event execution was very smooth and professional. Ashley was great in answering all of our questions quickly and with a positive energy. It was a beautiful wedding and well run reception that had all our guests talking about it! My new husband and I as well as both of our families were so happy with the entire day! Our only complaint is that the celebration did not last longer.
Keiria P
5.0
10/08/2011
The main event coordinator was extremely helpful, she answered phone calls and emails within a timely manner. On the day of, the MOB got stuck in traffic and was late to start decorating. I made one phone call to Ashley (event coordinator) and she immediately started decorating (I had put specific directions in one of the boxes). By the time we got to the venue (arrived early for pictures) they had taken care of almost everything. The MOB had arrived by that point, and Ashley later told me that the MOB was a "rock star" for the way she took action and got everything done. The also postponed letting people on so that everything was completely decorated. Ashley was not the cruise director once the reception started, but she introduced the cruise director to DH and I. From then on, anything we needed the CD made sure it was taken care of. Even a month later, people are still commenting on how amazing the reception was! The clipper also takes care of the catering, and interacts with the baker. It was really an all-inclusive deal. Highly Recommended!!!
Jacqueline C
5.0
8/24/2011
I never actually met with the wedding coordinator, Ashley Barna, but our experience was very good overall. Ashley kept us on track with selections and gentle payment reminders in the months leading up to our wedding. For a unique venue, this was a great choice! We had many out of town guests who were able to see just about the entire city even though they were in for only one night. Our wedding was on the Princess, which is very intimate. The dance floor is rather small but serviced our small wedding fine. The catering was good, the bar was wonderful, and our cruise director (I can't remember her name, maybe Amanda?) was absolutely superb. She made everything run smoothly that day and was a great problem solver and nerve soother. The price may seem steep until you consider that the cost includes the ceremony site, reception site, catering, open bar, the wedding cake, the DJ, 4.5 hours of cruise time, and lodging at the Sheraton for the bride and groom. For nearly one-stop shopping and a memorable event, Gateway Clipper is definitely worth considering.
Melissa J
4.0
7/30/2011
Overall my husband and I had a wonderful wedding ceremony on the Gateway Clipper. We had a few glitches upon the way that we were not happy with though. At the last minute they planned another event on our boat leading almost right up until our ceremony causing us to only have a few minutes to get everything on the boat/decorate. Also, the microphone did not work at the beginning of the ceremony and it caused an awkward pause. On the bright side, Maura was wonderful in helping us deal with a problem with our minister and made sure everyone was where they needed to be. The only other thing we had an issue with was how expensive it was to have any drinks/food aboard. Overall we would suggest a ceremony on the Gateway Clipper if you are looking for a unique setting.
sarah p
2.0
7/26/2011
We were told that certain things were included with the venue, and then we were itemized for them! This totaled almost an extra $1,000 in addition to the $14,000 we were contracted to pay. Also, the girl who helped us plan our day and represented the Clipper was not even present at our wedding, as she said she would be! Don't spend $15,000 to be let down, left with no "director" to take care of issues that arise, to have another party be on your boat the same day as your wedding and be notified of it 8 days before your wedding, and prices be much higher than what they quote you.
Dawn S
4.0
4/04/2011
We enjoyed the uniqueness of the boat and the fact we did not have to set up or clean up. However, there promises made that did not hold true. Several details were not fulfilled and the boat did not return at time specified. We thought we covered all our bases but there was still lack of communication with our personal cruise director.
Aubrey M
5.0
11/16/2010
We had our ceremony on the Gateway Clipper then headed elsewhere for the reception. What can I say, we couldn't have asked for a better day. All of our guests had an amazing time and thought it was such a neat way to experience Pittsburgh (many for the first time) and celebrate the union of two people in such a unique fashion. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout all of the planning and on the day of. I would highly recommend The Gateway Clipper Fleet to anyone looking for a more unique location for a ceremony and a terrific view!
Sarah S
5.0
11/11/2010
We had our ceremony and reception on the Gateway Clipper and the whole evening was wonderful. We lucked out with perfect weather on our wedding day and had our ceremony on the top deck. It was beautiful and they positioned the boat right in front of downtown. Our musician played during the ceremony and he sounded terrific. Afterwards, we took pictures on the top deck, while guests enjoyed cocktail hour. Then we had dinner on the first floor followed by dancing.
All of the guests commented that the food was great and the bar service was very good too. They did everything the way we wanted: the boat went all the way up the Monangahela and they pointed out our house to guests, they poured champagne exactly when we said to, they let us save the cake cutting for later in the evening.
In the months before, Ashley, the coordinator, set up everything and always answered all of my many emails quickly. She made sure every detail was taken care of. On the day of the wedding, we had a cruise director who was very professional and took care of everything perfectly.
All of our guests loved our wedding and said it was the best (and most fun) they had ever been to. Especially at the end of the night, when we were heading back towards the city, everyone went up to the top deck to watch the nightime city go by. It was beautiful. The whole evening was great because guests were able to dance on the 1st floor, mingle and watch the dancefloor on the 2nd floor, or go outside and up to the top deck to enjoy the evening air.
