Blithewold Mansion is a turn of the 20th century waterfront estate located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, historic architecture, and stunning views of Narragansett Bay – making it one of the most sought-after outdoor venues in Rhode Island. If you’re searching for a venue that blends timeless elegance with natural beauty, Blithewold weddings might be exactly what you’re looking for!
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing Blithewold weddings, and trust me—this venue is pure magic. Keep reading for an in-depth look at everything Blithewold Mansion has to offer for your wedding day!
Event Spaces at Blithewold Mansion
The Mansion
At the heart of the property is Blithewold’s grand mansion, a gorgeous early 20th century home filled with rich woodwork, period appropriate details, and elegant spaces. The mansion’s first floor along with its terrace and two covered porches are open for guests to enjoy during your cocktail hour. And of course, it makes for a stunning photo backdrop as well.
The Great Lawn
Blithewold’s expansive Great Lawn stretches over 10 acres of land – all the way from the mansion to the water. Cocktail hour continues across a small portion of the lawn offering panoramic views of Narragansett Bay for your guests to enjoy while sipping on cocktails.
The North Garden
Home to Blithewold wedding ceremonies, the North Garden provides lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a romantic, enclosed atmosphere. This spacious yet cozy space offers a taste of all the beautiful scenery at Blithewold. With the mansion to the side, the water to the front and the gardens surrounding the other sides, your guests will be immediately immersed in Blithewold’s charm.
The Reception Tent
Receptions at Blithewold take place under a spacious 40′ x 100′ tent on the lawn. This setup allows you to enjoy the waterfront views and stunning sunsets while dining and dancing the night away on a slate surface (no sinking heels here!). The tent can be customized to fit your vision—whether you want a relaxed, boho-chic vibe or a more formal affair with chandeliers and drapery. And recently, they added a permanent building adjacent to the tent with restrooms for your guests and a getting ready room for you and your wedding party.
Planning Considerations for Blithewold Weddings
Blithewold works exclusively with Blackstone Caterers. Their team provides exceptional service and delicious food, ensuring your guests have an unforgettable and tasty experience!
A dedicated event manager from Blithewold will help with venue logistics, but hiring your own planner or day-of coordinator is always a smart move – especially if you have a unique design vision or detailed timeline with lots of moving parts.
Blithewold has on-site parking, but it is limited. Many couples opt for shuttle buses from nearby hotels, especially if you have guests traveling from out of town. This makes for a smoother and more relaxing experience for everyone allowing them to drink and not worry about driving after the wedding.
How Many Guests Can Blithewold Accommodate?
Blithewold can host weddings with up to 180 guests for tented receptions on the Great Lawn. If you have more guests than that, a bump out tent can be purchased and coordinated with Blackstone Caterers for an additional fee.
Blithewold Weddings Cost
As of 2025, Blithewold Weddings range from $8,495 – $17,295 , depending on the season and day of the week/ weekend. This cost includes:
- exclusive use of the mansion, tent and grounds for your contracted event time
- bridal suite access up to 1 hour before your event
- dinner, banquet and cocktail tables
- dance floor
- venue coordinator
- 1 year membership to Blithewold
Additional fees to anticipate include:
- Ceremony site fee of $2,350 – includes rehearsal, 30 minute ceremony and white garden chairs
- Catering and bar packages through Blackstone
- Rentals for additional tables, chairs, and decor
- Taxes and service fees
- Vendor costs (photography, florals, music, etc.)
Blithewold Wedding Photos
Blithewold is a photographer’s dream. With a 33-acre property, there are near infinite locations to capture wedding photos at. From golden-hour portraits on the lawn to garden ceremonies framed by flowers, every corner of the estate is picture-perfect. Whether you’re envisioning a relaxed garden celebration or a timeless formal wedding, Blithewold offers endless photo opportunities that reflect your unique love story and wedding aesthetic.
If you’re looking for a venue that combines coastal beauty with historic charm, Blithewold weddings offer the perfect blend. Let’s connect and start planning the wedding of your dreams!
