So many choices! We're still searching for that perfect location. It seems like every venue has things we love and things we hate. Then - there's always the difference in opinion between the bride and groom, which is difficult to overcome since opinions aren't rational, so there's no way to convince the other that one opinion is better. I would love to get married in a big city because there are so many more options for accommodations and things to do. These are my top choices:
1. Boston Public Library
Gorgeous building right in the
middle of Boston. There are 3 absolutely gorgeous churches and maybe 5 hotels within walking distance, so we wouldn't have to consider the logistics of transportation. (I personally think limos are tacky.) Pros of the venue:
a. Beautiful, historic building (c. 1895)
b. Love the balcony overlooking the Popular Reading Room
c. Only one event per evening
d. Gorgeous courtyard for cocktail reception
e. Location - within walking distance of hotels & churches
f. Lots of options for rehearsal dinner and possible post-wedding partying
Cons:
a. Price - catering starts at $169 per person & probably does not include beer&wine
b. Adam does not like the idea of getting married in downtown Boston because of transportation issues and tourists
2. Biltmore Providence
The Biltmore Providence is right in downtown Providence across the street from a cute little park and within walking distance of some really pretty sites in Providence. Pros:
a. Another beautiful, historic building (c. 1922)
b. Price is right
c. Location
d. Since the hotel handles everything - there would be only one person to deal with when it comes to venue, catering, etc.
Cons:
a. There aren't a lot of church options in Providence. The most beautiful church is the Unitarian Church near Brown.
b. Adam would prefer not to get married in a hotel.
c. Possible >1 events at a time? Need to find out for sure.
d. Lots of options for rehearsal dinner and possible post-wedding partying
3. Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts
Gibbet hill is a lovely location in
rural Massachusetts. Groton is a cute little town maybe an hour away from Boston. A barn on top of this Gibbett hill provides a very scenic, rustic location for a wedding reception. Pros:
a. Unique location and setting
b. Price is right
Cons:
a. Rental cars are absolutely necessary
b. Not a lot of church options
c. Not a lot of hotel options
d. Not a lot of options for rehearsal dinner or post-wedding partying
e. Driving through the backwoods late at night is not fun (after the wedding is over)
4. Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island
When we first started looking, the Tennis Hall of Fame was our top choice to check out first. I thought I would absolutely love it, but unfortunately my expectations were too high and I was disappointed. The horseshoe piazza is beautiful, but it would split up the wedding basically into two halves. Also, the piazza is open to the weather, so having a May wedding would be iffy for all of my southern family who may be chilled if we get some cool spring weather. Pros:
a. Beautiful Newport location -
just down the street from the mansions.
b. Price is right
c. Fun tennis court to play on
d. Some great church options in Newport
e. Lots of hotel options in Newport - can even be considered a 'destination' wedding
f. Lots of options for rehearsal dinner and possible post-wedding partying
Cons:
a. Rental cars are absolutely necessary
b. Not indoors
c. Piazza splits up the wedding into two halves
5. The Towers in Narragansett, Rhode Island
The Towers overlook the Atlantic Ocean - absolutely gorgeous venue and and view. However, it does seem to be colder at this location - the breeze off of the ocean has been really chilly every time we've visited. Pros:
a. Beautiful building and location.
Cons:
a. Rental cars are absolutely necessary
b. Not a lot of church options nearby
c. Not a lot of hotel options nearby
d. Not a lot of options for rehearsal dinner or post-wedding partying
e. Can not get a hold of the contact person - methinks this a bad sign.
Some other locations we're considering:
1. Newport Beach Club (looks a little clubby)
2. Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum (not a big fan of the tented reception)
3. The Meeting House in Tiverton, Rhode Island (very rustic)
4. Greenvale Vineyard (again - not a big fan of tents)
5. Whispering Pines in West Greenwich, Rhode Island
Places we love, but are a no-go
1. Chanler House on Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island (too small)
2. Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island (too small)
3. Astor's Beechwood Mansion (stopped doing weddings :( )
The park also contains a little bandstand (left), which could be used for the ceremony. However, we found that it did not appear to be that well-maintained. With a little cleaning, it would be a gorgeous location for a ceremony - right on the water behind the Casino.
