Carnegie Museum of Natural History

I’ve had the opportunity to DJ over 40 weddings at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, most of them in the stunning Music Hall Foyer. With its towering marble columns and intricate metalwork overhead, it remains one of the most breathtaking reception spaces in Pittsburgh.
Cocktail hour is typically held on the balcony above the marble room, and many couples begin their reception with their first dance while guests look on from above. I provide speakers on the balcony from cocktail hour through the first dance so everyone feels fully part of the moment.
Because it is such a large space, sound placement and pacing matter. After working here so many times alongside a meticulous and professional staff, I am able to focus completely on creating the right atmosphere, whether that means an elegant evening or a full dance floor with plenty of room to celebrate.
Below you will find real weddings I have DJ’d at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, including playlists and highlights from each celebration.

A Packed Dance Floor and One Very Impressive Cake: Victoria & Antonio’s Night at the Museum

Victoria and Antonio are the kind of couple you can tell are just meant to be together. They’re fun, relaxed, and clearly in love — and their wedding had that same vibe. From the first moment they walked into the reception space, they brought the energy. You could tell this wasn’t going to be one of those sit-down-and-chat kind of nights. This was a celebration, and everyone was all in.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Music Hall Foyer was the perfect backdrop for it all. It’s a big, dramatic space that feels both elegant and electric when it’s lit up for a party. Everything looked incredible. And the cake? Massive. Gorgeous. Honestly, a work of art. It had this wow factor that made people stop in their tracks. I’ve seen a lot of wedding cakes, but this one absolutely stood out.

Victoria’s mom, Faith, was the behind-the-scenes mastermind who pulled all these amazing details together. She handled planning, coordination, and booking like a pro. You could tell she wanted her daughter to feel free to just enjoy the moment, and Victoria did. It’s rare to see a couple so at ease at their own wedding, and it made everything feel even more special. The vibe in the room was full of love, gratitude, and excitement — like everyone knew they were part of something meaningful.

The night officially kicked off with a live performance of “The Prayer,” which gave everyone goosebumps. It was this beautiful, emotional moment that set the tone for the rest of the evening. And then Victoria and Antonio blew everyone away with their choreographed first dance (they crushed it). Then before dinner began, the newlyweds enjoyed a few special moments during the dances with their parents.

Once the dance floor opened, people were all in — dancing to pop, hip-hop, old-school singalongs, and just about every party anthem you can think of. From ABBA to Usher to Pitbull, the floor was the place to be!

The final dance of the night was something I won’t forget — Victoria and Antonio surrounded by all their people, dancing one last time as newlyweds. It felt like a scene out of a movie.

This night was incredible from start to finish, and I’m honestly so grateful I got to be a part of it. Being their DJ was an absolute blast, and I left feeling like I’d just witnessed something really special. Victoria and Antonio — thank you for letting me help bring your celebration to life. Now go enjoy that well-deserved honeymoon in Italy!

Wedding DJ Playlist

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Katie and Mackie’s Unique and Unforgettable Celebration at the Carnegie Museum

One of the coolest aspects of being a wedding DJ is seeing how couples customize their big day to perfectly reflect their style and tastes. I get to work with some of the most creative people who constantly amaze me with their unique approaches. Katie and Mackie’s wedding reception was filled with special surprises that made it truly memorable.

Their reception took place in the stunning Music Foyer at the Carnegie Museum in the heart of Oakland. The grand scale of the foyer was the perfect backdrop for Katie and Mackie’s epic celebration, adding an extra layer of elegance and excitement to the night.

A standout moment of the evening was when Katie and her father performed “Islands In The Stream” instead of having a traditional father-daughter dance. Their heartfelt performance was a beautiful reflection of their relationship and set a fun, joyous tone that lasted the entire night.

Katie and Mackie also curated a fantastic playlist that catered perfectly to their fun-loving friends and family. The dance floor was packed (even before dinner!) with guests enjoying great songs from every genre imaginable.

