Let’s talk about a spot that’s got lake views, open spaces, and a whole lot of charm—Emerson Park Pavilion Wedding Venue. We recently had the chance to shoot Sarah and Nick’s big day here, and honestly? It was such a fun, easygoing, beautiful experience that we knew we had to share more about it. So if you’re considering this place for your wedding, here’s everything you’ll want to know to help you plan.
Venue Information
Address: 6879 E Lake Rd, Auburn, NY, 13021
Contact Number: (315) 255-3488
Email: andrea@cateringam.com
Website: Emerson Park Pavilion
HI — We'RE TOM & LEXI!
UPSTATE NY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
We put together this venue guide to share our perspective as wedding photographers with over 10 years of experience capturing weddings across New York. Consider it your insider scoop on the venue!
Emerson Park Pavilion Wedding Venue
Tucked along the northern edge of Owasco Lake in Auburn, NY, Emerson Park Pavilion is a historic, spacious waterfront venue run by the Cayuga County Parks & Trails Department. It’s part of Emerson Park, a public park with walking paths, wide open green spaces, and scenic lake views. The Pavilion itself has been thoughtfully renovated to balance its classic architecture with a modern event layout—ideal for weddings that want elegance without feeling too stuffy.
And for the record: your guests will love being right by the water.
Property Areas & Key Features
The Pavilion
The Pavilion is made up of a few key spaces, all connected with an easy indoor flow (plus a breeze from the lake if you open the big doors—seriously, it’s great).
The Breezeway sits at the center, linking both wings. Accordion-style doors on either side give you an open-air lake view the second you step in. They also normally set up the guestbook, seating chart, and memorial table in this area.
Owasco ballroom for reception
lakeside dining room for cocktail hour
The Owasco Ballroom is the main reception area and fits up to 300 guests. Think open floor plan, a full bar, coffee and tea station, buffet area, large bathrooms, and even a stage if you’ve got speeches, music, or both.
The Lakeside Dining Room & Cayuga Conference Room is often used for cocktail hour and fits up to 100 people.
Ceremony Sites
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, you’ve got two great options here:
Lakeside
fountain area
And if the weather gets iffy? No stress. There’s a covered porch option as a weather back-up plan. Ceremonies are typically booked at 2pm or 5pm, and the setup, breakdown, and ceremony coordination are all included in the $2,000 ceremony fee.
Emerson Park Pavilion Wedding Venue Costs
Event Timing
Receptions run for five (5) hours max and must wrap up by midnight. You’ll also get an extra hour for cleanup, and vendors are allowed access two hours before your start time. Want more time? You can add extra hours (if available) at $500/hour for Dining/Conference Rooms and $1,000/hour for the Ballroom
Just a heads-up: if you’re not renting the entire Pavilion, you’ll be assigned either a 2pm or 5pm ceremony time on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facility and Room Charges
The facility fee includes eight (8) hours of total access; setup and breakdown of rooms; use of Pavilion tables/chairs, china, glassware, and flatware; complimentary guest parking; and standard linens.
RATES (depending on season and day):
- June–October — Friday/Sunday: $2,200–$2,900 | Saturday: $4,000
- May-November — Friday/Sunday: $1,700–$2,200 | Saturday: $2,000-$2,600
Best Emerson Park Pavilion Photo Spots
This is where Emerson Park really shines. If you’re into variety—this is your spot. You’ve got the waterfront for golden hour portraits, tree-lined walkways for quiet first look moments, and even the architectural details of the Pavilion itself for a little extra drama. Honestly, the options are endless without needing to leave the property.
We had such a blast capturing Sarah and Nick as they strolled along the lake, danced by the fountain, and snuck off for sunset portraits behind the trees. The light here? Dreamy.
Getting Ready Locations
When it comes to getting ready on your wedding day, you’ve got a few solid options.
There is a Bridal Suite located right on-site, which is great for quick touch-ups, taking a moment to breathe before walking down the aisle, or sharing a quiet toast with your wedding party. It’s a simple space, but convenient for those final pre-ceremony moments.
That said, our couple, Sarah and Nick, chose to get ready at two nearby Airbnbs that were just a short walk from the Pavilion—which made for a super relaxed and low-stress morning! And if you’re looking for more traditional accommodations, there are also several hotels within a 10–15 minute drive, offering even more flexibility for you and your guests.
Where to Stay Around Emerson Park Pavilion Wedding Venue
Holiday Inn Auburn - Finger Lakes Region
Hilton Garden Inn Auburn
Nearby Airbnbs, within walking distance from Emerson Park Pavilion
Emerson Park Pavilion Wedding Venue has a way of feeling calm, flexible, and scenic all at once. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it cozy, this place has what you need without overcomplicating the experience. And from a photographer’s point of view? It’s an absolute gem.
If you’re on the fence, take a stroll around the park, peek into the Breezeway, and picture yourself walking down the aisle with the lake in the background. You might just fall in love with it—like Sarah and Nick did.
We’ve danced through this venue (camera in hand, promise). If you’re tying the knot here, hit us up—we’re always down for lakeside love stories!