Venue Spotlight: Fort Adams
As a Rhode Island based wedding videographer, I've had the pleasure of capturing countless beautiful moments across New England. But there's one venue that never fails to take my breath away: Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. Today, I want to share with you why this historic fortress has become one of my favorite locations to film, and why it might just be the perfect backdrop for your special day.
The Majestic Setting of Fort Adams
Nestled where Narragansett Bay meets Newport Harbor, Fort Adams is a true marvel. As soon as I arrive on the grounds, I'm immediately struck by the grandeur of this 200-year-old structure. The fort's imposing walls and intricate architecture provide a stark contrast to the natural beauty that surrounds it, creating a unique and captivating visual experience.
A Photographer's Dream
As a videographer, I'm always on the lookout for those perfect shots that will make a wedding video truly special. Fort Adams offers an abundance of opportunities:
Waterfront Views: The fort's position provides stunning views of the bay and harbor, perfect for those romantic sunset shots.
Newport Pell Bridge: This iconic landmark serves as a breathtaking backdrop, especially when lit up in the evening.
Historic Architecture: The fort's weathered stone walls, arched entryways, and winding staircases offer endless possibilities for creative framing and composition.
What makes Fort Adams truly unique is how it combines these elements. In a single frame, I can capture the timeless romance of historic architecture alongside the natural beauty of the Rhode Island coastline. It's this juxtaposition that makes every wedding video shot here feel both classic and fresh.
Venue Options
One of the aspects I appreciate most about Fort Adams is its versatility. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, there's a space that will suit your vision perfectly. Let me walk you through the options:
North Lawn
The North Lawn is a favorite for couples who dream of an outdoor reception with plenty of space. Here's what you need to know:
Capacity: Can accommodate 300+ guests
Views: Offers some of the best water views on the property
Considerations: Tenting is required, and you'll need to rent restroom facilities
From a videographer's perspective, the North Lawn provides an excellent canvas for capturing wide, sweeping shots of your celebration. The open space allows for creative lighting setups, which can create a magical atmosphere as the sun sets.
Parade Field & North Casemates
This combination offers the best of both worlds - an indoor space for intimacy and a vast outdoor area for larger gatherings:
North Casemates Capacity:
Ceremony: Up to 175 people
Cocktail Style: Up to 250 people
Reception: Up to 100 people
Parade Field Capacity: 300+ people (tenting required)
Amenities: Bathrooms included
The North Casemates provide a unique backdrop for ceremonies or cocktail hours. The stone walls and arched ceilings create a sense of history and intimacy that translates beautifully on film. Meanwhile, the Parade Field offers ample space for a tented reception, allowing your celebration to flow seamlessly from one stunning location to another.
West Lawn
The West Lawn is perfect for those seeking a more intimate outdoor setting:
Ceremony Capacity: 250 people
Reception Capacity: Up to 125 people (tenting required)
Views: Offers waterfront vistas
This space is ideal for capturing those golden hour moments just before sunset. The combination of the fort's silhouette against the changing sky creates a truly cinematic backdrop for your vows or first dance.
Check out some of my work!
Jamie & Charlie
Monique & Diran
Jacqueline & Marshall
Nick & Ashley
All Rental Spaces Option
For couples who want the ultimate Fort Adams experience, renting all spaces is an excellent choice:
Includes: North Lawn, North Casemates, Parade Field & West Lawn
Benefits:
Flexibility for inclement weather
Easier setup and breakdown for you and your vendors
Guaranteed use of bathrooms & Barracks area for early access
As a videographer, having access to all these areas allows me to tell a more complete story of your day. We can capture getting ready moments in the Barracks, a ceremony on the West Lawn, cocktails in the North Casemates, and dancing under the stars on the North Lawn - all without missing a beat.
The Fort Adams Wedding Experience
Ceremony Package
Fort Adams offers a special wedding ceremony package that can be added to your reception booking. Here's what it includes:
One hour for the ceremony
One hour for rehearsal
Up to 200 white garden chairs
Choice of West Lawn (waterfront) or North Casemates (indoor) location
Early access to the Barracks/Dining Area
Use of the fort for photos after the ceremony
This package is a videographer's dream. The variety of locations allows for a diverse range of shots, from the intimate moments as you prepare in the Barracks to the grand reveal as you walk down the aisle with the water as your backdrop.
