If you’re dreaming about an elopement day that feels like you—something a little offbeat, a little historic, and a whole lot of fun—let me tell you about Anna and James’ Lippitt House Museum elopement in Providence. These two are from Tennessee and Kentucky, but their hearts? Very much in Rhode Island. They first visited Providence for NecronomiCon, the city’s gothic-nerd dream of a convention inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, and they were instantly hooked! So when it came time to plan their elopement, they didn’t think twice—they packed their bags, spent a week soaking up everything this quirky, creative little city has to offer, and built their elopement day around the things they love: history, spooky vibes, and a deep connection to place.
As someone who specializes in storytelling, film-forward elopement days, this was a total dream to photograph. From graveyard portraits to lobster rolls, we hit every note on their list and created a relaxed, joyful day full of personal details and zero stress.
Thinking About a Lippitt House Museum Elopement?
First off, if you’re dreaming about a museum elopement that feels elegant, intimate, and just a little bit dramatic—in the best way—the Lippitt House Museum should definitely be on your radar. This historic mansion is tucked right into Providence’s East Side and is one of the most beautifully preserved examples of Victorian architecture in the city. Think: grand staircases, hand-painted ceilings, antique chandeliers, and patterned wallpaper that’s somehow still chic. It’s like stepping back in time—but with way better lighting for portraits.
The Lippitt House Museum is ideal for couples who want a unique elopement backdrop without needing to build a whole aesthetic from scratch. The space itself is the vibe. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the ornate parlor or sneaking a quiet moment on the sweeping front steps, the entire place feels cinematic. It also offers indoor space—which is clutch if you’re planning something outside the typical summer season in New England.
A few quick things to know:
- It’s best for smaller ceremonies (the space is cozy and doesn’t accommodate big guest counts).
- You’ll need to coordinate with their staff to book a time and understand any usage rules—like what’s allowed in terms of florals, candles, and photography.
- There’s no getting-ready space on site, so most couples get ready off-site.
- It pairs really well with a city elopement day—start at the museum, then wander the East Side, the RISD campus, and downtown for portraits and celebration stops.
If you’re into mixing history, beauty, and a touch of dark academia, a Lippitt House Museum elopement might just be your perfect match.
Looking for even more proof as to why Lippitt House is the best? Here’s a look into James and Anna’s museum elopement day—and how you can plan something just as fun, chill, and YOU.
City Elopement, But Make It Chill
Anna and James’ elopement day was the exact opposite of rushed. No timelines to micromanage. No packed guest list. Good vibes only!
We built the day around the things they actually wanted to do. That meant hitting up some of Providence’s most iconic spots for photos (including a historic cemetery where Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe once came to write—more on that in a sec). It also meant pausing to eat seafood and hang out. No pressure – just a few of their favorite things with each other’s favorite person.
We captured the day on a mix of digital, film, and Polaroids. The realness of film fit their energy perfectly—grainy, timeless, full of emotion. And digital provided a deeper variety of photos to round out their gallery.
A First Look in Fox Point
Before all the wandering and vows, Anna and James kicked off the day at the coziest Airbnb near Fox Point. They got ready together here—no big production, no rushing—just a relaxed morning that flowed into a beautiful day. But it still had all the right vibes—historic charm, just enough quirk, and a back courtyard with a brick driveway that felt like a secret garden in the middle of the city. It’s there that they had their first look, just the two of them (plus Evan and I, cameras in hand, quietly losing our minds over how sweet it was). The energy was calm but excited with just the lightest bit of rain falling, like a scene from a movie.
A Spooky-Historic Love Story in Providence: James and Anna’s Lippitt House Museum Elopement
Let’s set the scene. Remember, Anna and James love all things historic, a little weird, and literary. They fell for Providence during a past visit for NecronomiCon (because yes, they are the coolest). While exploring the city, they wandered into the Lippitt House Museum, one of the oldest and best-preserved Victorian homes in New England. They ended up having a completely private tour from Jane – who just so happens to be in charge of event rentals at the museum. And let’s just say that they fell in love with the history and perfectly preserved details around the mansion. So later on, when they got engaged, it instantly clicked: Lippitt House was where they needed to say “I do.”
