New for 2023! We were selected as one of Ithaca’s Best Wedding Venues by WeddingRule.com, calling us “a unique space for your special event.”
Read on to find out more about our beautiful setting, amenities, and how to book our pavilion and grounds for your own wedding…
Have your event at the Ithaca Farmers Market!
The pavilion is a charming, open-air structure situated on the Cayuga Lake Waterfront. Over the years we have hosted hundreds of weddings and special events for Ithacans and visitors alike. We’d love to be the destination for your event!
- On Fridays and Saturdays, the pavilion rents for $2,500 plus a $600 damage deposit.
- On Sundays, the rental is $1,700 plus a $600 damage deposit. On holiday weekends (Independence Day, Memorial Day & Labor Day), the Sunday rents for $2,500 + $600 damage deposit, and the Monday (the holiday) rents for $1,700 + $600 damage deposit.
- You will receive the $600 damage deposit back at the discretion of the booking coordinator after the event, though this deposit is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.
- On Monday-Thursday at the market, and you can rent the pavilion by the hour. All hourly rentals are $300 for the first hour, and each additional hour is $100. There is a $600 security deposit for the rental (the deposit will be refunded after the event at the discretion of the IFM, though in the event of a cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable).
- You’ll need a noise permit & assembly permit (both free), event insurance (usually a couple hundred dollars) and possibly propane, or stage permits as well- check with Ithaca City or the IFD for details.
- The maximum number of guests you can have is 300.
- Most people set up their ceremonies down by the dock – the maximum number of seats that can fit down by the dock is about 150. If you have more than 150 guests and want to have your ceremony down by the dock, please know that some guests will be standing (this isn’t uncommon, however, and most ceremonies are quite short and people are happy to stand).
- The venue has three bathrooms, potable water, a giant parking lot, electricity and string lights. You are welcome to rent our restroom trailer for larger events that require more facilities – the trailer is $300.
- Though you won’t need to rent a tent or lights at the market, you’ll need to rent everything else for your event: tables, chairs, linens, catering items, and any other decor you may require.
- Here is our preferred vendors list – you must use a caterer and bartender from the IFM Preferred Vendors list, but other than that, you are welcome to hire whomever you like. We are always happy to make recommendations if you are having trouble finding vendors!
- The pavilion is a blank slate and is the perfect backdrop for many different styles or themes. Many couples have found fun and creative ways to personalize the space and make it their own!
- Please note that the pavilion is open on all sides, and we are unable to put up any sort of walls or tarps to block the sides. We also cannot have any propane/patio heaters in the pavilion. This means that cold weather can affect your event, and it’s important to plan accordingly.
- A Saturday or Sunday wedding can start setting up at 4 PM. We recommend that your wedding start around 6 PM, in order to give your vendors enough time to set up. This may seem like a short turnaround time, but it is totally possible, and we see it happen every weekend! With such a short time to set up, it can be really helpful to hire vendors who are familiar with the market and have worked many weddings there before. For a Friday wedding, you can start setting up anytime you’d like!
- For any wedding, regardless of the day, you must have all rentals picked up that same night.
- Insurance and permits for your event must be approved before your event.
- Be sure to ask these questions when interviewing your hired parties.
- Please review* a full list of rules & regulations can be found here: IFM Rules & Regulations 2023
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- Contact the Events Coordinator vie email or fill out our online inquiry form and let us know of your interest. We’ll then reach out to schedule an informational call and talk about next steps!
If your event will be more than 150 people, consider renting our modern, clean restroom trailer! We already provide three regular bathrooms (one is ADA accessible) which is fine for most weddings, but if you would like to ensure super fast access to extra stalls for your guests, consider renting our restroom trailer for the evening. There is an additional $300 fee for the trailer for the night. It’s already on-site, stocked with paper goods and cleaned, and maintenance-free (with real flushing toilets and air conditioning!) On the application page you will be able to choose this amenity to add on. You can also wait and decide all the way until the week of your wedding to add it!
- Music must be turned down by 11:00 pm and must be completely turned off by 11:30 pm.
- All rentals and garbage must be taken off site at the end of an event. We do not offer garbage cans or dumpsters for events.
- While the pavilion is covered, heavy rain and high winds can still affect your event.
- Below: Placement of tables within the pavilion (please share with your caterer/event planning staff)
Make it a real Ithaca Farmers Market Event! Many of our vendors offer products that are great for wedding favors, decorations or other event needs. Please see below for more information, browse through our vendor directory or check with vendors at the market!
 Invitations by Liontail Press. |  Floral arrangements from Plenty of Posies. | Catering by Van Noble Farm. | |
 Party favors from Ithaca Soap. |  Custom invitations by Christi Sobel. |  Wedding cakes by Just Desserts. |  Custom wedding gift art by Mary Shelley. |
 Jelly jars from Knapp Farm. |  Local photography from ASHnatko Designs. |  Wine & Cider from Black Diamond Cider. |  Cheese plates from Crosswinds Farm & Creamery. |