Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum offers a refined and romantic setting for weddings of timeless elegance. Set on 33 acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, the historic estate features a grand manor house, sweeping lawns, century-old specimen trees, and seven meticulously maintained gardens in continuous bloom from May through October.
Couples enjoy exclusive use of the property for a single wedding per day, ensuring privacy, tranquility, and an unforgettable guest experience.
Blithewold offers a rare combination of historic grandeur, natural beauty, and thoughtful hospitality. The perfect setting for a truly memorable celebration.
The Setting
- Great Lawn Wedding Tent: A 40’ x 100’ elegant tent with clear sides, permanent slate flooring, and specialty lighting, accommodating up to 180 guests. The tent is positioned on the 10-acre Great Lawn with sweeping bay views and spectacular sunsets.
- Historic Manor Access: Exclusive use of the mansion’s first floor during the cocktail hour.
Wedding Ceremonies
Thirty-minute wedding ceremonies may be held in the picturesque Sunken Garden.
Sunken Garden Ceremony Fee: $2,500 which includes:
- Ceremony rehearsal
- Dedicated coordinator and staff
- White garden chairs.
May – October
Reception rental fees apply to a five-hour event to be scheduled within the following time frames:
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday–Thursday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Events may be extended by 30 minutes for $995 (Friday and Saturday only). Maximum event duration is six hours, inclusive of a 30-minute ceremony.
- Fridays: $14,800
- Saturdays/Holiday Sundays (May): $13,800
- Saturdays/Holiday Sundays (June–October):$20,900
- Non-Holiday Sundays & Weekdays: $10,500
- Security Guard Required: $1,000
Unlike many venues, Blithewold is exempt from sales tax and does not charge administrative fees. At other venues, these fees can add $6,000 – $8,000 or more to your final cost.
What’s included:
- Exclusive use of the manor’s first floor and 33-acre estate
- Wedding tent with 20’ x 40’ dance floor and specialty lighting, accommodating up to 180 guests.
- Event furnishings including:
- 60-inch round tables
- High and low cocktail tables
- 8-foot banquet tables
- Chestnut Willow chairs
- Coordination of vendor deliveries and services
- On-site Event Manager and Assistant throughout the event
- Complimentary Bridal Suite available for five hours, beginning one hour priorto the event. Additional hour may be added for $500
- One-year Blithewold membership
Guest counts exceeding 180 require a tent extension (estimated $2,500).
Catering & Additional Details
- Exclusive Caterer: Blackstone Caterers (Five-Star Service), clambake and koshermenu options available upon request.
- Catering is the responsibility of the lessee.
- A 50% deposit of the reception fee is due at contract signing.
- A $1,000 security deposit is required in addition to the mandatory securityguard fee.
- Pricing and security charges are subject to change.
Please contact our Director of Special Events Melissa Avedisian by email [email protected] or 401-253.2707 x 11
Our Exclusive Catering Partners:
From gala events with 2,000 people to intimate cocktail parties in your own home, Blackstone Caterers is known for its exquisite food, spectacular presentation and unfailing service since 1945.
Recognized as the state’s “Best Catering Company” by RI Monthly and “Best Caterer” by Newport Life, Blackstone is privileged to be the perennial caterer of choice for the Newport Mansions and Rhode Island’s best parties. Thousands of banquets, balls, galas, meetings and conferences throughout Southern New England have been handled by Blackstone’s experienced team.
Whether a ballroom, boardroom or an intimate garden setting, allow Blackstone Caterers to make you the consummate host of your next event.
Contact Blithewold’s Director of Special Events, Melissa Avedisian [email protected]. For more information, please visit blackstonecaterers.com
Please contact us to request more information or feel free to call us to discuss your special day at 401.848.2030.