Quick answer
Gateway Clipper Fleet charters five riverboats for private events of up to 400 guests, from weddings and corporate nights to proms, birthdays and reunions. Food, bar and a cruise director are handled by our crew; packages are priced per person plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax.
When people search for private event spaces in Pittsburgh, they usually picture a ballroom, a hotel or a banquet hall. But Pittsburgh offers something far more memorable: hosting your event on the water. The Gateway Clipper Fleet turns its riverboats into one-of-a-kind private event venues, with skyline views, flexible spaces and a crew that handles the details.
Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event, a prom or a milestone celebration, a private cruise on Pittsburgh's rivers is an experience your guests won't forget.
A different kind of event venue
Pittsburgh is known for its three rivers and its skyline, and there's no better way to see both than from the water. A Gateway Clipper charter gives you:
- Panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh, the bridges and the Point
- Two climate-controlled indoor decks and an open-air top deck on every charter boat except the open-air Countess
- Five boats for groups of up to 400 guests
- Food prepared by our culinary team and brought aboard, plus bar service
- A professional cruise director, licensed captain and crew
Unlike a traditional venue, a riverboat moves with your celebration. The backdrop changes all evening, and the whole boat (or the whole deck) is yours.
Weddings on the water
Looking for wedding venues in Pittsburgh that stand out? A Gateway Clipper wedding brings together the river, the skyline and a reception your guests will talk about for years.
- Ceremonies aboard the Empress or the Princess, exchanging vows on the top deck with the Point, PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium behind you
- Cocktail hour and reception on the water
- The Premier Wedding Package: premium open bar, champagne toast, cocktail hour, dinner buffet, DJ, linens, up-lighting and a cruise director
- An experienced crew to manage the timing and logistics
- Photo opportunities around every bend of the river
From intimate rehearsal dinners to large receptions, our fleet hosts weddings of many sizes.
Corporate events
Impress clients, reward employees or bring the team together aboard one of Pittsburgh's most unique corporate event venues. Popular corporate events include:
- Company parties and holiday parties
- Client appreciation nights
- Team outings and employee appreciation
- Networking receptions
- Product launches and celebrations
Charter the whole boat, take a single deck on the Three Rivers Queen for a mid-sized group, or, for smaller groups, book seats together on a public cruise through our Group Sales team at (412) 355-7951.
Proms, school and youth events
Searching for a safe, exciting prom venue in Pittsburgh? A private cruise gives students music, dancing and city views in a contained, supervised setting, while schools and parents appreciate our experienced crew and structured planning. Our Prom Night Package includes four and a half hours on the water, a DJ, a buffet and soda for students.
Popular school events include:
- Proms
- Formals and school dances
- After-parties
- Graduation celebrations
Social celebrations and private parties
From birthdays to anniversaries, our riverboats are among the most versatile private party venues in Pittsburgh. They're a natural fit for:
- Milestone birthdays
- Anniversary celebrations
- Family and class reunions
- Fundraisers and nonprofit events
- Engagement parties
With catering packages, bar options and entertainment add-ons like a DJ or photo booth, every event is shaped around your plans.
Event planning made easy
Hosting a private event aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet means less stress and more celebration. Our events team helps with:
- Choosing the right boat for your guest count
- Menu selection and bar packages
- Entertainment such as a DJ, photo booth, karaoke or trivia
- Boarding locations, including docks downtown and on the North Shore
- Timelines and guest flow on the day
Menus run from Pittsburgh favorites like pierogies, kielbasa and haluski to a hosted buffet with bar. All event packages are priced per person, plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax.
Why choose the Gateway Clipper Fleet?
- Riverboat cruises on Pittsburgh's three rivers since 1958
- Five boats and a range of capacity options
- Riverfront views no land venue can match
- A professional, experienced crew
- A guest experience that feels like a true occasion
Few venues combine location, atmosphere and service the way a private riverboat cruise can.
Start planning your private event
If you're looking for event venues in Pittsburgh with wow factor, flexibility and scenic beauty, we're ready to host your celebration. Explore boats and packages on our private events page, sketch your event in about two minutes with Plan Your Event, or reach our events team at info@gatewayclipper.com or (412) 355-7965. We reply within 1–2 business days.
For real event highlights and behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Event photos courtesy of Abbie Tyler Photography, used with client permission.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can a Gateway Clipper private event hold?
Our five riverboats host private events for up to 400 guests. The Empress holds up to 400, the Three Rivers Queen and Princess up to 250, the Duchess up to 200 and the open-air Countess up to 90.
How much does a private riverboat event cost?
Food packages are priced per person, from $60 to $90 for most events, plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax. Minimums vary by vessel, and some packages have a per-person minimum. For a full quote, including minimums, fill out our request form at gatewayclipper.com/request-info and a sales manager will contact you. Our events team prepares pricing for your date.
Do private events have to board at Station Square?
No. Charters can also board at Point State Park, the Sixth Street Bridge, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the North Shore near PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium, and Rivers Casino. Ask our events team which docks work for your date and boat.
How do I start planning a private event?
Use the Plan Your Event planner online, or contact our events team at info@gatewayclipper.com or (412) 355-7965. We reply within 1–2 business days.