Working with Katie and Mackie was an absolute blast, and I was thrilled to help bring their vision to life in such a unique and unforgettable celebration. As the night came to a spectacular close, the happy couple looked forward to starting their new chapter with a honeymoon in beautiful Maine.

Katie and Mackie’s wedding at the Carnegie Museum was a true testament to the power of personal touches and creativity, making it a celebration that will be cherished by everyone who attended.

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Maggie and Ed’s Elegant Wedding at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Choosing the perfect venue is one of the biggest challenges when planning a wedding. It needs to reflect your style, accommodate your guests, and provide the right ambiance for your big day. Maggie and Ed found their dream location in the incredible Carnegie Museum of Natural History, creating a wedding celebration that was both beautiful and unforgettable.

Their ceremony took place in the stunning Hall of Architecture, where Maggie and Ed exchanged vows surrounded by historic monuments. The grandeur and beauty of the setting added a timeless elegance to their special moment, creating a scene that I know I’ll never forget.

Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests made their way to the magnificent Music Hall Foyer for cocktails, dinner, and a night of dancing. The space was transformed into a vibrant and inviting setting, perfect for celebrating the newlyweds. There was even a special guest featured on the wedding cake!

Maggie and Ed curated a fantastic playlist that spanned a wide variety of genres, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. From Rat Pack classics to modern hits, and even special pre-ceremony tune for the video game fans, the music kept the energy high and the dance floor packed all night long.

As guests mingled and explored the spectacular museum, it was clear that Maggie and Ed had made a fabulous choice of venue. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History provided the perfect backdrop for their elegant wedding day, allowing them to celebrate this new chapter surrounded by all their favorite people.

Maggie and Ed’s wedding was a true testament to the power of selecting the right venue. It was an honor to be part of their unforgettable celebration, and I’m confident that the memories created that night will be cherished by all who attended.

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Julie and Steve (Wedding at the Carnegie Museum)

Julie and Steve’s wedding was a true reflection of their personalities—full of fun, love, and a strong sense of togetherness. During the heartfelt toasts, it became clear that they not only cherished their own happiness but took equal joy in seeing their friends and family have a blast.

Their big day began at the elegant Hall of Sculptures at the Carnegie Museum, where they exchanged vows before everyone headed to the stunning music hall for an unforgettable reception.

A highlight was their first dance to “Hey Julie” by Fountains of Wayne, with guests watching from the balcony above—an intimate touch that showed their deep bond.

What set their celebration apart was their music choice. Opting for a few favorites, they left the rest to me as their DJ. This allowed their guests to groove to a fantastic mix that kept the dance floor alive all night. Julie and Steve’s energy was infectious. They spent the evening dancing and singing with their loved ones, making the party come alive.

The entire evening was a unique celebration that blended personal touches with the power of music. As the last notes played, the memories lingered. With a well-deserved honeymoon ahead, their wedding day marked a beautiful beginning to their journey together. Cheers to the happy couple and the adventures that lie ahead!

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Erica and Fred (Carnegie Museum Wedding Reception)

When it comes to creating an extraordinary wedding reception, the power of music cannot be underestimated. It sets the tone, evokes emotions, and brings people together in a way that few other elements can. As a DJ, I have been fortunate enough to witness the magic that unfolds when couples like Erica and Fred choose to infuse their wedding reception with a fully customized playlist that truly reflects their unique style and love story.

Erica and Fred’s reception took place in the breathtaking Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer, a venue that exudes elegance and grandeur. While all of their details were absolutely amazing, I personally enjoyed the tiny miniatures of their dogs making an appearance on the wedding cake the most.

The dance floor was alive throughout the night with laughter and happiness. Guests of all ages and backgrounds couldn’t help but join in the festivities. Erica and Fred’s choice to infuse their reception with so many special song choices not only made the night unforgettable for them but also created a shared experience that their guests will forever hold dear.

I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of Erica and Fred’s wedding reception. Their passion for music and dedication to creating an extraordinary experience for their guests was truly inspiring. It is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to bring people together in the most beautiful way. Congratulations to Erica and Fred on a remarkable celebration!

