Planning a Dream Wedding at Belle Mer in Newport: A Comprehensive Guide
June 8, 2021
Newport, Rhode Island, with its stunning coastal views, rich history, and charming venues, is the perfect destination for a sophisticated and romantic wedding. Among the city’s most sought-after wedding venues is Belle Mer, a breathtaking contemporary waterfront estate that combines elegance with modern luxury. If you’re considering a Belle Mer wedding, here’s everything you need to know to plan your dream celebration at this iconic venue.
Belle Mer, a Longwood venue is famous for its sweeping ocean views, with it’s seven acres of manicured lawns overlooking Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge and multiple event spaces it is easy to see why Belle Mer is one of Rhode Island’s most popular wedding venues.
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Why Choose Belle Mer for Your Newport Wedding?
Belle Mer offers the best of both worlds: the natural beauty of Newport’s coastline and the luxurious amenities of a high-end wedding venue. Whether you’re drawn to the expansive views of Narragansett Bay or the sleek, contemporary design of the event spaces, Belle Mer offers a versatile backdrop for any style of wedding. The venue is known for its impeccable service, stunning photo opportunities, and the ability to host both intimate and large-scale weddings with ease.
1. Choose the Perfect Space for Your Celebration
Belle Mer offers several unique spaces to fit your wedding’s style and guest count:
- The Water Salon: A more intimate space with the same incredible waterfront views, this venue is perfect for smaller weddings or rehearsal dinners. It provides a cozy yet elegant atmosphere for couples who want something more intimate.
- The Island House: This sophisticated space allows you to take advantage of the venue’s coastal location while maintaining a refined, indoor ambiance. It works well for both ceremonies and receptions, offering ample room for your guests to enjoy the festivities.
Each space at Belle Mer is designed to highlight the stunning views and create a seamless flow for your celebration, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to say “I do.”
Event Spaces
Belle Mer offers four unique event spaces… the Ocean Lawn, the Water Salon, the Island House and the Island Loft. Offering indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception locations.
The Water Salon
Belle Mer’s premier event space of 16,781 Square Feet with a capacity of up to 300 guests indoors for Dinner + Dancing.
The Water Salon is the largest un-tented, four-season event space in Newport, with retractable glass Nana walls that offer panoramic views of the bay.
The interior is decorated in a sophisticated shade of white, leaving room for each wedding to bring its own unique color pallets and design. Above the dark hardwood floors hang several crystal chandeliers. At opposite ends of the room stand a staircase, perfect for a large floral installation, and a beautiful fireplace.
Ocean Lawn
The Ocean Lawn features crushed oyster shell paths leading to a fire pit and the sea wall overlooking the ocean. The ceremony circle is the perfect setting for a romantic waterfront wedding ceremony. The Ocean Lawn can accommodate up to 1000 guests for a garden style reception and up to 300 guests for a waterfront ceremony.
The Island House
Belle Mer’s second event space, the Island House, is perfect for more intimate gatherings offers a refined style but slightly more relaxed + classic aesthetic. With opposing light and dark tones inside there is a classic New England feel to the ballroom overlooking the Newport Bridge. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the bay and the perfectly manicured grounds.
The gardens and outdoor ceremony space feature crushed oyster shell paths, flowering plants, Vanderbilt light posts and dual water fountains.
The Island House Loft
Sitting on the second floor of the Island House, the loft offers a private space perfect for getting ready, indoor portraits or even a VIP lounge.
2. Consider Your Wedding Style
Belle Mer’s neutral, contemporary décor provides the perfect blank canvas to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning a chic, modern celebration or a more traditional event, the venue’s flexibility allows for customization that suits any theme.
- Classic Elegance: Embrace Belle Mer’s sleek design with sophisticated floral arrangements, classic white linens, and a formal black-tie dress code. The venue’s waterfront views and natural light will elevate your elegant style even further.
- Coastal Charm: Incorporate subtle nautical elements into your décor, such as driftwood centerpieces, seashell accents, and soft blue and white color schemes, to celebrate Belle Mer’s seaside location.
