by Bonnie Pacheco
Hosting a wedding ceremony at Rhode Island State Parks is an enchanting way to celebrate your special day surrounded by nature’s splendor. With a variety of beautiful parks scattered throughout the Ocean State, you can find the perfect backdrop for your ceremony at an affordable price. From lush forests to scenic beachfront vistas, these parks offer unique venues for your Rhode Island elopement or micro-wedding.
Why Choose Rhode Island State Parks for Your Wedding?
A ceremony at a Rhode Island State Park keeps things simple. To start with the basics, there are bathrooms and parking lots. We are also very lucky to have absolutely stunning state parks, with lots of options for hosting affordable events. Once you’ve chosen a location, check the park’s regulations regarding permits and reservations, as many parks require permits for events.
Affordable Locations for Your Wedding Day
One of the primary benefits of hosting a wedding ceremony at Rhode Island State parks is the cost-effectiveness. Unlike many traditional venues, state parks often have lower rental fees, allowing couples to save money. Additionally, natural settings can lessen the need for elaborate decorations, as the scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop.
New England Ceremonies has created this guide to a ceremony at Rhode Island State parks, with pricing and reservation information. Contact us when you’re ready to reserve New England Ceremonies as your officiant!
Rhode Island State Parks Events & Rentals Details
Beavertail State Park – Jamestown, RI
LOCATION: Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835
Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island offers some of the most beautiful vistas along the New England coastline.
To reserve space or for information on hosting a large gathering or special event, call the Beavertail State Park Office at 401-884-2010. It’s very easy to do a micro wedding or elopement here, we just show up.
Brenton Point State Park – Newport, RI
LOCATION: Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840
Situated at the tip of Ocean Drive with breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and waves crashing on the rocks, Brenton Point State Park is a beautiful, if windy, spot for your ceremony. Pop-ups work here, reservations not required.
- Contact the individual Park Office at 401-847-6740
- Pet-Friendly
- Restroom Facilities (May 1 to October 31)
Colt State Park – Bristol, RI
LOCATION: Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809
Often referred to as the ‘Gem’ of the State Parks System, Colt State Park offers an open panorama onto Narragansett Bay.
- Colt’s “Chapel by the Sea” offers an intimate location for wedding vows and ceremonies.
- “Chapel by the Sea” rental fees: $50 for 3 hours, $100 for 6 hours
- You can reserve picnic sites with 3 or 4 picnic tables, many with a view of the ocean. A limited number of larger sites have up to 15 tables, and some picnic sites also include shelters.
- What’s Available: 51 multi-table picnic sites, 3 covered shelters, 1 ceremonial chapel area
- Reservations and rental fees are required to use pavilions, shelters, gazebos, Chapel by the Sea, designated fields, and picnic tables from the 2nd Saturday in April to October 31, annually.
- Outside of these reservation periods, all areas become first come/ first serve with no rental fee required.
- Regardless of the time of year, you will need to contact the Colt State Park Office at 401-253-7482 or visit in-person to make a reservation.
Fort Adams State Park – Newport, RI
Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay.
- Space won’t be an issue when planning your wedding here at Fort Adams. With several locations available you can customize your day based on your vision. Whether you opt to rent one space, multiple spaces or even all of them you are sure to get one-of-a-kind views.
- Parade Field & North Casemates, North Lawn, West Lawn
- Contact fortadams.org for reservations and pricing
- Pet-Friendly
- Restroom Facilities
Eisenhower House at Fort Adams State Park – Newport, RI
One of the best hidden gems in Rhode Island. Get married in a gorgeous, 1873 mansion with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Eisenhower House Rates for under 100:
| 1-50 | Friday: $3,500 | Saturday: $4,500 | Sunday: $3,500 |
| 51-100 | Friday: $4,500 | Saturday: $5,500 | Sunday: $4,500 |
HOT TIP: For just your ceremony, Monday through Thursday day use starts at $250/hour! Yes, an hour is more than enough time!
For Eisenhower House reservations, contact Events Coordinator:
Mallory Rennick (401) 847-6740
Mule Barn at Fort Adams State Park
This is a building located very close to the water near Sail Newport. I don’t know anything about it currently except you can rent it for $300 per day. Contact Regional Manager Bruce Thompson, (401) 847-2400
Fort Wetherill State Park – Jamestown, RI
Situated upon 100 foot high granite cliffs Fort Wetherill State Park, known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill has been a popular sight for viewing the numerous Tall Ship Events and America’s Cup Races. It is also close to my heart because it is home to Moonrise Kingdom. 🙂
- Pet-Friendly
- Restroom Facilities (May 1 to October 31)
Goddard Memorial State Park – Warwick, RI
LOCATION: 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI
Goddard Memorial State Park offers a beautiful natural environment with spacious lawns, fields, and forested areas with a variety of trees from all over the world.
- Goddard Park rental map and pricing
- What’s Available: 156 multi-table and single picnic sites, 4 covered shelters including the Carousel Shelter, 11 fields
- For reservations, please contact: (401) 884-2010, Ext. 1
- Reservations accepted on the first business day of the year for the upcoming season.
- Reservations required from April 1st to October 31st
- Pet-Friendly
- Restroom Facilities
Carousel Performing Arts Center at Goddard Park
- Carousel reservations accepted one year in advance of the requested date.
- Carousel $350.00 per day
- Banquet Tables- 20 round tables available (60 inch diameter), 5 rectangular tables available (6 feet long) – $10.00 per table
- (401) 738-2019
Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area – Chepachet, RI
LOCATION: 151 Pulaski Road, Chepachet, RI 02814
Located within the 4000 acre George Washington Management Area, the 100 acre Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area offers a beautiful opportunity for a wooded wedding outdoors, with a 13 acre pond and 10 miles of groomed trails.
- Contact the District Manager (401) 723-7892
- What’s Available: 2 covered shelters.
- Reservations are required from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to October 31
- Reserve Online