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Allison and Nick (Carnegie Museum Wedding Reception)

If you read my posts regularly, you know I believe it’s the wedding guests that are the most important part of the celebration. Wedding couples who put their focus on their friends and family are almost always the one who end up having the most memorable and fabulous receptions. Allison and Nick were so excited to spend time with all of their favorite people, and made sure that everyone was included in the fun during their amazing wedding day.

Their reception was held at the always gorgeous Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer. Guests were treated to live string music during cocktail hour before watching the newlyweds first dance (they prepared a wonderful routine to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”). Throughout the evening, Allison and Nick chose great music to make sure everyone got a chance to hear music they could enjoy.

Allison and Nick’s guests danced and danced to songs from yesterday and today. The best compliment I received was when Allison had told me that even her father was up dancing (apparently not a regular occurrence!). The happy couple planned their entire day around the concept of spending time with all of their closest friends and family (this included both a pre-party and an after party!). I loved the chance to work with these two awesome people through multiple wedding date reschedulings, and was so excited to see their big day turn out so successfully. Allison and Nick will soon head off for a truly one-of-a-kind safari honeymoon!

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

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Caitlin and Mark (Carnegie Museum Wedding Reception)

So much happens during your wedding day, it’s important to try and slow down and really cherish every moment. Some couples get caught up in worrying about what’s next, they miss the opportunity to enjoy what’s happening around them. Caitlin and Mark did a fabulous job at staying in the moment at their beautiful and elegant wedding reception held at the stunning Music Hall Foyer at the Carnegie Museum

The Museum has always been one of my favorite venues in all of Pittsburgh. The gorgeous space was made even more specular with Caitlin and Marks’ beautiful decor. Each table featured wonderful photos of the newlyweds through each year of their lives.

Guests were excited to be part of the celebration as they joined on the dance floor with the newlyweds for a fabulous dance party!

I was so glad to see Caitlin and Mark take full advantage of the time they had at their reception. They were able to spend time with all of their favorite people while enjoying a great time dancing to some of their favorite songs. The happy couple is soon headed off to a very well-deserved honeymoon in Granada.

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Victoria and Cody (Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer Wedding Reception)

Every couple who gets married in December is faced with the choice of whether or not they should acknowledge the holiday or not. Victoria and Cody made a fabulous decision to embrace the spirit of Christmas for their gorgeous and fun wedding reception held at the stunning Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer.

If you’ve read this blog, you’ll know how much I adore Djing at the museum. The Music Hall Foyer looked amazing and the choices of flowers and decor was perfect. I can’t even begin to say how much I loved the fabulous Christmas present cake Victoria had chosen for the big day.

Everyone came ready to celebrate! There was plenty of wonderful music (including a few Christmas songs) for all of the newlyweds friends and family to enjoy.

It was so much fun to watch Victoria and Cody’s friends gather around to show their love and support. Including a splash of Christmas into their celebration was the best choice since their wedding day truly was one of love, family and making amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Julie and Tim (Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer Wedding Reception)

The most common thing I hear from couples is how they would like to avoid having all of the standard, overplayed music at their wedding. I love to work with people who really take the time to think about what songs will be special and unique for their celebration. Julie and Tim’s wedding is one I know I’ll never forget as their playlist featured so many amazing songs that made their wonderful reception truly one-of-a-kind.

The Carnegie Museum has always been one of my favorite venues and I can’t imagine a better location for Julie and Tim’s reception. The large dance floor was the perfect space for an epic dance party.

Be sure to click the link below to see all of the amazing music that went into Julie and Tim’s playlist. I believe what made their song choices so successful was because the newlyweds spent so much time on the dance floor singing and dancing with all of their friends and family. Their excitement was infectious. The end of the evening came entirely too fast for everyone (including me). Julie and Tim gave their guests an evening like no other and I’m sure no one will soon forget.

Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Mary and Lenny (Carnegie Museum Wedding)

When I meet with couples to plan their wedding, we typically talk about the dancing portion of the night to determine if they’re going to be spending much time dancing with their friends and family.  Wedding guests want to be with the bride and groom, so there’s nothing better for a DJ than a couple who is ready to celebrate.  Mary and Lenny were so much fun and made their dance floor at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer the only place to be during their wonderful wedding reception.

Carnegie Museum Wedding DJ

Their wedding ceremony was held in the beautiful and elegant Hall of Architecture before guests made their way to the stunning Music Hall.  The Carnegie was an excellent choice for a day that was elegant, romantic and super fun for everyone.  The big dance floor was the perfect location for everyone to join in a fabulous Hora!

Carnegie Museum Hall of Architecture Wedding Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer Wedding

Mary and Lenny were sure to spend some quality time visiting with their guests before we got the celebration started… I loved how they encouraged everyone to join them on the dance floor for music that included a great variety of songs.  At the end of the night, the newlyweds took a moment to thank their guests for being part of their big day.  It was a wonderful and personal touch, and I can’t think of a better way to have ended such a wonderful occasion.


Wedding DJ Playlist

 

 

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Rylee and Adam (Carnegie Museum Wedding Reception)

There’s always a lot of talk about how quickly time will seem to pass on your wedding day.  This sensation happens not only because there is so much to do and so much to see, but also because you are surrounded by all of your favorite people.  The challenge is to enjoy every moment on a day you wish would never end.  Rylee and Adam certainly made the most of their big day as their guests joined them for an amazing reception at the Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer in Pittsburgh, PA.

The museum always makes for an amazing reception venue.  Not only is the music hall one of the most beautiful places in Pittsburgh, their staff is always fantastically attentive and delivers top notch service throughout your event.

Rylee and Adam treated their guests to a fun-filled evening that started with their first dance and parent dances as guests had a terrific view from the balcony of the music hall foyer.  After a delicious meal everyone was quick to jump on the dance floor for an epic celebration.

 

Rylee and Adam spent their evening visiting and dancing with friends and family that had traveled from all over to be part of their big day.  While I’m sure the day flew by for everyone, the newlyweds made the most of each unforgettable moment.  Hopefully time will slow down a bit for them as they head to the Bahamas for a well-deserved honeymoon.


Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

Kameron and Nick (Carnegie Museum Wedding Reception)

One of the coolest parts of being a wedding DJ is that I get to work with wonderful couples who are about to experience one of the most exciting days of their lives.  I love the chance to get to know them as we figure out the details that will play out during the wedding day.  Kameron and Nick’s fun and friendly nature let me know immediately that their reception would be a wonderful time for all of their friends and family.

Their reception was held at the amazing Carnegie Museum.  I’ve been the DJ for over 25 weddings at the Museum before, and I’m always blown away by the stunning beauty of the Music Hall.

 

Kameron and Nick chose a few songs that I’ve actually never played before, and they were HUGE hits with their guests.  Their celebration was as fun and unique as they are, and the end result was a wonderful evening that was a great time for all.  Their friends and family joined in the fun as they all wished them the best on their new lives together.


Wedding DJ Playlist

Planning your wedding at this venue?

I'd love to hear about your plans and share what I've learned from celebrating here. Check availability and get a personalized quote.

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Planning a Pittsburgh wedding? This blog features real weddings, favorite venues, packed dance floors, and ideas to help you picture how your own celebration could feel.

Pittsburgh Wedding DJ Eric Schiemer

Meet Eric

Hi, I’m Eric. I’m a Pittsburgh wedding DJ who cares about great music, a smooth timeline, and a dance floor that feels natural and fun, not forced.

This blog is a collection of real weddings, favorite venues, and moments that show what a great night can feel like.

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Kind Words From Couples

Eric was absolutely fantastic as our wedding DJ. He brought amazing energy, kept everyone engaged, and helped create such a fun atmosphere throughout the night.

— Marisa & Nick

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