Venue Spotlight: Meadow Brook Inn
As a wedding videographer based in Rhode Island, I've had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments at various venues across the state. However, there's one location that never fails to take my breath away: the Meadow Brook Inn in Charlestown. Today, I want to share my experiences and insights about this stunning venue, which I believe is one of South County's hidden gems.
A Glimpse into History and Elegance
Nestled in the woodlands of Charlestown, RI, the Meadow Brook Inn embodies classic New England charm and simple elegance. Built in the early 1900s, this boutique special events venue is rich in both beauty and history. As someone who's spent countless hours behind the camera, I can attest that the Meadow Brook Inn serves as the perfect backdrop for a wide range of events, from the most elegant and sophisticated affairs to more natural and rustic celebrations.
The Allure of Exclusivity
One of the aspects I appreciate most about the Meadow Brook Inn is their commitment to hosting only one event at a time. This dedication allows them to focus all their attention on you and your guests, ensuring a warm, hospitable, and professional experience. It's a level of personalized service that truly sets this venue apart.
Venue Locations
The Secret Garden
Nature's Perfect Backdrop
Let me paint a picture for you: imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of trees, surrounded by lush greenery and serenaded by the gentle sounds of a babbling brook. This is the reality of the Meadow Brook Inn's secret garden, a truly magical setting for an al fresco ceremony.
As a videographer, I'm always on the lookout for those perfect moments and backdrops that will make your wedding film truly special. The secret garden at Meadow Brook Inn provides an abundance of these opportunities. The interplay of light filtering through the leaves, the vibrant colors of the annual and perennial gardens, and the natural beauty of the surroundings all contribute to creating stunning visuals that will make your wedding video a joy to watch for years to come.
Comfort and Capacity
The garden can comfortably seat up to 150 guests in traditional white, padded wooden chairs. This setup not only ensures your guests' comfort but also adds to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor ceremony.
The Lawn
After the ceremony, "The Lawn" becomes the perfect space for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and pre-reception festivities. As a videographer, I love capturing the joy and relaxation of this part of the day. Guests mingle, play lawn games, and enjoy music while the newlyweds and their bridal party take formal photos around the property.
From my perspective, this is an excellent opportunity to capture candid moments and the natural interactions between your guests. The expansive grounds and beautiful gardens provide a multitude of backdrops for these shots, ensuring a diverse and visually appealing sequence in your final wedding video.
The Elegant Ballroom
The Meadow Brook Inn's ballroom is truly a sight to behold. With a capacity of up to 165 guests, it features a crisp, neutral canvas that can be customized to suit any wedding theme or color palette. The dental molding, chandeliers, and crystal sconces add a touch of elegance, while the bay windows flood the space with natural light.
As a videographer, I appreciate how the neutral palette of the ballroom allows the couple's chosen decor and personal style to shine through. The abundance of natural light is also a huge plus, as it allows for beautiful, well-lit shots throughout the day.
The Lounge
The Lounge at Meadow Brook Inn is a versatile space that can serve multiple purposes. It's perfect for more intimate weddings of 50 guests or less, rehearsal dinners, or as an additional area for guest overflow. As a videographer, I find this space particularly useful for setting up additional equipment or for conducting intimate interviews with the couple or family members.
The Bride's Changing Room
The bridal suite at Meadow Brook Inn is a bright and tranquil space where the bridal party can relax and prepare for the big day. With its vanity, sitting area, bathroom, and plenty of mirrors, it's the perfect spot for those all-important "getting ready" shots that add depth and context to your wedding video.
Check out some of my other favorite venues in:
Newport
Providence
Warwick
Jamestown
All-Inclusive Convenience
One of the things that sets Meadow Brook Inn apart is their comprehensive wedding packages. These include all tables, chairs, china, flatware, glassware, linens, and even an event coordinator. This all-inclusive approach not only simplifies the planning process for couples but also ensures a cohesive look that translates beautifully on camera.
Dance the Night Away
The spacious dance floor, measuring 25' x 26', provides ample room for you and your guests to celebrate. As someone who's filmed countless first dances and reception parties, I can attest to the importance of a good-sized dance floor. It allows for uninhibited movement and creates opportunities for capturing those joyous, candid moments that make wedding videos so special.
Lighting and Ambiance
The neutral palette of the ballroom serves as the perfect canvas for creative lighting options. Up lighting can dramatically transform the space, while the adjustable chandeliers allow for mood setting throughout the evening. These lighting options not only enhance the ambiance of your reception but also provide fantastic opportunities for dynamic and atmospheric videography.
Culinary Delights and Libations
Custom Menus from a Scratch Kitchen
The Meadow Brook Inn takes pride in its culinary offerings. Their Executive Chef prepares all menu items from a "scratch" kitchen, ensuring fresh, high-quality dishes for your special day. As someone who's sampled many wedding menus (it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!), I can attest to the exceptional quality of the food at Meadow Brook Inn.
Flexible Bar Options
When it comes to bar service, Meadow Brook Inn offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. From full open bars to beer and wine only, or a combination of hosted and cash bar, there's a solution for every couple.
Pricing and Packages
While my job as a videographer doesn't involve the financial aspects of wedding planning, I believe it's important for couples to have a general idea of costs when considering a venue. The Meadow Brook Inn offers competitive pricing with site fees ranging from $3,000 for a Sunday to Friday non-holiday event, to $4,000 for a Saturday event. There's an additional $500 fee for on-site ceremonies.
Their all-inclusive packages range from $70 to $120 per person, offering options to suit a variety of budgets. See the average costs in Rhode Island!
A Videographer's Dream Venue
As a wedding videographer, I'm always on the lookout for venues that not only provide a beautiful setting for couples to celebrate their love but also offer the perfect canvas for creating stunning wedding films. The Meadow Brook Inn in Charlestown, RI, checks all these boxes and more.
From its picturesque secret garden and spacious lawn to its elegant ballroom and versatile additional spaces, every corner of this venue offers opportunities for capturing beautiful moments. The attention to detail, the flexibility in customization, and the professional staff all contribute to making each wedding at Meadow Brook Inn a unique and memorable event.
If you're planning your wedding and looking for a venue that combines classic New England charm with modern amenities and exceptional service, I highly recommend considering the Meadow Brook Inn. And if you do choose this wonderful venue, I'd be honored to be there to capture every magical moment of your special day.
Remember, your wedding video is more than just a recording – it's a timeless keepsake that will allow you to relive your special day for years to come. Choosing the right venue is a crucial part of ensuring that your wedding video is as beautiful and memorable as the day itself. In my professional opinion, the Meadow Brook Inn provides the perfect setting for creating those lasting memories.
