My daughter went to Syracuse, which put me close to Cornell more than once, and I have photographed a wedding and a vow renewal on this campus. The combination of Sage Chapel’s Gothic architecture, the views of Cayuga Lake from Willard Straight Hall’s Ivy Terrace, and Libe Slope at golden hour is genuinely extraordinary. Cornell is an unusual and deeply personal wedding location for couples with a connection to the university.
About Weddings at Cornell
Cornell University is in Ithaca, New York, in the Finger Lakes region. Weddings on campus are coordinated through Cornell Conference and Event Services. A Cornell connection is required for most campus venues, including Sage Chapel — this means alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, or children thereof. The campus is built on hills. If you are not familiar with it, know that reaching the most photogenic locations involves real elevation changes and staircases. Factor this into your timeline and your footwear choices.
The Ceremony Venues
Sage Chapel is the classic Cornell ceremony location. It opened in 1875 and is the burial place of the university’s founders, Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. Gothic architecture, ornate stained glass windows, and acoustics that make live music sound extraordinary. Non-denominational. Rental fee $2,500 per timeslot. No Sunday weddings. Reservations made through Conference and Event Services.
Anabel Taylor Chapel is the more intimate option for smaller ceremonies. Same campus location, different scale and atmosphere.
The Reception Venues
Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room is directly adjacent to Sage Chapel and seats up to 168 guests for a banquet reception or 300 standing. The names of Cornell presidents are carved in stone near the ceiling. The ends of the wood beams contain caricatures of beloved professors. The attached Ivy Terrace has panoramic views of downtown Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. Rental fee $2,000 per day.
The Big Red Barn is a rustic location on campus that photographs like a fairytale. The A.D. White House is a historic venue with gardens ideal for summer ceremonies and receptions. The Cornell Botanic Gardens offer diverse plant collections and natural landscapes. The Statler Hotel is also on campus and serves as a popular spot for getting ready, with elegant interiors and campus views.
Photography at Cornell
Sage Chapel exterior for formal portraits after the ceremony, with the Gothic stone facade and surrounding ivy. The Ivy Terrace at Willard Straight Hall with Cayuga Lake behind the couple. Libe Slope for sweeping Finger Lakes views at golden hour. The Big Red Barn interior and exterior. The ivy-covered stone buildings and tree-lined walkways throughout campus. The Cornell Botanic Gardens for natural portraits.
A practical note: this campus is beautiful and built on significant hills. Portrait sessions here involve real walking and real elevation. Leave time for it. The most dramatic locations require effort to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cornell University Weddings
Do I need a Cornell connection to get married on campus?
Yes, for most venues, including Sage Chapel. A Cornell connection includes alumni who have earned a degree, current faculty and staff, trustees, or the children of any of the above. Contact Conference and Event Services to confirm eligibility for specific venues.
What are the main wedding venues at Cornell?
Sage Chapel (ceremony, Gothic architecture, opened 1875), Anabel Taylor Chapel (intimate ceremony option), Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room and Ivy Terrace (reception, lake views, 168 seated), Big Red Barn (rustic reception), A.D. White House (gardens), Cornell Botanic Gardens, and the Statler Hotel for getting-ready coverage and receptions.
Where are the best portrait locations at Cornell?
Libe Slope for panoramic Cayuga Lake views at golden hour. Sage Chapel exterior and surrounding Gothic architecture. Ivy Terrace at Willard Straight Hall with the lake behind the couple. The Big Red Barn. The Cornell Botanic Gardens. The ivy-covered stone buildings and tree-lined paths throughout campus. Allow time for walking between locations.
How far is Cornell from New York City?
Approximately four to five hours by car, depending on traffic. Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport has limited direct flights. Many guests drive or fly into Syracuse (about an hour away) or Rochester (about ninety minutes) and rent cars.
Do you photograph weddings at Cornell University?
Yes. My daughter went to Syracuse, so the area is familiar to me, and I have photographed both a wedding and a vow renewal on this campus. If yours is here, I would love to hear about it.
