With the exciting news of gay marriage beginning in Rhode Island this month, same-sex couples are now able to legally say “I do” in some of New England’s most charming venues, including the stately mansions of Newport and beach-front hotels and inns.
Home to America’s aristocracy at the turn of the last century—now available for us commoners to rent!—Newport was the summer home to the most prestigious members of the gilded age, including the Astors and Vanderbilts. And while thousands of couples have been married in and around town, the iconic wedding of JFK and Jackie still remains as one of the most inspiring American weddings of all time.
There are century-old houses of worship in town that you can hold your ceremony at, which will make a great backdrop for your wedding photos, or choose a modern hotel right on the waterfront to both house your guests and host all of your wedding events, including the rehearsal dinner, day-of pampering, wedding, after party and post-wedding brunch.
Here are some of our editorial selections for where to wed in Rhode Island:
OceanCliff
OceanCliff is the perfect retreat for your wedding in New England, complete with lush gardens and sweeping views of the Narragansett Bay. Distinctly elegant and equally breathtaking, the historic Grand Ballroom easily seats up to 250 guests for dinner and dancing, but also offers smaller event spaces for more intimate weddings. | Photo: Armor & Martel
Hyatt Regency Newport
The Hyatt Regency Newport is located on Goat Island, one mile from downtown Newport. Offering couples both indoor and outdoor event spaces, weddings with long guest lists should check out The Hyatt Regency Newport for the 4,000+ sq. ft. Rose Island Ballroom with outdoor deck and water views. In addition to the event spaces available, the hotel boasts an all-inclusive spa, pools, fire pit, and seaside lawns with expansive views of the famous Newport Bridge.
Chanler at Cliff Walk
The Chanler at Cliff Walk transports the opulence of European luxury to Newport. With historically inspired décor and a boutique hotel setting, The Chanler is the perfect romantic sanctuary for an intimate wedding. The Chanler is only steps away from Easton’s Beach and a mile from downtown Newport, providing breathtaking ocean views right outside your window.
And to celebrate the legalization of gay marriage in Rhode Island, The Chanler at Cliff Walk will waive the site and ceremony fee for weddings held there between now and December 2013.
Regatta Place
The idyllic setting for a waterfront reception, Regatta Place is surrounded by stunning harbor views from its perch in Goat Island Marina. One of the best Newport-area venues for couples looking for a nautical wedding theme—couples can make their getaway aboard the classic sailing Schooner Aurora—Regatta Place offers fine dining and dancing for up to 200 guests, and impressive views of Newport Harbor. | Photo by Seth Jacobson Photography
Ocean House
The only AAA Five Diamond Hotel in the state, the Ocean House is a seaside resort open year round and offers the best of everything: accommodations, dining, spa treatments and wedding services. Couples may get married on a private beach or in the seaside ballroom with incredible views surrounding them. Wedding parties can book rooms or suites at the resort or one of two free-standing Ocean House Cottages on the property. Each charming cottage offers newlyweds the ultimate in privacy as well as a chance to spend quality time with close family and friends during their wedding weekend.
Landing Restaurant
At the Landing Restaurant, the natural beauty of the city’s seascape is your backdrop. From sunset views to dockside dining the Landing—located in Newport’s Bowen’s Wharf—offers a laid-back vibe that can work well for both a rehearsal dinner and wedding. Couples can choose a between a cocktail party with passed hors d’oeuvres or sit-down meal for up to 300 guests.
Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn is for couples who want the quintessential seaside ceremony. This Rhode Island wedding venue offers both magnificent water views and old-world charm. You can say “I do” on the lawn at the water’s edge, and then dine and dance the night away in the inn’s custom sailcloth tent. Weddings can be an intimate affair or a larger event for up to 400 guests. Luxury accommodations are available on site.
Newport Marriott
Couples hoping to plan every event in one location should book the Newport Marriott, located on America’s Cup Avenue, the city’s main drag. With more than a dozen rooms and layouts to choose from, you can have every wedding event at the hotel with each party having a completely different look and feel. In addition to having the convenience of every wedding event in one central location, the hotel also boasts a spa, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant and deluxe accommodations.
MORE RESOURCES
Find more gay-friendly Rhode Island wedding venues and vendors in our Local Resources Marketplace.
How to legally marry in Rhode Island
—By Anne Chertoff, contributing editor, with reporting by Jessie Kunkel and Nicole Kutz
