Rhode Island's Top 5 Luxury Wedding Venues
As a wedding videographer based in beautiful Rhode Island, I've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories against some of the most breathtaking backdrops our state has to offer. Over the years, I've developed a deep appreciation for venues that not only provide stunning visuals but also create an atmosphere where genuine moments can unfold naturally.
In this blog, I want to share my insider's perspective on Rhode Island's top five luxury wedding venues. These locations have consistently impressed me with their attention to detail, versatility for filming, and the overall experience they provide to couples and their guests. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply dreaming about the possibilities, join me as I take you through these remarkable venues through my videographer's lens.
Castle Hill Inn
When I first drive up to Castle Hill Inn, I'm always struck by its grandeur. This historic Relais & Châteaux property sits on 40 magical acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, evoking the opulence of Newport's Gilded Age while offering all the modern amenities today's couples desire. As a videographer, I'm immediately inspired by the possibilities this venue presents.
The Agassiz Mansion
The heart of Castle Hill Inn is the Agassiz Mansion, a stunning Victorian-era building that serves as the perfect backdrop for romantic shots. When I film couples getting ready in the mansion's beautifully appointed rooms, I feel like I'm capturing a piece of history. The hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and gas-jet fireplaces all add to the timeless atmosphere that translates so beautifully on camera.
Diverse Filming Locations
One of the things I love most about Castle Hill Inn is the variety of filming locations available within the property. This diversity allows me to create a wedding video that truly tells the story of each unique couple.
The Lighthouse
Standing majestically at the water's edge, the Castle Hill Lighthouse is an iconic spot for intimate ceremonies. I've filmed some of the most touching vows here, with the Atlantic Ocean serving as a dramatic backdrop. The natural light at sunset is particularly magical, creating a warm glow that makes for absolutely stunning footage.
The Chalet Terrace
For larger celebrations, the Chalet Terrace is a favorite spot. The iconic Sperry tents pay homage to Newport's maritime heritage while offering a touch of elegance. As a videographer, I love capturing the way the light filters through the tent's canvas, creating a soft, romantic ambiance. And those panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay make for breathtaking establishing shots that set the scene perfectly.
The Lawn
There's something quintessentially New England about filming on Castle Hill Inn's expansive lawn. Whether it's capturing guests mingling during cocktail hour or filming the newlyweds stealing a quiet moment together, the lush green grass and the blue waters beyond create a perfect natural frame for these precious moments.
The Culinary Experience
The culinary offerings at Castle Hill Inn are exceptional, and I always make sure to capture these details in my wedding films. From the six-course tasting menu at Aurelia to the relaxed dining experience on the Lawn Terrace, the beautifully plated dishes using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients add another layer of luxury to the wedding experience.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
The Chanler holds a special place in my heart for its seamless blend of historical elegance and contemporary comfort. This boutique hotel situated along Newport's famed Cliff Walk offers an exclusive experience that translates beautifully to film.
A World of Architectural Beauty
Every time I step into The Chanler, I'm transported to a world of refined elegance. The mansion's architectural details provide a stunning backdrop for wedding footage, with each of the twenty distinctly decorated rooms offering unique filming opportunities. When capturing getting-ready sequences here, each frame feels like a work of art.
Breathtaking Ceremony and Reception Spaces
The Outdoor Covered Terrace
The terrace at The Chanler offers some of the most spectacular views in Newport. With Easton Bay as the backdrop, ceremonies here are nothing short of magical. The covered terrace can accommodate up to 100 guests for a seated dinner, and the lighting here is a videographer's dream – soft, flattering, and ever-changing as the day progresses.
The Meadow Lawn
For larger celebrations, the Meadow Lawn can host up to 200 guests for a ceremony and 140 for a seated dinner. The 12,000 square feet of space provides ample room for creative filming, allowing me to capture wide establishing shots that showcase the venue's grandeur as well as intimate moments between the couple and their guests.
The Cliff Lawn
Perhaps the most dramatic of The Chanler's outdoor spaces, the Cliff Lawn sits perched above the Cliff Walk with unparalleled ocean vistas. This space can accommodate up to 200 guests, and the elevated position creates incredible opportunities for cinematic drone footage (when permitted) that showcases the venue's spectacular setting.
The Exclusive Experience
What makes The Chanler truly special for weddings is the opportunity for couples to reserve the entire mansion exclusively for their celebration. When filming at a venue buyout, I can capture the feeling of stepping into your own private estate, with every corner becoming part of your wedding story.
The Providence Biltmore (Graduate Providence)
When couples are looking for a city-center venue with historic character, I often recommend Graduate Providence, formerly known as The Providence Biltmore. This landmark hotel in downtown Providence offers a sophisticated urban setting that creates stunning wedding films with a different aesthetic from our coastal venues.
