The Newport, Rhode Island, mansions are an incredible sight to see. One of my favorites in particular is Rosecliff. I love it for its architecture, history, and, of course, the breathtaking ocean views! So I thought it would be helpful to put together a guide for everything you need to know about hosting your Rosecliff mansion wedding.
As a New England wedding photographer, I love helping my couples with ideas to bring their visions to life, so if a Newport mansion wedding is your vibe, this post is for you!
The History of The Newport Rosecliff Mansion
If you’ve never done the cliff walk or viewed any of the mansions in Newport, you must make the trip. There is so much history among those mansions!
Rosecliff’s architecture is so stately and grand, with gorgeous arched windows spanning the length of the building. It was completed in 1902 for the silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. The design was modeled after the Grand Trianon, which was the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, by architect Stanford White.
Specifically designed to host impressive celebrations for the original owners, Roseclif has since hosted some incredible parties. Including hosting Harry Houdini! It has also been featured in a number of Hollywood films, including The Great Gatsby, True Lies, and 27 Dresses.
The Grounds
The mansion itself is stunning, but the grounds and views are definitely a close second! It’s situated right on the cliffs, with a giant lawn leading to the gorgeous ocean view. The property also boasts beautiful manicured gardens throughout.
There are endless opportunities for dreamy photo backdrops everywhere you turn!
Rosecliff Mansion Wedding Details
As you’re considering planning your wedding at Rosecliff, here are some important details you’ll want to know:
Guest Count
The ballroom at Rosecliff was built to entertain and can hold up to 160 guests. This makes it a great option for medium to large-sized weddings.
Ceremony Locations
You will be able to choose between an outdoor ceremony on the lawn overlooking the water or an indoor ceremony inside the salon. Both are incredibly beautiful settings for this special moment of your day!
Catering
The venue has a list of preferred caterers for you to choose from, making your dining selection so easy.
Parking
Another benefit to hosting your wedding at Rosecliff is that they offer complimentary parking. This makes sorting out some of your logistics a little easier, which can be tricky with other coastal wedding venues in New England.
And lastly, the venue only books one wedding per evening, so you’ll have exclusive access to the property during your celebration!
[Looking for more venue ideas? You might love The Top 10 Coastal Venues in New England, or 12 Gorgeous Mansion Venues.]
Why I Love Photographing Rosecliff Mansion Weddings
There are lots of gorgeous estate-style wedding venues in New England to choose from, but there are some reasons why I’m particularly drawn to photographing at Rosecliff.
The Lighting
As a photographer, I’m always scouting out the lighting at your venue. And at Rosecliff, the lighting is absolutely gorgeous! There is something special about oceanfront lighting, it’s so unique and beautiful.
The direct sun in combination with the reflective ocean is bright and breathtaking. And in contrast, once the sun has turned, the soft light on either side of the estate is elegant and dreamy. It’s stunning in any weather and at every point during the day!
It’s the Perfect Backdrop for Your Story
I take a documentary-style approach to photographing your wedding, so the details at a wedding venue always catch my attention. They’re the backdrop to your story. And the setting at Rosecliff provides endless opportunity to tell the narrative of your day.
This property was built to host incredible gatherings, and every corner holds a scene that is just waiting to be captured with you and your guests. It really encourages artful documentation.
The Historic Architecture
I have a deep love for stately architecture and the Gilded Age. I love imagining the lavish parties that once took place on the property!
The white exterior of the mansion is incredibly striking. The windows and glass doors add so much charm and character, and the columns and statues throughout are so interesting and ornate. And the interior is captivating as well! All of the historic architectural elements complement each other and create a pristine backdrop for your day.
New England Wedding Photographer
Hopefully this post has given you lots of helpful information to plan your Rosecliff wedding! If you are still searching for your photographer as well, I would love to hear from you.
While I’m based in Boston, I love capturing weddings all throughout New England, and I particularly love Newport. Reach out to me through my contact form, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision for your day!
