Newport RI is considered to be one of the top wedding and event destinations on the east coast. Besides Newport's inherent natural beauty and expansive coastline, its backdrop of storied mansions with sweeping lawns down to the water's edge make for an incredible wedding or event experience. Add in beautiful beaches and water views from just about everywhere, and you can see why those wanting a dream wedding or special event often look to Newport RI.
When you consider all that the area has to offer, it makes this seaside enclave the perfect wedding or event venue for you and all of your guests. Whether you are incorporating fun activities for your guests like mansion visits, harbor tours, trips to local vineyards or maybe even an authentic clambake on the beach, the list of exciting activities is endless. It makes planning the perfect event easy knowing that your guests can enjoy these coastal experiences or simply choose to tour historical buildings, dine at over 100 restaurants and explore Newport's unique blend of stores and shops.
Still, choosing the right wedding or event venue in Newport can be a daunting task with so many options available- from small intimate restaurants and hotels to large function halls and facilities specifically built for weddings and large functions. Unlike many other destinations, Newport's smaller establishments make themselves available for wedding functions such as rehearsal dinners, receptions and even to hold the actual ceremony. The wedding or event venue you eventually choose will be largely determined by both your budget and your guest list, so try to get these numbers in check before you start searching. Also, try to determine whether you are looking for a smaller intimate location, or perhaps a fairy tale wedding right on the beach or on the lawn of one of the famous mansions. The area's many catering companies can be mobilized to serve your guests just about anywhere, which can make the location of any of your events truly special and unique.
Wedding and event venues range in size from small intimate hotel courtyards to venues built specifically for weddings and events. Amongst all these locations, there are also plenty of historic buildings and locations for your wedding reception, including Fort Adams, The Eisenhower House, several vineyards and even the Tennis Hall of Fame. If you're willing to go a little further outside of Newport, even more options are available in nearby Middletown, Narragansett, Tiverton and Bristol. Just use your taste as a guide, and explore as many options as possible as early as you can. Prime dates on Saturdays in the summer months are the first to go, with Fridays and Sundays a close second. Rhode Island is absolutely beautiful in September in October with temperatures in the 60's and 70's most days. Cooler days means your guests and wedding party are more comfortable, yet you can still experience all the things that make Newport great - warm ocean waters, sailing, fine dining and nightlife along the downtown wharves. The season really doesn't end on Labor Day as it does in many New England coastal communities, with many of the outside shops and dining staying open through mid-October if weather permits.
To help with your budget, try to use the same vendor for as many things as possible. This can make your planning a lot easier and also drive down costs. A lot of wedding and event venues in Newport have existing relationships with caterers and florists, and even event planners to help make decisions and plan the perfect day. There are hundreds of weddings and special events held in Newport each year, and these experts can really help you navigate the countless choices before you. Either way, there is something to appeal to everyone, whether you want to fly high in a helicopter to start your new married life or just enjoy an intimate ceremony with family in a private courtyard. The choice is yours and the options are endless!
Greenvale VineyardsHow does sweeping waterviews and a country vineyard sound for your wedding or event? About 15 minutes from downtown Newport lies a beautiful vineyard set on a cliff overlooking the Sakonnet River. Surrounded by rolling hills, forest and a working vineyard, Greenvale can accommodate weddings of up to 200 people on its sprawling seaside lawn with outdoor tents or inside at the stable for more intimate wedding receptions or rehearsal dinners. A truly unique and beautiful location.
Midtown Oyster BarMidtown Oyster Bar sits right at the main intersection of Thames Street and Memorial Boulevard, and offers water views from its harbor-facing deck. Although the actual building is relatively new, it was designed rich in colonial charm and character- an ideal place for a rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding reception. With massive vaulted ceilings and cozy dining areas, Midtown can easily accommodate groups of many sizes comfortably. Beautiful building!
The Newport - Harbor Hotel and MarinaWEDDING REHEARSAL DINNERS/INTIMATE WEDDINGS & POST RECEPTION BRUNCH/LUNCH
Looking for the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner or intimate weddng? The Newport - Harbor Hotel & Marina offers coastal-inspired cuisine, a full lounge & bar, outside function lawn at the marina and even direct access to sailing adventures for your guests on real America's Cup Racing Yachts. With 133 guest rooms, its also the ideal location for your guests to stay throughout the festivities.