- Boho Luxe: If you’re after a more relaxed, bohemian vibe, Belle Mer can effortlessly accommodate that, too. Think flowing fabrics, earthy tones, lush greenery, and relaxed seating arrangements.
No matter your style, Belle Mer’s stunning setting will complement your wedding vision perfectly.
3. Make the Most of the Waterfront Location
One of Belle Mer’s most captivating features is its location right on the water. Take full advantage of this by planning outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and photo sessions.
- Outdoor Ceremony: Say your vows with the sparkling water as your backdrop. The outdoor ceremony space at Belle Mer is ideal for couples who want to embrace the natural beauty of Newport.
- Sunset Photos: Newport sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the country, and Belle Mer offers a prime location for capturing stunning photos. Schedule your portrait session during the golden hour to get the best lighting and breathtaking views.
- Cocktail Hour by the Water: After the ceremony, your guests can enjoy cocktails on Belle Mer’s outdoor terrace with the serene water view. It’s the perfect way to transition from the ceremony to the reception while enjoying the scenery.
4. Plan for Seamless Guest Experiences
Belle Mer is known for its exceptional service, ensuring every detail is taken care of. From the moment your guests arrive to the final send-off, the team at Belle Mer will work with you to ensure your wedding day is flawless.
- Parking and Accessibility: Belle Mer offers ample parking, so your guests will have no trouble arriving. Additionally, the venue is accessible to all guests, including those with mobility challenges.
- Catering and Cuisine: Belle Mer’s in-house catering team is committed to serving delicious, locally sourced dishes. Whether you opt for plated dinners, buffets, or food stations, the culinary team will ensure your guests enjoy a memorable meal.
The Longwood Culinary Arts team brings to life exquisite flavors through their in-house catering. Working with local farmers, growers and artisan producers, Longwood Culinary Arts offers a unique culinary experience like no other. Looking to make a statement with signature cocktails or a specialty bar? Check out their full service bar.
View their menus here:
5. Planning a Full Weekend of Festivities in Newport
When planning your wedding weekend, the opportunities in Newport are endless. Newport is rich in history and New England charm. From touring the famous Mansions to embarking on a sunset cruise, there is much for your guests to see and do while visiting Newport. For couples who want to extend the wedding fun and create an unforgettable experience for their guests, there are plenty of activities and events to enjoy in this charming coastal town. Here’s how you can plan a weekend of festivities around your Belle Mer wedding.
Welcome Party or Rehearsal Dinner
Kick off the weekend with a casual, laid-back welcome party or rehearsal dinner at one of Newport’s scenic venues. Whether you want to host a cozy cocktail reception with local oysters and cocktails or a more formal dinner, Newport has a variety of restaurants and venues with a fantastic atmosphere. Here are just a few…
- The Mooring: Known for its stunning waterfront views, The Mooring is a great option for a relaxed welcome dinner with local seafood and a laid-back vibe.
- The Landing Newport: For a charming and intimate rehearsal dinner, The Landing in Newport is a fantastic choice. Located right on the water, this restaurant offers stunning harbor views and a cozy, nautical atmosphere that perfectly reflects the coastal charm of Newport.
- 41 North Newport: For an elegant and sophisticated rehearsal dinner, 41 North offers a luxurious waterfront setting in the heart of Newport. This upscale venue combines sleek, contemporary design with stunning views of the harbor, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
- Castle Hill Inn: dreaming up an Alfresco affair, this is the perfect setting!
- International Tennis Hall of Fame: For a unique and memorable setting, consider hosting your rehearsal dinner or welcome party at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.
- OceanCliff Newport: Located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Narragansett Bay, OceanCliff offers a charming blend of historic elegance and coastal beauty.
- Schooner Aurora: Sail away under the open sky on the beautiful Schooner Aurora, a stunning 101-foot classic vessel that captures the essence of the Tall Ships Era.
- Midtown Oyster Bar: For a lively and delicious rehearsal dinner, Midtown Oyster Bar in the heart of Newport offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh, local seafood.
