You don’t need to go to Europe for a European-style wedding! Let Kira and Cory's summer wedding at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport inspire you. Historic Long Island architecture, lush gardens, waterfront views were paired with a relaxed outdoor celebration. Set on the former Eagle's Nest estate of William K. Vanderbilt II, the Vanderbilt Museum offered a beautiful mix of elegant architecture and open-air spaces for their wedding day. From their couple's session on the museum's grounds to an evening celebration in the venue's permanent celebration tent, the entire day felt perfectly suited to summer on Long Island.

My personal favorite features about the venue at the end of the blog post.

One of my favorite features about photographing weddings at the Vanderbilt Museum is the amount of variety available without needing to leave the property. We started from the main Spanish Revival interior court, through the lush gardens, taking advantage of the historic architecture and ending with the heart-stopping views overlooking Northport Bay.

The massive, cobblestone courtyard surrounded by the mansion's Spanish Revival architecture invited Kira and Cory's guests to feel like they are on a vacation in Europe, sipping cocktails, enjoying seafood and good conversations!

As the sun set, the celebration continued in Vanderbilt's Celebration Tent.

•    Multiple locations with fashion magazine worthy backdrops for couple's session and guest experience.
•    Around 6:30 PM (for a late July, early August wedding) the Courtyard is in complete shade. Creating a perfect location for your guests enjoying Cocktail Hour without being in direct sun light.
•    Around 5:00 PM (for a late July, early August wedding) the outdoor greenery ceremony space in front of the Celebration Tent is in complete shade. Creating the perfect location for your guests to enjoy your ceremony in the cooling natural forest shade. 
•    It's only a one hour drive from NYC. If you have a good mix of Long Island guests as well as guest from the city, this is the perfect choice.

Venue stats:
•    Starting Pricing: $20,000
•    Celebration Tent Capacity: up to 250 guests
•    Parking on premises: Yes
•    Rain plans: In case of rain the ceremony can be held in the Celebration Tent.
•    Getting ready rooms: Yes

Venue policies, capacities, available spaces, parking arrangements, and seasonal availability can change. This guide reflects information available when it was last reviewed and my experience photographing at the property. Couples should verify important planning details directly with the venue before booking. If you're affiliated with the venue and notice information that should be updated, please contact me.
Last reviewed: September 2026.

Considering Vanderbilt Museum as your venue? I loved photographing Kira and Cory's wedding and I would love to photograph yours as well! Let's get in touch: contact@ioanastavar.com