Which sites are available for parties and private events?

Washington Irving's Sunnyside, in Tarrytown.

Van Cortlandt Manor, in Croton-on-Hudson.

When are the sites available?

Because the sites are open to the public for tours until 5pm on most days, including weekends, the sites are available for private events beginning at 6pm, with setup occurring in the hours prior. Evening functions have exclusive use of the site for the period booked.

Daytime events, such as company picnics, may be arranged for Tuesdays, when all sites are closed.

What kinds of events may be held at the historic sites?

All three sites can accommodate weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, meetings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and similar kinds of events.

What kind of space is available and what are the capacities?

Washington Irving's Sunnyside

At Sunnyside there are several options:

The site has an attractive tented courtyard, paved in brick, where you may hold your event. You do not need to rent your own tent if you use the tented courtyard, thus saving you a substantial amount of money. This space holds 120 seated at tables, or 140 standing.
Events for more than 140 people can be accommodated in a tent that can be set up adjacent to the garden.
There is also an attractive small room opening onto the tented courtyard that accommodates 40 seated at tables.
You are also invited to use the lawns and gardens for your event.
The grounds of the site may be lit by candle lanterns after dark, for a modest additional charge.
Also, your guests may take tours of the house, which add immeasurably to the charm and uniqueness of your event. These must be scheduled in advance, and there will be a supplemental fee to cover this service, which is provided by trained interpreters wearing period clothing.

Philipsburg Manor

At Philipsburg Manor, the indoor Greenhouse Café accommodates up to 65 or fewer people in a glass-enclosed space. This room overlooks the picturesque millpond and the historic buildings of the manor.
The indoor, high-ceiling gallery space accommodates 120 people standing (or in lecture-style seating) or 80 seated at tables.
The grounds of the site may be lit by candle lanterns after dark, for a modest additional charge.
Guest can tour any or all of the historic buildings with guides wearing clothing of the 18th century, for which there is a supplemental fee.

Van Cortlandt Manor

At Van Cortlandt Manor, there are several options:

You may hold your event on the lawns overlooking the Croton River. There is plenty of space for you to erect a tent by an approved tent provider, at your expense.
Van Cortlandt Manor also offers an attractive room, with a working, wood-burning fireplace and views of the Croton River, for small events and meetings. This room seats 65 people standing or 40 people seated at tables.
The manor house has open, covered porches which you may use for stand-up entertaining.
The grounds of the site may be lit by candle lanterns after dark, for which there is a modest additional charge. Also, your guests may take tours of the elegant manor house, which add immeasurably to the charm and uniqueness of your event. These must be scheduled in advance, and there will be a supplemental fee to cover this service, which is provided by trained interpreters wearing period clothing.

May we use our own caterer or will Historic Hudson Valley recommend one?

Historic Hudson Valley can recommend caterers.

You may use a caterer of your choice provided that the caterer has adequate insurance and demonstrates understanding and appreciation that these sites are museum properties. Your caterer must be approved in writing in advance by Historic Hudson Valley and must sign an agreement with Historic Hudson Valley to comply with our insurance and site requirements.

May alcoholic beverages be served?

To serve alcoholic beverages, your caterer must acquire a beer, wine, or liquor license specifically for the event, as is customary. Such an arrangement must be approved in writing by Historic Hudson Valley.

What kind of music is allowed at the historic sites?

Music may be provided by a live band or orchestra, by a DJ, or by other electronic means. Historic Hudson Valley will provide reasonable guidelines that cover setup, sound checks, and other details.

May we decorate the tent or indoor spaces?

Yes, within certain guidelines. You should consult with the Site Director at the site you are using if you have specific questions about decorations.

All decorations must be removed by 10am on the morning following the event, when the site reopens to the public, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

You should be aware that the site does not close to the public until 5pm.

May I visit the sites to see whether they are appropriate for my event?

Yes. We encourage you to visit. To make arrangements, call 914-631-8200 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

What if I have more questions?

Please call us at 914-631-8200 or send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . We welcome your questions and look forward to having you make a site visit.

How much is the site use fee?

Please call us at 914-631-8200 to discuss. The site use fee varies depending upon the location, size, and elaborateness of the event. Since we are a not-for-profit institution, our fees are very reasonable.

How much is the required deposit?

A deposit of 50% is required when the contract is signed. The final payment date will be specified in the contract.