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help finding a small wedding venue

chesterfieldchesterfield member
10 Comments
in Rhode Island
Hi,

I got engaged last week and am starting to look for a venue.  I've searched on the boards but haven't found anything quite right.  I'm hoping someone can help! 

My fiance and I live in London.  He is British but I grew up in New England.  We're planning to have our wedding either in Rhode Island or Massachusetts (I'll post again on the MA board!).  But we'll be planning from London.

It will be a small wedding (about 40-60 people) and our guests will be coming from the US, Asia and Europe.  Most have never been to New England so I'm looking for a spot that would be a nice introduction to the area!  Other thoughts:

(1) exclusive use of the venue
(2) accommodations on-site or very close (walking distance would be ideal)
(3) a decent amount outside space with a great view (ocean?)
(4) a casual but elegant affair, perhaps a nice restaurant, where the guests could wander around and feel comfortable.  Eat when they want, dance when they want, sit and chat when they want.

Any ideas?  Thank you very much!!
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Re: help finding a small wedding venue

  • cozmo1145cozmo1145
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The Chanler on the Cliff Walk in Newport is the first thing that comes to mind based on your list.  Check it out- http://www.thechanler.com/

    I know there are some rules/restrictions that some others may be able to help you out some more with!

    Good luck!
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  • vrlc1403vrlc1403 member
    Sixth Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    The Dorrance in Providence is great. There's an upstairs with comfortable lounging areas, there's a large dance floor downstairs and a beautiful new bar.  They only do one function at a time.  It's within walking distance of several hotels.  I think it meets everything on your list, except for the ocean view.  It's in the middle of the city.  It's worth looking at though!
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  • chf08chf08
    10 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    You might want to look into Bristol Harbor Inn. It's a lovely venue (casual and elegant) and they could accomodate a wedding of your size. They offer an outdoor area, right on the water, for cocktail hour; as well a sizeable deck area for guests to mingle outside during the reception. Alternatively, you could have the entire reception held outside by the harbor. They'll dedicate a staff exclusively to your wedding and will work with your budget. I've heard nothing but good things from brides who have been married there. I, too, am looking at having a small wedding (about 50-60 guests). Many of our guests are also traveling and have never been to New England, either, so I've been looking for something similar to what you're wanting. We haven't made a final decision on our venue yet, but Bristol Harbor Inn is one of our top two contenders at the moment. Because they are an inn, accomodations are also of course available on site. Rafaela, the woman who handles weddings there, is really great, and she can e-mail you additional photos with menu information (she's currently abroad, so you could expect a several day delay from her, but in the meantime I will gladly e-mail you the information I received if you'd like).  http://www.bristolharborinn.com/ViewPage.aspx?SectionID=96  

    If you'd consider crossing the border into Connecticut, I've heard many great things about Mystic Seaport, and they can accomodate a wedding of your size, as well. The area is very nice and a number of accomodations are available nearby. Their website: http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=5176174E-65B8-D398-71E4158DB4DF905E. 
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  • chesterfieldchesterfield member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    These are awesome ideas.  Thank you very much!
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  • kirby11ackirby11ac member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Shamrock Farm Inn in Portsmouth RI. You can stay right on site, they have 6 rooms. It is an Irish country Inn that has been restored. Check out the website, shamrockfarminn.com. Otherwise Glen Manor house is right down the road, it is a beautiful mansion.
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  • Future OneFuture One member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    DO NOT go to the Dorrance as someone below says. I have already heard TERRIBLE reviews from multiple people and they are not even open yet!  They have no concern for nearly ruining peoples weddings. Consider yourself warned.


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  • greensarah1greensarah1
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm getting married at the Chanler at Cliffwalk and it sounds like a great fit for you.  It is absolutely stunning, right on the ocean and accomodates smaller weddings (we're having 50 people).  You can get married on one of their lawns and have your reception on the terrace.  There are limits on loud music after 6pm but we're planning to head to another location for drinks and dancing after dinner, so we were fine with just playing quieter music during the cocktail reception and dinner.  Let me know if you have any questions and good luck.

    Sarah
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  • DiorAddictDiorAddict member
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Castle Hill
    The Regatta 
    Belle Mer
    All in Newport, RI
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