If you’re hoping to host your wedding in Rhode Island, then look no further than Bristol. While this is a small, seaport town that often gets overshadowed by larger cities, it overflows with interesting and ornate venues sure to please any kind of couple!
Plus, while weddings here aren’t exactly cheap — the average couple spent $28,886 on their 2021 wedding- – Rhode Island certainly gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Whether you’re looking for historic mansions, swanky rooftop venues, or even whimsical castles, Bristol has so very much to offer.
Still interested? Great! Here are 10 of the best wedding venues in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Linden Place
Constructed in 1810, Linden Place is a historic wedding venue that boasts a rich history, including the fact that it once hosted four different presidents!
Sitting on 1.8 acres, this Federal-style mansion exudes an elegant charm that makes it great for couples with sophisticated tastes.
You can start your day by posing lovingly in the arms of your partner, as you stand in front of the home’s stately columns.
When it’s time to exchange your vows, you can make use of one of four spaces, including the main property, the carriage house, a courtyard, and a ballroom.
Rental includes the exclusive use of the available spaces, tables, chairs, a wedding manager, and a wedding coordinator.
Price Range: $2,500 – $7,000.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Linden Place at Linden Place or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Space at 195 Franklin
The Space at 195 Franklin isn’t so much a wedding venue as it is a catering service, but with all that it offers, we couldn’t leave it off of this list.
Food and drinks will likely take up a significant portion of your wedding budget, so finding wedding packages that include food service, or in this case outside companies that offer affordable deals, will go a long way in cutting costs.
This award-winning restaurant was founded by two former caterers who know the value of a high-quality meal, making them the perfect establishment to snag up for your wedding reception!
Best yet, The Space at 195 Franklin already caters to some of the venues on this list; including Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum, and Linden Place.
Price Range: Contact the venue for a quote.
Capacity: Up to 50 guests.
Find The Space at 195 Franklin at 195 Franklin or check out Facebook.
Gracie’s
For most couples, it’s easier to hold the wedding ceremony and reception in the same venue. But if you’re on the hunt for a completely separate reception space, then Gracie’s may be able to accommodate your needs.
This award-winning restaurant venue offers a lounge-style space for all of your after-wedding festivities.
Here, your reception will likely be an elegant, sit-down dinner, complete with low, romantic lighting and floral centerpieces. And as a food-focused venue, you can be sure that the staff will prepare your food with all of the love and care that your wedding deserves.
The best part is that you can book Gracie’s event space or you can have them travel to a different venue and strictly cater your meal.
Price Range: $7,000 and up.
Capacity: 40 -110 guests.
Find Gracie’s at Gracie’s or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Wharf
The Wharf is perfect for those couples with their heart set on a luxurious waterfront venue. Set against the Barrington River, this elegant space offers unparalleled sunset and waterfront views.
For intimate wedding parties, you can utilize the patio which can accommodate up to 25 guests. It boasts dazzling, floor-to-ceiling windows which allow natural light to flood in and light the venue ablaze.
Mid-sized ceremonies and receptions should be held in The Sunset Room, a space that can hold up to 60 guests. It boasts a large, ornate fireplace, and offers the perfect spot to watch the glorious sunset!
The third and final venue is the Waterview Room, which holds up to 140 guests. This space sits above The Barrington River and offers unparalleled views of the water.
Rentals include access to the ceremony and reception spaces, standard wedding supplies, and staff support.
Price Range: $60 – $80 per person.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests.
Find The Wharf at The Wharf or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Skyline at Waterplace
Skyline at Waterplace is a full-service event and wedding venue that can handle every aspect of your wedding, from your rehearsal dinner to your reception. In actuality, however, your festivities start before, with a day of pampering in the bridal suite!
Most couples take advantage of the venue’s enclosed rooftop space, where they can experience the best of both worlds, to exchange their vows.
You’ll also have the option to utilize the venue’s chic terrace space to host an intimate cocktail hour.
When it’s time for your reception, you and your guests will head inside to the ballroom, a striking space that boasts romantic lighting and ornate chandeliers.
Depending on which wedding package you choose, your rental can include use of the ceremony and reception spaces, standard wedding supplies, audio and visual equipment, and in-house catering services.
