So you’ve decided that the big wedding day just isn’t your vibe but instead you want something intimate and relaxed to celebrate your marriage in the best little city of Providence, Rhode Island. Well you’ve come to the right place. We are Rhode Island based elopement photographers for the nontraditional lovers, and we have ALL the tips and planning info to share with you so that you can have your perfect Providence elopement.
Providence holds an incredibly dear place in our hearts and for good reason. There are beautiful public art displays from The Avenue Concept, performing arts at PPAC, Trinity Rep, and more, insanely delicious local restaurants from some of the most inventive chefs, breweries, arcade bars, and beyond. The sheer accessibility and proximity to whatever elopement experience your heart desires is one of my favorite things about urban elopements – especially those in Providence.
Below we’ve given you all the important details on how to make your marriage legal in Providence as well as places to celebrate your elopement and our favorite overnight accommodations in the area.
How to Legally Elope in Providence
Before you start dreaming about locations and attire, you need to consider how to legally elope in Providence. There are a few easy steps you’ll need to follow to make it legit in the eyes of the law.
1. Obtain a marriage license
You’ll need to go down to Providence City Hall (both of you) with all the proper documentation to obtain your marriage license. You can read all about the paperwork and legal requirements on the City of Providence website.
2. Choose an officiant and witnesses
This information isn’t required to get a marriage license, but it is required to get married. You can absolutely just ask two random people to be your witnesses (or Evan and I will gladly witness your marriage!) but this is a great opportunity to bring along a few close friends or family members as well if that’s your jam. As for your officiant, you have three options:
- Hire a professional officiant or justice of the peace
- Have a friend/ family member become certified to officiate through the Universal Life Church
3. Get married and return your signed license within 3 months
Your marriage license in Providence will be valid for 3 months after the date of issuance.
Where to Elope in Providence
From downtown vibes to eclectic restaurants, historic neighborhoods to art galleries – there’s something to suit every couple’s tastes. Here are just a few of our favorite food and entertainment destinations in Providence that can easily host just the two of you for a night of delicious food and fun or an intimate group of friends and family.
Breweries + Bars
- The Avery
- Glou
- Industrious Spirits Company (ISCO)
- Kimi’s
- Narragansett Brewery
- Ogie’s Trailer Park
- The Royal Bobcat
Restaurants
Entertainment Venues and Activities
- BreakTime Bowl & Bar
- Comedy Connection
- Drag at Black Sheep
- Free Play Bar Arcade
- La Gondola
- Level 99
- Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)
- Trinity Rep
- Waterfire – they have gondola rides too!
Where to Stay When You Elope in Providence
Providence is home to some top notch and highly rated hotels and accommodations, so you’ll be spoiled with wherever you choose to stay for your elopement. And besides being comfy and luxurious, you’ll also have some killer backdrops for your getting ready photos!
Hotels
- Aloft Providence Downtown
- The Beatrice
- The Dean
- Dye House
- The Graduate (formerly the Providence Biltmore)
- Hotel Providence
- Omni Providence
Airbnbs
We’ve also taken some photos of couples in some hip little airbnbs in Providence. Listings and availability change frequently, but it can be a more spacious and private alternative than a hotel complete with kitchens if that’s your vibe. Just remember, if you plan to have a small group of guests join you for dinner or a party at your Airbnb to check with the hosts first. Some of them are more than happy to host parties for small groups, and others have a zero tolerance policy and will fine you if they find out.
