From historic coastal estates to quintessential New England getaways, Newport offers a variety of iconic locations for your wedding. As a photographer from the region, I’ve listed the best wedding venues in Newport, RI for your consideration.

Six of the Best Wedding Venues in Newport, RI

Castle Hill Inn

Nestled on a private 40-acre peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean, Castle Hill Inn is a coastal haven that effortlessly blends Victorian-era architecture with New England’s familiar charm. Recently awarded with two Michelin Keys, this hotel is renowned for its high level of service and pristine grounds. The property’s lush gardens not only flourish with seasonal blooms like daffodils and hydrangeas, but also the fresh produce that you’ll find in the hotel’s award-winning cuisine. 

Together with the half-mile of private coastline, this is a naturally stunning backdrop for any wedding. Whether you’re exchanging vows at the picturesque lighthouse, celebrating on the Chalet Lawn with an al fresco cocktail, or dining on the terrace with panoramic ocean views, every moment here is infused with the grandeur of the Gilded Age and the intimacy of a private retreat. 

Features of Castle Hill Inn

• Accommodates up to 250 guests
• On-site accommodations
• Includes honeymoon suite for wedding night
• In-house catering and bar services
• Use of linens, tables, chairs, and decor
• Uncovered and covered outdoor spaces
• Wheelchair accessible

 Rosecliff Mansion

This historic property brings European elegance to Rhode Island’s distinct character. Built in 1902, the Rosecliff Mansion was inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles and offers an opulent setting complete with French-inspired architecture, intricate crown molding, and hand-painted frescos. With over 8 acres of manicured grounds, Rosecliff is ideal for open-air cocktail hours or tented receptions with flairs of luxury and charm. 

The formal gardens and waterfront setting offer a stunning coastal backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, while indoor ceremonies are framed by crystal chandeliers and a grand fireplace. The ballroom, however, deserves its own feature. Historic and extravagant, the mansion’s ballroom is best for a night of champagne toasts and lively celebrations.

Features of the Rosecliff Mansion

• Accommodates up to 270 guests
• Indoor and outdoor spaces available
• Dedicated getting-ready spaces for the wedding party
• Wheelchair accessible

Belle Mer

Intentionally designed by experts in weddings and event hosting, Belle Mer is a dream venue equipped to host the most indulgent soirees. Situated on 7 acres of pristine grounds overlooking Narragansett Bay, this space offers a contemporary canvas that is versatile and breathtaking in its own right. Whether you choose the Water Salon or the Island House, each setting has been carefully curated. The Water Salon is a standout with its full glass wall of windows that floods the space with natural light and glamorous crystal chandeliers. Ideal for grand occasions with a chic flair, Belle Mer is ready to be personalized to fulfill your vision. 

For couples who want to include their furry family members, the venue is dog friendly, making it an even more special way to celebrate with everyone you love — pup included!

Features of Belle Mer

• Accommodates up to 1000 guests
• In-house catering and bar services
• Use of tables, chairs and linens
• Indoor and outdoor spaces available
• Dedicated getting-ready spaces for the wedding party
• Wheelchair accessible

Newport Harbor Island Resort

Modern luxury meets classic New England style at the Newport Harbor Island Resort. Recently renovated, the interior is fresh, yet timeless, perfectly complementing the serene beauty of its Goat Island location. With a peaceful harbor view and a marina of sailboats gently swaying in the water, this resort offers five unique locations to host your celebrations. My personal favorite is the Lighthouse Lawn where the iconic Goat Island lighthouse and surrounding ocean views create a dreamy setting for ceremonies and portraits. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this premier resort provides a customizable experience that’s as breathtaking as the moments you’ll capture here.

Features of the Newport Harbor Island Resort

• Accommodates up to 280 guests
• In-house catering and bar services
• Use of tables, chairs and linens
• Indoor and outdoor spaces available
• Dedicated getting-ready spaces for the wedding party
• Wheelchair accessible

OceanCliff Hotel

The OceanCliff Hotel is one of those venues where every detail is picturesque. This historic destination blends early 19th-century grandeur with time-honored coastal character. Its 10 acres of property boast pristine lawns perfect for alfresco ceremonies and flow seamlessly into an outdoor patio space for a relaxed, yet elevated cocktail hour. For receptions, you can choose from a tented reception on the Upper Deck with views of Narragansett Bay, or the grand ballroom and its floor-to-ceiling windows. With space for up to 200 guests and a variety of smaller character-filled rooms, the OceanCliff Hotel is great for weddings of all sizes. The 24 historic guestrooms are the icing on the cake, each uniquely furnished. Your entire wedding weekend can be hosted here for a cohesive feel and endless memories.

Features of the OceanCliff Hotel

• Accommodates up to 200 guests
• On-site accommodations
• In-house catering and bar services
• Use of tables, chairs, and linens
• Indoor and outdoor spaces available
• Wheelchair accessible

Shepherd’s Run

Shepherd’s Run offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and modern elegance. This 36-acre estate boasts a winery, inn, and wellness center all in one. It’s a quintessential Rhode Island getaway and peaceful setting for weddings. The historic manor house at the center of the property was built in 1933 after the Norman Romanesque architectural style. While the exterior exudes a serene European quality, the interior design is contemporary. With that said, it’s the signature sailcloth-tented reception space that steals the show. Set on the Lower Lawn overlooking the Narrow River, the space, with its 25-foot peaked canvas structure, creates an enchanting atmosphere. 

Features of Shepherd’s Run

• Accommodates up to 300 guests
• On-site accommodations
• In-house catering and bar services
• Use of tables, chairs, and linens
• Dedicated getting-ready space for the wedding party
• Indoor, covered, and uncovered outdoor spaces available 
• Sailcloth tent options
• Wheelchair accessible

Swooning over these wedding venues in Newport, RI?

I don’t blame you. The iconic charm and distinctive character of each of these locations are hard to forget. As a New England wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the unique aesthetic of these one-of-a-kind venues. If you envision your wedding weekend at one of these venues, send me a note and we can explore the possibilities.