Unique Add-Ons
Fort Adams offers several unique additions to make your day even more special:
Cannon Firing: For $350, you can add a cannon firing to your celebration. This makes for an unforgettable moment on film, especially if timed with your first kiss or as a finale to your ceremony.
Luxury Restroom Trailer: Available for $1,200, this is a must if you're using the North or West Lawn.
Pipe & Drape: For $500, you can add elegant draping to indoor spaces, perfect for creating a more intimate atmosphere in the North Casemates.
Check out these other great venues:
Eisenhower House
Glen Manor House
Harbor Island Resort
Regatta Place
OceanCliff
The Bohlin
The Chanler
Hammetts Hotel
Aldrich Mansion
Castle Hill Inn
Blithewold Mansion
Hammond Castle
Boston Harbor Hotel
Longwood Venues
Harbor View Hotel
Tips for Planning Your Fort Adams Wedding
As someone who has filmed numerous weddings at Fort Adams, I've gathered some insights that might be helpful as you plan your big day:
Consider the Weather: Rhode Island's weather can be unpredictable. Having a backup plan or renting multiple spaces can provide peace of mind.
Timing is Everything: The light at Fort Adams is magical during golden hour. Consider timing your ceremony or couple's portraits to coincide with sunset for truly breathtaking footage.
Embrace the History: Incorporate elements of the fort's rich history into your decor or storytelling. It adds depth and character to your wedding video.
Hire a Coordinator: The size and complexity of Fort Adams make a wedding coordinator invaluable. They can help manage the logistics while you focus on enjoying your day.
Plan for Transportation: Consider arranging shuttle services for your guests. The expansive grounds can be challenging to navigate, especially in formal wear.
Capturing Your Fort Adams Wedding
As a videographer, Fort Adams presents both incredible opportunities and unique challenges. The sheer scale of the venue means that careful planning is essential to ensure we capture all the key moments of your day.
Here's how I approach filming at Fort Adams:
Multiple Camera Operators: Given the size of the venue, I often bring a second or even third camera operator to ensure we don't miss a moment.
Drone Footage: With permission, aerial shots of Fort Adams can add a stunning dimension to your wedding video, showcasing the grandeur of the venue and its spectacular setting.
Time-lapse Sequences: The changing light throughout the day creates beautiful opportunities for time-lapse shots, from the bustling setup to the golden sunset over the bay.
Intimate Audio: Despite the grand setting, it's the intimate moments that often make a wedding video special. I use high-quality lavalier microphones to capture clear audio of your vows and speeches, even in outdoor settings.
Creative B-roll: The unique features of Fort Adams - from the cannon to the historic architecture - provide plenty of opportunities for interesting B-roll that will add depth and context to your wedding story.
Why Fort Adams Might Be Your Perfect Venue
After filming countless weddings at Fort Adams, I can confidently say that it offers something truly special. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and versatile spaces creates a backdrop that is both impressive and deeply romantic.
What I love most about Fort Adams is how it allows each couple to create a wedding that feels uniquely theirs. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony in a historic casemate or a grand reception under the stars, Fort Adams can accommodate your vision.
As a videographer, I'm continually inspired by the stories that unfold within these historic walls. The juxtaposition of centuries-old stone against the timeless emotion of two people committing their lives to each other never fails to create cinematic magic.
If you're considering Fort Adams for your wedding, I encourage you to visit and experience its charm for yourself. Walk the grounds, imagine your guests mingling on the lawn, picture your first dance with the Newport Bridge twinkling in the background. And when you do, don't forget to envision how all these moments will come together in your wedding film - a timeless keepsake of your special day in this truly extraordinary place.
Remember, your wedding is not just an event, but the beginning of a beautiful story. At Fort Adams, that story is set against a backdrop of natural beauty, rich history, and endless possibilities. I can't wait to help couples capture their Fort Adams wedding stories for years to come.
