As an Ithaca wedding photographer, I know then when you start looking for venues in the area, there are a lot to choose from. I hope I can make your decision a little easier by laying out my 9 favorite venues to photograph in the Ithaca area (in no particular order) and letting you know a little bit more about what makes each one so special.
1. Ithaca Farmer's Market
Ithaca Farmer's Market is the perfect venue for a colorful, lakeside wedding and I'm dreaming of the day I get to go back. Leala and Ray (the couple pictured here) had their ceremony next to the dock and instead of walking down the aisle, Leala sailed in on a sailboat. After the ceremony the guests came back under the pavilion for cocktail hour and as it got darker the string lights added even a little more magic to the reception. I love that even though the cocktail hour and reception took place under the pavilion, it still felt very much like we spent the whole day outside. This is the perfect venue for couples who want their wedding day to take place entirely outdoors, but still want the security of having some coverage in case of rain.
One thing to keep in mind is that the market doesn't close down to the public before weddings, so to give your vendors time to set up after the market has closed, ceremonies typically don't start until 6 PM. We were able to do Leala and Ray's first look at the Market before the ceremony, but if you're looking for other locations for photos before the ceremony starts, I've written another blog post about some of my favorite photo locations in Ithaca.
Ithaca Farmer's Market Pavillion
Steamboat Landing
545 3rd Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
2. The Treman Center
The Treman Center is THE barn wedding venue for couples who aren't looking for a barn wedding. In fact, it's easy to forget that The Treman Center is a barn venue at all. The stone-adorned first floor opens up to an Italian-style courtyard that's a perfect space for portraits and cocktail hour. Hannah and Justin were even able to have their dance floor in the courtyard (what could be more romantic than dancing the night away under the stars?). The second floor holds your seating for dinner and a stunning Steinway piano, and the third floor is a beautiful, cozy space for you to get ready with your wedding party. Hannah and Justin had their ceremony outdoors on the grounds, and it was absolutely perfect. This easily one of my favorite venues I've ever been to and I've been dreaming about going back since the second I left.
The Treman Center
95 Hines Rd,
Newfield, NY 14867
3. Cornell University / Sage Chapel
Sage Chapel on the Cornell University campus is a stunning place for your wedding ceremony. The high-gothic style interior of the chapel transports you to a different time, and there are so many beautiful spots around campus for photos. You also have the option to have your reception right on campus or have your reception at a different location. Alex and Aaron chose to have their reception on campus at Willard Straight Hall, which fit the romantic, literary feel they wanted for their wedding perfectly. If you're looking for gorgeous architecture on your wedding day, Cornell is the perfect venue.
Sage Chapel
Ho Plaza
Ithaca, NY 14853
4. Gratitude and Grace
Gratitude and Grace is a beautiful, rustic barn venue, but part of what really sets Gratitude and Grace apart is the fact that, just a short walk from the barn, there's a beautiful Victorian Country home for you to stay with your wedding party. I don't see that with a lot of barn wedding venues, and on the day-of, it makes all the difference. Oh, and did I mention that the property is gorgeous? There are SO many different spots for photos that it was difficult to choose where to start.
Gratitude and Grace
235 Harvey Hill Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
5. Dutch Harvest Farm
Dutch Harvest Farm in Lansing, NY is a beautiful barn wedding venue with gorgeous views and it's only a 20-minute drive from downtown Ithaca. My absolute favorite thing about this Finger Lakes wedding venue is its pavilion ceremony space. The custom white pavilion looks amazing in ceremony photos and the view can't be beat. If you're thinking about a barn wedding, but are looking for something a little more chic than rustic, you'll definitely want to check out Dutch Harvest Farm.
Dutch Harvest Farm
1487 Ridge Rd.,
Lansing, NY 14882
6. New Park Event Venue
The best way I can describe New Park Event Venue is Art Nouveau meets Lord of the Rings (in the best possible way). It's artsy and quirky and set on the most beautiful woodsy property. The ceremony space among the tall trees is to die for. You get the feeling of being married in the middle of the forest without your guest having to go for a hike because this grove of trees is just a short walk from the reception Pavilion. New Park also has accommodations for up to 22 guests on-site, so your VIP's won't have far to go when the celebration finally starts winding down. If you'd like to see more of New Park, check out this stunningl fall New Park Event Venue and Suites Wedding.
New Park Event Venue & Suites
1500 Taughannock Blvd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
7. Apple Blossom Acres
If you're dreaming of an open-air wedding in the middle of a field, Apple Blossom Acres is a beautiful choice. Erin and Dan held their ceremony outside and had a tent for their reception and a separate tent for dancing and drinks. One of the things I love about Apple Blossom Acres is that you can stay in their beautiful camper on-site before and after your wedding day. As for the rest of the guests, a lot of Erin and Dan's family and friends chose to camp out on the property too so they could all stay together after the celebration.
Apple Blossom Acres
1922 Dryden Rd,
Freeville, NY 13068
8. Silver Queen Farm
Silver Queen Farm is not only a beautiful barn wedding venue, it's also a working farm. I love that depending on the season, your ceremony backdrop could be fields of fresh produce or colorful wildflowers. No matter the season though, Silver Queen Farm has plenty of space for you and your guests to spread out and enjoy the beautiful views.
Silver Queen Farm
5286 Stillwell Rd
Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
9. Robert H. Treman State Park
If quirky, and outdoorsy is your thing, Robert H. Treman State park is SUCH a cute reception space and I really can't recommend it enough. The inside is a cute and quirky blank canvas just waiting for you to add your own personality. Olivia and Shane chose to get married in a church before their reception, but ceremonies can be held in the park as well. See more of Olivia and Shane's Robert H. Treman State Park Wedding here.
Robert H. Treman State Park
105 Enfield Falls Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Bonus Venues
As a bonus, I want to include a few other venues around Ithaca. Even though I haven't photographed entire weddings at these venues, I would definitely recommend them!
Coltivare Restaurant
If you're having your ceremony and Ithaca but are looking for a separate reception space, Coltivare in downtown Ithaca is a cozy modern, industrial wedding venue with a delicious Farm-to-Bistro menu that your guests will love.
Coltivare
235 S Cayuga St,
Ithaca, NY 14850
Argos Inn
If you're getting married in Ithaca and you're looking for somewhere for you and your wedding party to stay (and a gorgeous getting-ready space) you'll definitely want to check out Argos Inn. While I've only photographed a wedding party getting ready here, I also know that the Inn can be rented for weddings.
Argos Inn
408 E State St,
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ithaca Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer in Ithaca, and in Upstate NY in general, I'm thrilled to say that I get the opportunity to shoot a lot of weddings in the Finger Lakes region. As I continue to photograph in and around Ithaca, NY I'll be updating this post with more wedding venues and more information.
Ithaca wedding venues I'll be photographing in 2024:
John Joseph Inn - 813 Auburn Rd Groton NY 13073
Osmica at Spring Trail Farm - 59 Emmons Rd, Lansing, NY 14882
Treleaven Wines - 658 Lake Road, King Ferry, NY 13081
Looking for an Ithaca Wedding Photographer?
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