I am so glad that we had our wedding on the Gateway Clipper. It was everything we imagined and so much more. And we got to show all of our out of town family and friends the most beautiful parts of Pittsburgh!
Laura R
5.0
5/10/2010
We loved everything about our experience with the Gateway Clipper. Our reception was on the Empress. The boat itself is already very ornate inside so little decoration is needed. The views outside from the wrap-around decks and the third deck are beyond compare. Our guests LOVED it! It was a beautiful night and we got awesome pictures with the beautiful city of Pittsburgh at night in the background. The food is superb and all of our guests were happy. The cake was also one of the best cakes I've ever tasted. It also got rave reviews from our guests. Last but certainly not least the best part of the Gateway Clipper is the wedding coordinator Ashely Barna. She goes above and beyond to help make your day special. You can tell she loves her job and her passion manifests itself in superior customer service and beautiful weddings.;A few minor things we didn't consider when we first chose the GCF (but didn't matter much to us) include: 1. A fuel charge for the boat. You can get around this a little by having a one hour dock party. We docked early so that our older guests could leave if they wanted and that saved us on some fuel costs. 2. The boat has three levels. That means several of your guests will be sitting on the top level slightly alienated from the guests on the lower level. This worked out for us as our family is big and they took up the entire lower level. We put our rowdy friends up on top and no one seemed to mind. 3. If your wedding is at night make sure you have a photographer who knows how to best capture distant scenics at night. Our photographer Paul Meyer was amazing and got great shots. 4. Your DJ must be through Big Day Entertainment. No problem for us.
Lisa M
4.0
9/25/2008
We adored the idea of allowing our guests to experience Pittsburgh from a river cruise. We also were able to enjoy the Skyblast fireworks display following the Pgh Pirates game. Everyone was extremely pleased with the food and catering and the bar staff and captains were extremely accommodating helpful and gracious. The cake included with the catering was beautiful delicious and the cake decorator was very accommodating.;We kept running into items that were extra costs that we were certain we were initially told were included in the costs of the cruise (e.g. cruise photo of each guest and chair covers). We met the cruise director in charge of our event the day of the wedding and she had not been briefed on many of the details so she had to do a lot of checking in with the bride (when my brain was exploding). The prep area for the bride was a conference room and had only one mirror - we were only given 30 minutes to get dressed then we were hauled onto the captain's nest to continue preparing - there was no mirror at all in that room. Other than the food and cake we replaced all of their recommended vendors - florist and entertainment vendors after they proved unresponsive and in the case of the florist was also insulting. The recommended photographer was tremendously high-priced so we went with our own. The pastor who works all of the G.C. venues was not a hit with our guests. Although he gave us ideas for our vows/service which we then needed to put together ourselves he was not polite with the wedding party during the rehearsal and our guests felt that he was too informal and disrespectful during our ceremony -- we would not recommend.
Kristy H
5.0
9/20/2008
Having our wedding on GCF was amazing because of how different it was from your average hotel/hall wedding. We sailed for 5 hours and our guests were so excited to come! We had our ceremony on the boat as well so we didn't have to coordinate with a church. Our guests are STILL talking about our wedding as if it were last night! The staff is AMAZING and willing to do anything asked of them and the food is to die for.;VERY EXPENSIVE!!! We were very organized about our spending however there were some hidden fees we were not aware of that cracked our budget FOUR DAYS BEFORE OUR WEDDING! Just leave a few thousand dollars for emergency/unknown fees and you will be the happiest couple in the 'burgh. But if you max your budget out BEWARE...this could get ugly!
Jennifer G
5.0
9/23/2007
Our reception on the Keyestone Belle was as unique as reception site as most. It had a wonderful view of the city for people who came from out of town and for people from the area who just don't get a chance to take in the downtown sites. The boat traveled passed the stadiums, the Point, the Science Center. The Pittsburgh Pirates were playing the night of our wedding and they were winning which included some fireworks for their homeruns. The upper deck was a unique place for guests to escape the busy indoors and relax ontop of the boat. The weather cooperated beautifully for us which also played a big factor on the reception being a success. The guest loved the food and the fact we upgraded to the top shelf bar. Being on the boat really made you feel like you were somewhere else a feeling you can't get at a reception hall.;For the brides and bridesmaids to be careful when going up and down the steps. They have a surface that is on them that is rough as to keep people from slipping - but it is not kind to tulle dresses. Much of the ends of my dress are ragged and need trimmed off. Make sure that the staff is aware you want your groom's cake displayed and not cut up immediately. It may have been a one time mistake with my wedding but no one saw the grooms cake so it was either forgotten completely or cut up immediately.
Melanie S
4.0
9/19/2007
I liked that I had the wedding and reception at the same venue. The food was great.;Even though we thought everything would be taken care of. I felt that some things were overlooked by the staff. Such as the music wasn't played at the correct times. The cake was not decorated like I had asked it to be. You should have someone in the family to overlook things.
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Gateway Clipper Fleet
Gateway Clipper Fleet Weddings
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