Elegant Interiors and Versatile Spaces
The Biltmore Ballroom
Located on the seventeenth floor, this ballroom provides panoramic views of the city that make for incredible establishing shots. With over 4,200 square feet of space accommodating up to 500 guests, this venue allows me to capture the grandeur of large celebrations while still finding intimate moments throughout the day.
The Capital Ballroom
At 3,498 square feet with capacity for 300 guests, the Capital Ballroom offers a versatile setting with beautiful architectural details. The elegant space provides a neutral canvas that photographs and films beautifully in any season or lighting condition.
The Atrium Balcony
This second-floor space offers a unique perspective with its panoramic views and timeless elegance. With 1,941 square feet accommodating up to 175 guests, it's perfect for mid-sized celebrations where I can capture both the intimate feeling of the space and the grandeur of the overall venue.
Unparalleled Service
What I particularly appreciate about filming at Graduate Providence is how the events team understands the importance of timing and lighting for videography. Their attention to detail and seamless coordination allows me to focus entirely on capturing beautiful moments rather than worrying about logistics.
The Weekapaug Inn
For couples seeking a more relaxed yet equally luxurious setting, The Weekapaug Inn offers a charming coastal retreat with stunning water views that make for incredible footage.
Natural Beauty in Every Direction
What I love about filming at The Weekapaug Inn is how the peaceful waters of Quonochontaug Pond create a serene backdrop for ceremonies and portraits. The golden light at sunset reflecting off the water creates a magical atmosphere that elevates any wedding film.
Versatile Spaces for Every Vision
The MeetingHouse
The newest addition to the property, the MeetingHouse, features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the pond and ocean beyond. The dramatic fireplace handset with local stone adds character to the space, while the flexible configuration options allow couples to create a truly personalized event. From a videographer's perspective, the natural light flooding through those windows creates the most beautiful, flattering light for filming.
The Guest Lawn
With capacity for up to 225 guests, the Guest Lawn provides a picturesque setting for tented receptions. The expansive space allows me to capture sweeping shots of the celebration while the surrounding natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop.
The Event Lawn
Similar to the Guest Lawn in capacity but offering a different perspective of the property, the Event Lawn is another stunning outdoor option. The versatility of this space allows me to capture unique angles and perspectives throughout the day's events.
Ocean House
Perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Ocean House stands as Rhode Island's only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel. This iconic New England seaside resort provides an unmatched backdrop for luxury weddings that truly shine on film.
Spectacular Ceremony Locations
The Beach
There's something magical about capturing a couple exchanging vows with their toes in the sand. Ocean House Beach offers a carefree, quintessentially summer setting for ceremonies of up to 250 guests. The sound of waves in the background adds another sensory element to the wedding film that transports viewers right back to that moment.
The South Lawn
Boasting impressive views of the ocean and the legendary Verandah, the South Lawn embodies charm and exuberance. With space for up to 150 seated guests, this location offers the perfect vantage point for capturing both intimate moments and the grandeur of the surroundings.
The East Lawn
For a more secluded ceremony, the East Lawn tucked away at the back of the resort provides a serene setting. This location works beautifully for establishing shots that showcase the natural beauty surrounding the property.
Luxurious Reception Spaces
Tented Receptions
For the ultimate luxury experience, a tented reception on either the South Lawn or Ellipse Lawn creates a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. These expansive spaces allow me to capture the joy and energy of large gatherings while still finding those quiet, intimate moments throughout the event.
Seaside Ballroom and Terrace
Offering panoramic views of Block Island Sound and Ocean House Beach, these spaces provide a sophisticated indoor/outdoor option for receptions. The changing quality of light throughout the evening creates dynamic filming opportunities from golden hour through sunset and into the evening's festivities.
Dune Cottage
For more intimate celebrations, Dune Cottage offers beachside views of the Atlantic for up to 100 guests. The relaxed yet elegant atmosphere here creates a perfect setting for capturing authentic moments between couples and their closest friends and family.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
Capturing Your Unique Story
As a wedding videographer, my ultimate goal is to create a film that authentically captures not just how your wedding day looked, but how it felt. Each of these five luxury venues offers something unique and special that translates beautifully to film.
Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Castle Hill Inn, the intimate luxury of The Chanler, the urban sophistication of Graduate Providence, the rustic elegance of Weekapaug Inn, or the timeless grandeur of Ocean House, I'd be honored to help tell your love story against the backdrop of one of Rhode Island's premier wedding venues.
Remember that your wedding film is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. When you choose one of these exceptional venues and partner with a videographer who knows how to capture their unique beauty, you're ensuring that every magical moment of your celebration will be preserved for years to come.
