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Unquie Venue Recommendations for 170 People

lagk14lagk14 member
First Comment
in Rhode Island
Hello Everyone!
I am recently engaged and have been exploring possible wedding venues in the Boston & Providence area (we're willing to go 30/45mins outside) but haven't found what we're looking for.  I would love your help!  Here's a little information:

Budget: My budget for the entire wedding is $45K (including venue, food, band, photography, invitations, etc!).

Guest Count: 170 people

Wedding Date: Spring 2014

Personal Style:  We're looking for a venue with character -- no hotels or country clubs!  We're foodies so food is our number one priority for our wedding.  We're hoping to find a space that can accomodate both a ceremony and reception -- with nice indoor space for both (not a huge fan of tent weddings)!  We're looking at museums, restaurants and estates but are open to other options as well.  

We've only visited places in the Boston area so far:
1) The Beehive (great space, good food options -- out of our budget!)
2) Willowdale (beautiful estate but food is very expensive, you get very little for your money)
3) Upstairs on the Square (funky space but a little too small for our guest count)
4) Alden Castle (vintage look, great food options but ballroom seemed a little small for reception and a band)
5) deCordova (very different space but not great indoor options)

Any recommendations on venues would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

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Re: Unquie Venue Recommendations for 170 People

  • ghowlettghowlett
    Knottie Warrior 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited October 2012
    Check out the Providence Public Library.  Russell Morin is the exclusive caterer.  The only problem is that construction won't be complete until December of this year, so you'd have to wait to see it or just use your imagination based off pictures.  We're getting married there June 2013. 
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  • OceanStBrideOceanStBride
    10 Comments Second Anniversary
    Does the ceremony need to be a separate inside space from the reception area?

    Narragansett Towers - I'm biased since we had our reception there in May, but hands down it was the best decision we made. The building is so unique and historic and the views of the water are beautiful. There is not a separate space for a ceremony, although many people have their ceremony upstairs inside at the far end of the room.

    Unsure of separate ceremony spaces for the next few, but love the uniqueness of each:
    Blithwold Mansion in Bristol
    Glen Manor House in Portsmouth

    May be too far and unsure of how many people it holds, but Saltwater Farm Vineyards in CT is beautiful and I've seen amazing pictures there.

    Most venues in RI you rent the space and then bring in all of your vendors, which allows you to choose your caterer, etc. With your budget, I would recommend Russell Morins (who we used and people are still talking about the food served at our wedding) and Blackstone.

    I haven't been there for a wedding, but I think Ocean House in Watch Hill would be beyond beautiful.

    We did not look into Newport other than Easton's Beach Rotunda, but there are numerous cool, unique venues. Some popular ones include Belle Mer and Ocean Cliff.

    Hope that helps!
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  • glamorous0813glamorous0813 member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary
    Try belle merNewport ri; rosecliff mansionNewport, the state roomBoston absolutely marvelous! All of these are very unique venues but you will also pay a high price tag! You could also try Aldrich mansion in Warwick, ri! Good luck!
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  • dberrettdberrett
    100 Comments
    I second Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. Or I think Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, RI also does weddings.
    We're selling some things left from our wedding! http://weddinggoodsforsale.weebly.com/ Visit The Nest! Visit The Nest! Anniversary
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  • Molly&AndyMolly&Andy member
    Knottie Warrior 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    Check out Shining Tides in Mattapoisett, MA.  (I'm a little partial since I'm getting married there on Sunday.)  Russell Morin's is also the exclusive caterer with this venue as well.

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  • RoyalOrientRoyalOrient member
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited October 2012
    For waterfront view check out Herreshoff Marine Museum - Bristol, R.I
    For Historical charm check out Linden Place - Bristol, R.I
    - Both venues have a indoor and outdoor space for ceremony and reception

    For ocean front view
    Easton Beach Rotunda Ballroom (there's a old fashion carousel) and you can get married right on the beach - Newport, R.I
    For the unique factor
    Roger Williams Botanical Center - Providence R.I
    -  Both venues have a indoor and outdoor space option for ceremony and reception.

    A few other unique venues include Blithwold and Belle Mer but the rental rates on a Saturday are VERY HIGH. Also most of these venues depending on your guest count might require additional tent or a tent reception which I know you are not particularly fond of but definitely worth looking into these spaces.

    FOR SALE

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  • lagk14lagk14 member
    First Comment
    Thanks for all of the great recommendations! :)
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  • sparkellyysparkellyy member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary
    Check out Fall River Cultural Center in Fall River, MA. My friend had her reception here last year and it is gorgeous. I know they accommodate at least 200. They are connected with a nice restaurant next door so the food was delicious!
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  • Magdala9Magdala9 member
    1000 Comments
    I also used Russel Morin caterers at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, the largest ballroom in Rhode Island.   http://www.rhodesonthepawtuxet.com  Their coordinator, Abbie Patrain (sp?) was great to work with.  
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  • pldm69pldm69 member
    First Comment
    The Stage Door Lounge on Park Avenue in Cranston is gorgeous. It's a hidden gem in my opnion and I booked it 1 week after happening across it.

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  • anitabevandaanitabevanda
    First Comment
    Depends on what you're looking for.  I can't remember, is their a local theater you can rent out?

    Also, Narragansett Towers is really nice.
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