Planning Your Dreamy New England Destination Wedding in Newport Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a breathtaking destination that offers a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable New England destination wedding. Known for its elegant mansions, stunning coastline, and charming downtown, Newport has something for every couple looking to tie the knot.

But where do you even start when planning a wedding, especially if you aren’t necessarily familiar with the Newport area? As a Newport RI wedding photographer, I will give the inside track to the best wedding venues, places to stay, things to do, and everything you need to know to plan your wedding!

Rhode Island Marriage License

To legally get married in Rhode Island, you first want to think about your marriage license. If you reside in Rhode Island, you can secure your marriage license from whichever county you reside in. However, if you do not reside in Rhode Island, you will still need to obtain a Rhode Island marriage license from the clerk’s office in the city where your wedding ceremony will take place.

The cost of a Rhode Island marriage license is $24. 

Newport RI Marriage License

To obtain a Newport RI marriage license, you first will need to make an appointment with the city of Newport. After your appointment is set, couples will need to provide certified copies of their birth certificates as well as valid government-issued photo IDs. 

If one partner has had a previous marriage, you also must provide a certified copy of a decree granting divorce or dissolution of their previous relationship. If applicable, you also may provide a certified death certificate. Licenses are valid for up to 3 months after issuance.

Ready to have the destination wedding of your life? Let’s plan your wedding of a lifetime.

Hiring Your Rhode Island Wedding Vendors

Finding the right Rhode Island wedding vendors is an essential part of having the perfect wedding. Things like the venue, caterers, and florist can make your wedding day one to remember forever. When looking for these vendors, it’s important to think about their style, experience, and offerings to be sure they are a good fit for your wedding.

After you have chosen your vendors, remember to communicate clearly with them your vision and what it is you want for your big day. One thing to consider with this is finding a good wedding planner to help arrange all the details for your wedding as well as help bring your vision to life with all of your vendors.

Wedding Venues in Newport RI

There are a wide variety of wedding venues in Newport to choose from. Some of the typic venues from elegant mansions to rustic farms while others may elect for a simple wedding on the beach. Whichever may be your preference, here are a few of my favorites to help you narrow down your selections.

Newport Vineyards

Address: 909 E Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 848-5161

At Newport Vineyards, you can experience a touch of Napa on your wedding day just a few minutes outside of the city. This family-owned venue has a beautiful ceremony site with views of meadows as well as the vineyard. The Meadow Room reception area is a rustic-style ballroom with tons of exposed wood, chandeliers, and room for up to 150 guests.

Newport Marriott

Address: 25 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 849-1000

In the heart of historic Newport is the hotel wedding venue Newport Marriott. This venue provides a grand ballroom, a large atrium, an outdoor terrace, as well as a harbor access for stunning photos looking over the water. The versatility of the space allows for weddings of all sizes with a capacity of up to 600 guests.

Queen Anne’s Loft

Address: 212 Thames St F3, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 524-0286

This Victorian loft, constructed in the 1800s, is a historic and versatile wedding venue in the heart of Newport. Queen Anne’s Loft is an open-concept and versatile space with room for up to 90 seated guests.

Hotel Viking Newport

Address: 1 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 847-3300

Nestled on the top of Historic Hill is the Hotel Viking Newport wedding venue. The historic Kay Chapel, built in 1859, as well as the Thamses I and II offer historic and private weddings for up to 200 people. Other benefits to this venue include the use of the spa, Top of Newport Kitchen & Bar, One Bellevue restaurant, as well as room blocks for you and your guests.

Villa 120 at Hamilton Hoppin House

Address: 120 Miantonomi Ave, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 474-2896

For those looking to tie the know in one of the Newport area mansions, Villa 120 at Hamilton Hoppin House is a beautiful mansion with stunning views. Guests can enjoy the open-air terrace, grand interior rooms, and sprawling greenspace in this restored bed and breakfast estate. 

Hiring Your Newport Rhode Island Wedding Photographer

As a Newport RI wedding photographer, and a recent bride myself, I understand how hectic the wedding day can be. I have also learned the importance of having your memories captured so they can live on for years to come. 

Having an experienced photographer allows for those unexpected, intimate moments of your wedding day not only to be captured but also preserved for years to come. Preserving those timeless moments can take a lot of time, energy, and effort. Let me take that pressure off your back; I’ve got you covered!

Your wedding day only happens once.
enjoy the moment knowing your memories are captured.

Airports in Rhode Island

There is one major airport located in the state of Rhode Island. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, commonly known as Providence Airport is located in Warwick, Rhode island about a half hour outside of Newport. This airport provides both domestic and international flights through numerous different airlines. 

Car Rental Newport RI

For guests planning to explore and enjoy Newport, you may want to consider renting a vehicle for your trip. Guests can choose from traditional car rental companies, or spice it up with a cool classic car from local renters.

Avis Middletown RI

Just a few miles north of downtown is Avis Middletown RI. Avis provides a wide range of vehicles from economy, full-size, premium, and more. They also have a location inside Providence Airport.

Enterprise Middletown RI

Enterprise Middletown RI is the closest conventional car rental company to downtown Newport. This company offers numerous vehicles to choose from and also has a location inside the airport. They also offer pickup services as well as after-hours drop-off.

Turo Rhode Island

An unconventional way to get around Newport is by renting a vehicle through Turo. Turo is kind of like an Airbnb but for renting cars! Instead of dealing with rental companies, they allow you to rent people’s vehicles allowing for much more flexibility on your trip and not as many hoops to jump through.