Price Range: $,5,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Skyline at Waterplace at Skyline at Waterplace or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Mount Hope Farm
Mount Hope Farm is a historic venue, located in the heart of Bristol. This barn venue sits on 127 acres of lush hillside and offers several spaces to make your wedding day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
While the property abounds with natural beauty and plenty of spaces that you can sneak away to take wedding photos, there are two designated spaces for your ceremony and reception: The Barn and The Cove Cabin.
The Barn is a popular choice for a ceremony, as it features wooden tables and chairs that give the whole place a rustic feel.
Meanwhile, Cove Cabin is great for a reception space. It boasts large windows and wooden floors, as well as an additional tent you can set up outside to expand your capacity.
Depending on your wedding package, rentals can include the ceremony and reception space, standard wedding supplies, and a day-of coordinator.
Price Range: $1,500 – $5,250 for venue; $6,000 – $14,000 food minimum.
Capacity: Up to 600 guests in the tent.
Find Mount Hope Farm at Mount Hope Farm or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Herreshoff Marine Museum
If you’d like a wedding on the water to take on a new meaning, then you should consider getting married at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.
Located on Narragansett Bay, this museum celebrates the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company’s achievements within the yachting industry.
Here, your wedding will benefit from the proximity to the bay, along with the museum’s unique charm. With over 60 life-sized boards on display, this venue is filled with places to take unique wedding photos.
For your ceremony, you can wed on the waterfront, where the natural surrounding beauty can act as your decor. You can also say “I do” inside one of the event spaces.
The best part about this venue is that the museum’s niche collection will likely spark conversation among you and your guests.
Rentals include a 5-hour block of time for your reception, tables, chairs, a bridal changing room, and overnight accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
Price Range: $2,500 – $7,500.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests.
Find Herreshoff Marine Museum at Herreshoff or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Jacky’s Galaxie and Sushi Bar
If you and your partner share a love of seafood (and if you live in Rhode Island, you likely do) then Jacky’s Galaxie and Sushi Bar could be the perfect spot to host your wedding reception.
Note that this is a reception-only venue, but despite being a restaurant, this charming sushi bar offers three spaces that accommodate between 80 – 200 seated guests.
For smaller weddings, The Fireside Lounge, which can accommodate up to 80 people, is a cozy little space that features colorful carpets, wood-paneled walls, and low-hanging chandeliers.
If you want to have a larger celebration, The Crystal Ballroom has room for 200 guests and features high ceilings and plenty of space for dining and dancing.
Depending on your wedding package, rentals can include a day-of coordinator and standard wedding supplies such as tables, chairs, glassware, and catering services.
Price Range: $1,000 and up.
Capacity: 35 – 200 guests.
Find Jacky’s Galaxie and Sushi Bar at Jacky’s Galaxie or check out Facebook.
Squantum Association
The Squantum Association is a private membership club, located on the shores of The Providence River. With breathtaking waterfront views, this wedding venue is great for couples who want to hold their ceremony away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Most couples opt to bask in this venue’s natural beauty and wed outside on the lawn, along the river. Some, however, hold an intimate vow exchange on the club’s wrap-around porch.
When it’s time for your reception, you can venture inside the building’s elegant event space, which features high ceilings and crystal chandeliers.
Of course, there’s nothing quite like wedding photos taken along a celestial body of water, so make sure to carve out time to commemorate your big day!
Depending on the wedding package you choose, your rental can include exclusive access to the ceremony and reception spaces, in-house staff support, an open bar, a cocktail hour, audio/visual equipment, and bakery and floral needs.
Price Range: $185 – $205 per guests; add-ons extra.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Squantum Association at Squantum Association or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Blithewold Mansion & Arboretum
If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a venue that exudes historic charm, then look no further than Blithewold Mansion & Arboretum.
This historic landmark covers 33 acres and, despite its rich and varied history, feels tailor-made for fairytale weddings.
A truly versatile venue, this natural oasis changes with the seasons, offering up a truly unique setting to host all of your wedding activities.
Here, weddings are held in the North Garden, a scenic green space that features towering trees and gorgeous flowers. After you’ve exchanged vows, you and your guests can enjoy a quick cocktail hour and tour the gardens and grounds.
When it’s time for your reception, you’ll venture off to the Wedding Pavilion, a tented outdoor space set among the ground’s gorgeous landscaping.
Your rental can include full access to your ceremony and reception spaces, onsite staff assistance, and a bridal suite for the pre-wedding prep.
Price Range: $6,995 – $11,995.
Capacity: Up to 225 guests.
Find Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum at Blithewold or check out Facebook or Instagram.
