Aldrich Mansion captures old-world romance in a way few other venues can. Nestled near the banks of Narragansett Bay, this French-inspired estate combines jaw-dropping backdrops with top-of-the-line accommodations for a celebration that is nothing short of luxurious. As a Rhode Island wedding photographer, I recently got to go behind the scenes and capture it in all of its glory. Here is everything you need to know about planning an Aldrich Mansion wedding!
About The Aldrich Mansion Wedding Venue
836 Warwick Neck Ave, Warwick, Rhode Island 02889
Aldrich Mansion is a sprawling estate wedding venue that dates back to 1896, when Senator Nelson W. Aldrich ordered the construction of the home. A man born into poverty, Aldrich spared no expense crafting the lavish home plucked straight from his childhood dreams. The grounds held their first wedding when his daughter, Abby, married John D. Rockefeller Jr. (yes, that Rockefeller) on October 9, 1901. In 1946, the family sold the house to Our Lady of Providence Seminary, where it served as a school until the 1960s. Since then, the house has become a bit of a legend, starring in films and television shows. And now, it’s ready to help you write the next chapter of your own love story!
Details of the Grounds
With Aldrich Mansion, everything you could want for your wedding day lies just beyond the doors. Your day will start out inside the Bridal Suite two hours before your ceremony. This divine space features blush pink walls, a marble fireplace, and white crown molding. It will be the best spot to capture candid pictures alongside your bridal party!
The venue does have a few rules when it comes to your ceremony. They are still technically owned by a Catholic parish, and they continue to adhere to the theology. They will only allow you to exchange your vows inside the chapel, and it must be a Catholic ceremony. If you fall into these guidelines, you will have a wedding space with gothic-style architecture, including wooden pews and stained glass windows. You will be able to hold up to 250 guests as you exchange your vows in front of the apse. Once you have your ring on your finger, your guests can head outside and enjoy a cocktail hour outside on the balcony overlooking the water.
The venue allows people of all religions to host a reception inside the mansion itself. With this option, you are going to have a stately backdrop ready for hours of partying! The first level has neighboring rooms where your guests can enjoy a curated meal. From bright yellow parlors to wood-warped dining rooms, the decor will take your party back through the pages of history! Following your meal, you can head into the lobby, where you can dance beneath the stone archways. The mansion is able to host up to 230 guests for your reception.
Photography Opportunities
As a wedding photographer who adores lively and romantic settings, I can tell you from experience working inside Aldrich Mansion is an absolute dream! The bridal suite offers soft, feminine colors and gilded accents that will shine throughout your individual portraits. Once you are done soaking up the light of the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can head out to the grand staircase, perfect for showing off the train of your dress. The landing by the marble stairs will also be ideal for your first look portraits. The natural light in this area, combined with the polished stonework, gives you a timeless background for spending an intimate moment together.
Once you are done with the staircase, you can head into the lobby, where you can take portraits beneath the arched walkways. The black and white marble combined with the French painted ceilings becomes positively ethereal as you make your way through the rooms. I also love incorporating the library for traditional portraits surrounded by antique books.
The exterior of the mansion is perfect for both group portraits as well as couple’s pictures. The lush lawn gives way to the crisp blue waters while the European balcony takes you to another place and time. Whether you want to use the lawn for a quick game of polo or prefer to get some editorial pictures on the walkway leading into the home, this venue has just the spot to take your portraits over the top. You will also be just steps away from the water for pictures, celebrating this coastal setting.
Wedding Details
The Aldrich Mansion will go out of their way to give you the wedding day of your dreams! You will have access to the climate-controlled mansion at least two hours before your celebration, and you can work with the venue to add on time as needed. Throughout your wedding day, you will have an event coordinator through the mansion who will work alongside you to keep your day running smoothly.
The venue has an on-site chef who will craft your menu with you before your wedding. You can pick from your choice of plated dinners, stations, and hors d’oeuvres. The mansion will provide tables and chairs for your dinner, and there will be reception hosts who can be there to help things along. They will be the ones responsible for both set-up and clean-up, leaving you to just focus on your day. The venue will allow you to pick your own bartender for your drinks. This will enable you to create the drink menu perfectly tailored for your vision! Aldrich Mansion offers rentals through the venue and will work with you to pick out what you need for a seamless day.
I Hope You Just Fell In Love With The Aldrich Mansion Wedding Venue
If you are looking for a historic venue for your Rhode Island wedding, I just know you are about to fall deeply in love with the Aldrich Mansion wedding venue! With this exceptional venue, your day will be outrageously lavish!
Venue, check. Dress, check! Now, it’s time to find your photographer! If you are looking for someone who loves documenting every intimate and romantic second throughout your celebration, I think we might just be a match! As a Rhode Island wedding photographer, I love working all across the coast, making sure couples don’t forget a single moment. If you would like to see if I might just be the photographer for you, I would love to connect! Send me a message today so we can chat.
