For couples seeking a breathtaking and unforgettable wedding venue in Rhode Island, the state offers an array of historic mansions, coastal estates, lush vineyards, and elegant ballrooms. RI wedding photographers adore these venues for their stunning backdrops, incredible natural light, and timeless charm. Whether you dream of a grand seaside celebration or an intimate garden ceremony, Rhode Island’s wedding venues provide something for every couple.

Table of Contents

1. Why Rhode Island Is a Dream Wedding Destination
2. The Best Rhode Island Wedding Venues
   • Rosecliff Mansion
   • Castle Hill Inn
   • Belle Mer
   • OceanCliff Hotel
   • Glen Manor House
   • The Chanler at Cliff Walk
   • Newport Vineyards
   • Shepherd’s Run
3. Finding the Right RI Wedding Photographer
4. Booking the Best Vendors for Your Wedding

Why Rhode Island Is a Dream Wedding Destination

Rhode Island, also known as the Ocean State, offers some of the most picturesque wedding venues in New England. With coastal charm, rich history, and a variety of venue styles, it’s easy to see why couples choose Rhode Island for their wedding day.

What Makes Rhode Island the Perfect Wedding Location?

• Stunning Waterfront Views: Many venues offer panoramic ocean or bayfront settings, creating breathtaking backdrops for ceremonies and receptions.
• Gilded Age Elegance: Newport’s historic mansions provide grand ballrooms, manicured gardens, and timeless luxury.
• Versatile Venue Styles: From vineyards to yachts, castles to gardens, couples can find a venue that reflects their unique style.
• World-Class Vendors: Rhode Island is home to top-tier wedding photographers, florists, caterers, and event planners, ensuring a seamless wedding experience.

The Best Rhode Island Wedding Venues

Rosecliff Mansion

Best for: Grand, elegant weddings with a historic touch
Capacity: Up to 300 guests

For couples seeking classic Gilded Age opulence, Rosecliff Mansion is one of Newport’s most iconic venues. Built in 1899, this French-inspired estate offers marble staircases, ornate ballrooms, and lush oceanfront lawns. Couples can exchange vows overlooking the Atlantic and celebrate in the grand ballroom with its vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. RI wedding photographers love Rosecliff for its timeless elegance, golden light, and grand architectural details.

Castle Hill Inn

Best for: Romantic, waterfront weddings with coastal charm
Capacity: Up to 400 guests (tented), 125 guests (indoor)

Nestled on 40 acres of oceanfront land, Castle Hill Inn is a luxurious, intimate wedding venue with breathtaking sunset views over Narragansett Bay. Ceremonies take place on the lush lawn, with sailboats dotting the horizon, followed by a tented reception with open-air coastal elegance. Couples love the historic inn’s warm hospitality, while photographers appreciate the expansive water views and golden-hour lighting.

Belle Mer

Best for: Modern, chic weddings with waterfront views
Capacity: Up to 300 guests

For a sleek and sophisticated seaside wedding, Belle Mer offers a modern, all-white aesthetic with panoramic ocean views. Located on Goat Island, this venue features expansive lawns, a stunning ballroom, and a seaside terrace, creating an elegant yet airy ambiance. The clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalist décor make it a favorite for couples who love a contemporary, high-end feel.

OceanCliff Hotel

Best for: Classic, mansion-style weddings on the coast
Capacity: Up to 230 guests

Situated high above the Atlantic, OceanCliff Hotel is a 19th-century estate offering dramatic ocean views and timeless charm. With grand architecture, expansive lawns, and a beautiful ballroom, this venue is perfect for couples who want both history and coastal elegance. Photographers love capturing the rugged cliffs, breathtaking sunset portraits, and intimate indoor settings.

Glen Manor House

Best for: Intimate, fairytale weddings with European charm
Capacity: Up to 125 guests

For a hidden gem with Old World romance, Glen Manor House offers a French-style château overlooking the Sakonnet River. Featuring lush gardens, a riverside lawn, and a historic estate with antique charm, this venue is ideal for intimate, storybook weddings. The soft, natural light filtering through the trees makes for incredible wedding photography.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Best for: Small, luxurious weddings with five-star service
Capacity: Up to 50 guests

As Newport’s only five-star hotel wedding venue, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is perfect for couples seeking an exclusive, high-end experience. With European-inspired architecture, private oceanfront terraces, and a gourmet dining experience, this venue creates a refined and intimate celebration. Photographers love the golden glow of the ocean at sunset and the elegant indoor spaces.

Newport Vineyards

Best for: Rustic, vineyard weddings with a relaxed atmosphere
Capacity: Up to 180 guests

For couples who love the charm of rolling vineyards, Newport Vineyards offers romantic outdoor ceremonies, a barrel-lined reception hall, and farm-to-table catering. The vineyard setting, golden sunsets, and warm lighting make this venue a dream for editorial and light & airy photography.

Shepherd’s Run

Best for: Vineyard weddings with a historic estate feel
Capacity: Up to 200 guests

One of Rhode Island’s newest wedding venues, Shepherd’s Run combines a historic stone estate with a working vineyard. Offering lush greenery, stunning reception spaces, and a blend of old-world and modern aesthetics, this venue is quickly becoming a favorite for couples seeking a unique yet timeless setting.

Finding the Right RI Wedding Photographer

A Rhode Island wedding photographer should have experience capturing both historic mansion weddings and modern waterfront ceremonies. The best photographers understand how to work with natural light, scenic landscapes, and grand architecture to create stunning wedding galleries.

Booking the Best Photographer for Your Wedding

A Rhode Island wedding is an unparalleled experience, offering a mix of historical grandeur, coastal charm, and timeless elegance. Whether you choose a mansion, vineyard, or beachfront venue, your wedding in Rhode Island is sure to be unforgettable.

Book your Rhode Island wedding photographer now, contact me today!