Newport Classic Cars

Newport offers another unique way to rent a vehicle through Newport Classic Cars. This company allows you to rent exotic and vintage vehicles right in the heart of downtown Newport. They also will rent vehicles specifically for weddings to give your guests a bit of a vintage surprise. This company also provides tours around the city to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the area.

Best Hotels in Newport RI

Castle Hill Inn Newport

Address: 590 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (888) 466-1355

Sitting on the half-mile of shorelines with over 40 acres of land is the Castle Hill Inn Newport. They have multiple accommodations available including beach houses as well as an elegant mansion. The hotel also features a spa, multiple restaurants, as well as weddings on its property.

Forty 1° North Newport

Address: 351 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 846-8018

Forty 1° North Newport is a LEED-certified hotel sitting along Newport Harbor and a marina. They feature a variety of rooms and suites with stunning views overlooking the harbor. They also have lots, cottages, and on-site restaurants and bars.

Francis Malbone House

Address: 392 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 846-0392

The historic Francis Malbone House is Newport’s only 5-star diamond award-winning bed and breakfast. They offer cozy suites and rooms with a mix of old-style historic charm with a touch of modern. They also offer a special romance package for couples that includes dinner, roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, and wine. 

The Brenton Hotel

Address: 31 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 849-3100

Opened in the summer of 2020, The Brenton Hotel is one of Newport’s newer boutique hotels. Their spacious guest rooms are modern and elegant with some offering amazing views over the water. They also have multiple dining options and a rooftop bar overlooking Newport.

Newport Beach Hotel & Suites

Address: 1 Wave Ave, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 846-0310

This beachfront hotel sits along the shores of Aquidneck Island. Newport Beach Hotel & Suites is a historic hotel offering panoramic views of the water. They also offer multiple dining options, a spa, a pool, and a fitness center.

time is precious. soak in every moment, and make sure you have memories to last a lifetime.

Things to do in Newport Rhode Island

A wedding day is an unforgettable moment in the lives of a couple, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Not only is Newport home to amazing wedding venues, but it also is home to some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, amazing architecture, and cozy downtown streets to explore. So if you’re looking for things to do in Newport Rhode Island during your wedding celebration, I’ve got you covered!

Newport Rhode Island Mansions

Newport is renowned for its stunning historical mansions in and around the city. The Preservation Society of Newport County manages and preserves these properties as well as offers tours that transport visitors back into the Gilded Age. Many of these elegant mansions can also be rented for private events and weddings.

Newport Trolley Tours

There are a variety of trolleys that operate within the city of Newport. This is a great way to not only view some of the best options in Newport, but also learn a bit about the history and stories that accompany them. Some of the more popular touring companies, such as Viking Tours and the Newport Travel Trolley Tours gives guest the option to visit mansions, drive along the ocean, or even make a grand entrance on your wedding day by riding in on the trolley.

Sunset Cruise Newport RI

A sunset cruise is a great way to share in a little romance on your visit to Newport. There are numerous companies that allow you to venture out onto the water and take in a stunning sunset. Some companies also offer additional features such as champagne, a fireworks display, and more.

Visit Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is a nearly 10-mile scenic drive winding travelers along the coast. Tne miles may seem like a fairly quick trip, but this can easily turn into an all-day event. Throughout the drive, there are so many opportunities to stop and take in the scenery and history including mansions, state parks, yacht clubs, and more.

Newport Museum

Throughout Newport, there are numerous museums to stop by and enjoy the art, history, and decor. Newport is home to an art museum, a car museum, and a sailing museum. Each of these provides a different environment to enjoy a leisurely day taking in the sights. 

With so many things to do, it’s hard to pick the best one.
Whichever you choose, make sure your memories are documented.

Weather in Newport RI

Weather in Newport RI can change drastically between seasons. Summers in Newport are warm and humid and perfect for beach weather. However, winters tend to see colder temperatures with snowfall possible from the months of September through March.

Newport RI Weather in January

Average high of 38° and low of 26°. 33% chance of snow

Newport RI Weather in February

Average high of 39° and low of 26°. 36% chance of snow

Newport RI Weather in March

Average high of 44° and low of 32°. 32% chance of snow

Newport RI Weather in April

Average high of 54° and low of 40°. 38% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in May

Average high of 64° and low of 50°. 34% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in June

Average high of 72° and low of 59°. 32% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in July

Average high of 80° and low of 68°. 28% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in August

Average high of 80° and low of 67°. 24% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in September

Average high of 74° and low of 61°. 25% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in October

Average high of 64° and low of 52°. 34% chance of rain

Newport RI Weather in November

Average high of 53° and low of 40°. 30% chance of snow

Newport RI Weather in December

Average high of 44° and low of 33°. 38% chance of snow

FAQ About Rhode Island Weddings

What is the average cost of a wedding in Rhode Island?

In 2022 the average cost of a wedding in Rhode Island was $31,862. However, this number can vary depending on the city, vendors, number of guests, and other various factors.

Can you get married on the beach in Newport RI?

Absolutely. You can get married on the beach at one of the local venues with a beachfront ceremony location, or on a state beach by securing a permit through the city.

What is the best month to get married in Newport RI?

The best month to get married in Newport is typically in April (late spring) or October (early fall). During this time you’re going to get the most ideal temperatures while avoiding the summer beachgoing crowds. The winter time is typically an off-peak time where, if you like the cold, you can get a better deal with things like a hotel or venue.


You deserve to be in the moment on your wedding day.
Just be present and let me handle capturing every minute.

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