Explore Newport’s Historic Sights and Beaches
Give your guests the chance to experience all that Newport has to offer with a some free time on the days leading up to your wedding. Newport is a treasure trove of history, beauty, and coastal charm. Whether your guests choose to visit one of Newports award winning vineyards or enjoy a famous Kilwin’s Ice cream while browsing the shopping scenes downtown, they are sure to find the charm of Newport delightful. and there’s no shortage of things to do.
- The Cliff Walk: For couples who love a good walk and spectacular views, the Cliff Walk offers a scenic route along the coastline with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Newport’s famous mansions.
- Tour the Mansions: Newport is home to several historic mansions that are open to the public for tours. The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff are just a few of the grand estates that offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age. A private tour or even a group outing could be a fun activity for out-of-town guests.
- Beach Day at Easton’s Beach: Enjoy some downtime by visiting one of Newport’s beaches. Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, is a great spot to relax by the ocean, rent bikes, or simply stroll the boardwalk.
Wedding Day Brunch or Post-Wedding Brunch
After the wedding, host a relaxed post-wedding brunch at one of Newport’s popular spots. This is a perfect opportunity for guests to gather and share stories from the day before while enjoying a delicious meal. Check out these unique settings for your farewell brunch.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour
Newport’s harbor is a must-see, and what better way to experience it than by boat? Consider booking a private boat charter for your guests to explore the beauty of the coastline. You can enjoy a relaxing sail or even arrange a sunset cruise to enjoy the peaceful views of the bay.
- Classic Cruise: These luxurious vessels offer private tours around the harbor, ideal for a small group of guests or as a fun pre-wedding activity.
- Sailing Excursions: Newport is known for its sailing culture, and booking a sailing excursion for a select group of friends or family can be a special way to explore the water before the big day.
- Schooner Aurora: Sail away under the open sky on the beautiful Schooner Aurora, a stunning 101-foot classic vessel that captures the essence of the Tall Ships Era.
- Gansett Cruises: offers a unique way to experience Newport’s stunning coastline. With a variety of scenic boat tours, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic mansions, historic lighthouses, and picturesque harbors.
- Coastal Queen Cruises: Aboard the elegant, 1920s-style yacht, guests are treated to scenic tours showcasing the area’s rich maritime history, stunning waterfront estates, and charming lighthouses.
Light Hearted Entertainment
End your Newport wedding weekend with some fun entertainment options to keep the celebration going.
Sunset at Castle Hill Lighthouse: For a more serene end to the weekend, take your guests to Castle Hill Lighthouse for a sunset viewing. The lighthouse offers a beautiful spot to reflect on the weekend and wrap up the festivities with your closest friends and family.
Live Music or DJ: Many venues and bars in Newport offer live music, perfect for a laid-back night out after your wedding. Consider heading to places like the Reef or The Newport Blues Café for some lively tunes.
6. Create Unforgettable Memories
One of the greatest advantages of having your wedding at Belle Mer is the stunning photo opportunities. From the grand interiors to the sparkling waterfront, every corner of the venue offers an opportunity to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to:
- Schedule a First Look: If you’re planning a first look, Belle Mer’s picturesque surroundings provide a perfect setting for this intimate moment before the ceremony.
- Take Advantage of the Scenery: With so many scenic spots on the property, you’ll have no shortage of backdrops for your wedding photos. The water, the architecture, and the surrounding nature all provide stunning and timeless images.
Nighttime Shots: After the sun sets, the venue’s lighting and the bay’s reflections create a romantic and magical atmosphere for nighttime photos.
Things to keep in mind when planning your Belle Mer Wedding
Belle Mer is one of Newports most popular venues, if you have a date in mind you should reach out early to confirm availability. Once you have your venue secured, consider where you and your guests will be staying. Newport hosts several festivals and events throughout the busier season, room blocks can fill up rather quickly. Consider securing room blocks early.
Contact Information
Address: 2 Goat Island Rd, Newport, RI 02840
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