My Honest Insights on Rhode Island’s Best Wedding Venues
- Ainslie
- Oct 23
- 6 min read
Rhode Island has long been a backdrop for iconic weddings. From Jackie O and John F. Kennedy’s storied Newport celebration in 1953 to more recent celebrity nuptials like Jennifer Lawrence’s chic Rhode Island mansion wedding at the Belcourt and Olivia Culpo’s stunning seaside vows at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, the Ocean State has secured its place in the spotlight. And with all eyes on the potential Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce wedding rumors, it feels like our little state is about to explode even more into the mainstream media.
But beyond the headlines and glamorous photos, Rhode Island weddings hold a special kind of magic for couples near and far. The blend of coastal charm, historic venues, and cozy tucked-away escapes gives couples endless options to make their day their own.
As someone who’s been in the wedding industry for over six years — working behind the scenes as a day-of wedding coordinator — I’ve had the chance to see many of Rhode Island’s most popular venues up close. So please enjoy my honest takes on some of the top venues couples often consider here in Rhode Island! EXTRA BONUS - if you are newly engaged and looking to start touring venues, at the end of this post you'll find a FREE printable PDF - RI Wedding Venue Search Checklist!
THE CLASSIC COAST
The Newport Mansions & Historic Properties
The grandeur is undeniable. These venues deliver drama and history in every corner, and the photos will be breathtaking. But here’s the truth: they come with significant restrictions and logistical challenges. If you dream of a black-tie, historic celebration, the mansions may be your match — but be prepared for rules and tight timelines. Hiring a planner to help you navigate those challenges (and your budget) is a great idea. While offseason opportunities or a smaller guest count can help with your price points, make sure to put together a vendor team that is familiar with the properties and can help you pull off a stress-free affair. Mansions that are often sought after for weddings are Rosecliff, The Marble House & The Elms which are managed through the Newport Preservation Society.
Venue: Rosecliff Mansion; Left &Right Steve DePino; Middle Melissa Robotti
OceanCliff & The Newport Experience
OceanCliff is a Newport classic, perched on Narragansett Bay with sweeping water views that feel magical in every season. But what makes it shine even brighter is that it’s part of The Newport Experience, a collection of venues that includes Regatta Place, Goat Island Marina, Stone House Inn and the Schooner Aurora. Together, they offer everything from grand waterfront weddings to intimate yacht charters. Their staff is seasoned and professional — the kind who anticipate your needs before you even ask. If you’re looking for venues that can provide the backdrop, the service, and all the little details you need in one place, this group is worth your first consideration if you’re wanting a classic Newport wedding.
Venue: Oceancliff; Photos: Hayes & Baker Photography
THE CAPITAL CITY
Providence Athenaeum
For couples who love romance, history, and literature, the Providence Athenaeum is pure magic. This historic library offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and charm. It’s intimate, warm, and endlessly romantic — especially on a snowy evening in the city. With the maximum guest count being 80, you can really get creative and detailed with your budget for food, florals and decorative touches. They partner exclusively with Easy Entertaining for catering - and they do not disappoint. Their chefs and team have won countless awards and the staff are attentive, friendly and personable with your guests in such an intimate setting.
Roger Williams Botanical Center
One of Rhode Island’s hidden gems. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the Roger Williams Botanical Center in Providence offers a lush and romantic setting you won’t find anywhere else in the state. It’s also a great choice for couples who want something unique, but know that it comes with the logistics of transforming a public space into a private event venue - specifically if you would like to dine and dance in the green house rooms vs outside in the tent. But it is one of the most beautiful and unique options we have here in the state.
SOUTH COUNTY
Narragansett – The Towers & Kinney Bungalow
Run by the Town of Narragansett Parks & Recreation - few backdrops are as iconic as The Towers in Narragansett, with its stone arches overlooking the ocean. It’s romantic, historic, and uniquely Rhode Island. You absolutely cannot beat the ocean views. It does have a little bit of a challenging layout - but overall provides distinct areas for serving food and dancing with guests seated in the middle.
For something more pastoral, Kinney Bungalow at Sunset Farm blends turn-of-the-century architecture with sweeping fields — the perfect blank slate for a cozy, rustic-chic celebration.
For both locations, pricing varies throughout the year based on the season and for residents and non-residents. Get your glutes ready - stairs, oh the stairs. While both locations have an elevator, be prepared for the stairs. And clean up - you need to sweep those historic floors clean at the end of the night!
Venue: Kinney Bungalow; Photography: Laura Ink Photography
Shepherd’s Run – South Kingstown
A newer venue but already a favorite for many, Shepherd’s Run combines vineyard charm with modern design, offering indoor and outdoor spaces that feel both refined and inviting. It’s a versatile property that photographs beautifully in every season. They also have amazing featured partnerships with some of RI’s top wedding vendors, including Blackstone Catering and Exquisite Events, to name a few. They are most likely well into booking for 2026 & beyond - so make sure to reach out to learn more!
Fort Getty – Jamestown
For couples who want a laid-back, coastal celebration, Fort Getty offers panoramic water views and a relaxed vibe. It’s more of a DIY venue — you’ll need to bring in your own rentals and vendors — but the natural beauty makes the extra effort worthwhile. You have a beautiful rocky beach front, large grassy area overlooking the ocean for your ceremony and an open air pavilion and one restroom at the site. When planning for decor and florals here - you must keep the wind in mind! Everything must be broken down by the end of the evening as well. This property is run by Jamestown Parks & Recreation and booked first come, first serve to residents only. If you’re not a Jamestown resident, you need to wait until January to see what’s available date wise and book your event.
Rhody Venues I Admire
These are spaces I’ve toured, attended weddings, or followed closely, and I think they’re worth being on any couple’s radar:
Gardiner House – Newport: A new boutique waterfront hotel with fresh, modern interiors and classic Newport views. If I had to design a boutique hotel - this would be it! The colors, patterns, textures, decor and views are perfect in my eyes.
Newport Beach House – Middletown: A modern coastal dream with its clean lines, ocean views, and beachfront access. Perfect for couples who want the sand-and-sea vibe without sacrificing elegance.
Weekapaug Inn – Westerly: Historic, elegant, and timeless. Nestled into the dunes, this venue blends classic New England beauty with upscale service.
The Graduate Hotel – Providence: Quirky, stylish, and right in the heart of the city. Perfect for couples who want personality, convenience, and a touch of whimsy.
Final Thoughts
Rhode Island is a small state with an oversized wedding reputation. From historic mansions to coastal retreats, vineyard escapes, and city gems, every venue has its own personality — and its own challenges. My best advice? Look past the glossy photos and ask yourself: Does this fit who we are as a couple? Does it make the planning easier or harder? Will our guests feel comfortable and well cared for here? The “perfect” wedding isn’t about booking the most famous venue. It’s about finding the place that feels right for you. And here in Rhode Island, you’ll never run out of beautiful options.
Download my FREE Rhode Island Wedding Venue Checklist
to take with you as you tour Rhody wedding venues!
Please Note: This post reflects my personal opinions and experiences from working in the wedding industry. It is not paid content or sponsored in any way. The venues mentioned are included based on my own honest take and admiration.
Want to be featured on THE RHODY TOAST? Contact Ainslie at downhomeeventsri@gmail.com
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Well said Ainslie! There are many great options for couples in RI, but I could not agree more with your sediment that it should be the right place for "you" the couple.