In RI, weddings can be performed as soon as you get your marriage license...The same day if you don't want the stress of planning a wedding...perfect for elopement!
Looking for a weekend away, or a memorable wedding day indoors or out with family and friends? With miles of beach and scenic, rocky coastline, unique shopping, dining, and history, Newport is a great place to go, and it's right in our backyard! It's perfect for an elopement, a weekend getaway, or just a day trip for a peaceful wedding ceremony, and a lunch or dinner at one of Newport's fine restaurants. Check out Newport Vineyards, www.newportvineyards.com , as a great example for a location to have your wedding ceremony, with beautiful photo opportunities and reception after. The costs are reasonable, too!
Accommodations range from unique Victorian B&B's to luxury hotels. The Ivy Lodge allows small weddings at their inn, as does the Sanford-Covell Inn. Also try the following Newport links for more information:
The Sanford-Covell Inn, a beautiful historic B&B facing the sunset on Newport harbor, comes highly recommended!They are quite accepting of small and intimate weddings, either inside or out in the gazebo on their own private dock!
Another B&B recommended is Annie's Inn (see link above), located on a quiet street in the heart of Newport, only minutes from Newport's harbor, the quaint downtown shops, restaurants, and all cultural events. Steps from this quaint Victorian, you, your family and friends can enjoy all Newport has to offer. Small and intimate wedding ceremonies are welcomed by the warm and caring Inn-Keepers.
From Narragansett to Watch Hill, try www.southcountyri.com, your one-stop website for places to stay, reception sites, photographers, things to do while you're here, and much more. Many B&B's have their own website links here. Check out the Weekapaug Inn!
For anyone familiar with the Learning and Landscape Gardens at URI, located across from the Fine Arts Center, you can call 874-2900 and reserve the use of those gardens just for the cost of a small donation. There are gazebos, a stone stage area, water fountains, and plenty of shady backdrops for weddings small or large. There are numerous golf and country clubs that feature banquet facilities, such as the Richmond C/C, Fenner Hill C/C, all in South County. The Quidnessett C/C in North Kingstown overlooks the bay. While in North Kingstown, for a small to medium sized wedding and reception, try the Carriage Inn, with it's old post and beam decor, and a huge fireplace to be married in front of, it's just a beautiful choice. Check them out at www.hooffinfeathers.com .
Point Judith Lighthouse is free and available to the public, with a nice gazebo located in a beautiful park at the lighthouse. Beavertail Point on the south end of Jamestown overlooks the Atlantic on three sides, again free to the public. The Fort Getty recreation area includes a nice covered pavilion right on the beach! While in Jamestown, try the Bay Voyage Inn for a wedding site. With the wedding room situated overlooking the harbor and Newport, you will have an excellent view of the bay. Go to www.bayvoyageinn.com for a look. Yagoo Bakes in Slocum can't be beat for a spring or summer day, with a great clam bake, and plenty of room for activities. The Meadowbrook in Charlestown has a wonderful outdoor chapel, with a cute bridge over a small brook as you cross into the chapel area. There is fine indoor dining and a large reception room, and Bob Wood, the owner, is very attentive and professional. Their number is 364-3669. The Larchwood Inn in Wakefield has a very nice area for weddings, indoors or out, and the food is very good...a fine example of colonial construction and South County ambiance. The Brookside Manor is just lovely, with indoor and outdoor facilities, www.brooksidemanor.net . The Admiral Dewey Inn, www.admiraldeweyinn.com, in Matunuck is very nice! Go to their website for a tour. While down there, try the Theater-By-The-Sea and the Seahorse grill, www.theatrebythesea.com .The Village Inn in Narragansett sits right across from the Atlantic, and is fine for large or small functions, with an outdoor terrace if the weather is good, www.villageinnatthepier.com . Turtle Soup on the pier in Narragansett has a room with a fireplace available for small ceremonies, with a nice lunch or dinner after! Don't forget the towers on Narragansett Pier, www.thetowersri.com , or if a church setting is preferred, try the Old South Ferry Church, available to rent from the URI Bay Campus.
The Seaman's Institute in town has a nice indoor chapel available for private use (847-4260). This is open to the public for you to inspect. Contact Jack Grant, and tell him I sent you! The Kay Chapel, located behind the Viking Hotel is perfect for medium and large sized weddings, www.hotelviking.com. The gazebo at King's Park is free to the public , and has Newport harbor as a backdrop. It's right off Wellington Ave, for easy access.
Castle Hill Inn, www.castlehillinn.com features beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and has a lighthouse on it's grounds, as well as a chalet for weddings indoors.
Further down the road is Ocean Drive and Brenton Point, followed by King's Beach and several scenic areas overlooking placid back water inlets.
Many of the mansions rent out for wedding functions, as does the First Beach Rotunda with indoor or outdoor capabilities.