The Lippitt House is full of rich woodwork, ornate hand-painted wallpaper, and dramatic staircases—and it’s tucked away in the heart of the city. For couples who want elegance without the stuffiness, it’s a museum elopement dream!
This wasn’t just a photoshoot in a beautiful space (though, yeah, the images are fire). It was the perfect backdrop for two people who wanted to ground their wedding day in personal meaning. They weren’t trying to check boxes or put on a show for a crowd. They were creating memories just for them!
Yes, We Took Photos in a Graveyard
When Anna and James said it was non-negotiable that we include a cemetery in their elopement day, I was so in. Providence’s historic graveyards are cinematic as hell—full of weathered headstones, crooked paths, and quiet corners smack dab in the middle of the city. St. John’s Churchyard. Tucked into Providence’s College Hill neighborhood, this spot is quaint and full of winding paths, centuries-old headstones, and a view of the statehouse that somehow makes the city feel frozen in time.
This is where H.P. Lovecraft used to come to write, drawn to its quiet, eerie beauty. It also sits by the former home of one of Edgar Allen Poe’s fiancés – Sarah Helen Whitman – and the church where they were supposed to get married. However, Sarah called off the engagement due to Poe’s inability to get sober. (The drama!) It’s a weird little pocket of literary lore, and it set the perfect tone for Anna and James’ elopement portraits: moody, romantic, and deeply rooted in their shared love of the strange and historic.
There’s something incredibly intimate about choosing a location like this. Not because it’s spooky—but because it feels meaningful and personal. For Anna and James, it was less about chasing trends and more about honoring the weird little moments that made them fall in love with each other and with Providence. And of course, the til death vibes didn’t hurt either!
Then We Went Full Art Nerd at the RISD Museum
After the cemetery, we made a quick stop at the RISD Museum, which honestly felt like the perfect contrast. Swapping old gravestones for marble floors and skylights? Yes, please. We of course took portraits in the iconic European gallery—the one with the dreamy blue walls, soaring ceilings, and old paintings that feel like they’re watching you fall in love. The natural light from the skylight made everything glow, and Anna and James absolutely owned the space. It felt reverent, but playful. Romantic, but bold. Like bringing a little rebellion into a room built for royalty. Museum elopements really don’t get better than this!
After the Vows: Lobster Rolls and No Regrets
Tradition? Who is she? Anna and James skipped the fancy sit-down dinner and went straight for what they were craving—Rhode Island seafood. Specifically: lobster rolls and fish sandwiches from a local spot they found on their last trip to Providence. But this time they headed to their new location at Track 15 – a brand new food hall with different cuisines from around the ocean state with nods to the former home of Union Station – a railway station.
We grabbed food, found a quiet place to eat, and let out a big sigh as we recapped the epic day we just had together. This was one of those choices that might sound simple, but it’s honestly genius. It gave them time to be present, enjoy the city, and do something they actually like. No one had to wait for a dry chicken breast or listen to a venue coordinator run down the timeline. It was the perfect ending to their day, their way.
Nerdy Tattoos, Film Photos, and a Lot of Love
Okay so we can’t talk about Anna and James without shouting out their amazing style too. Both of them are covered in some of the sickest tattoos I’ve ever seen, including nods to their favorite games, shows, and horror icons. They brought that same bold energy to their outfits too with both of them wearing turn of the 20th century inspired attire.
Their day was romantic without being corny. Nostalgic without being vintage-for-the-sake-of-it. Unique without trying too hard. And the reason it worked? Because it was theirs.
Every choice they made—from location to food to ceremony style—came from the heart.
How to Have Your Own Lippitt House Museum Elopement Vibes
Alright, so now that you’ve been inspired by James and Anna’s day, you’re probably wanting a little bit more info about just what eloping in a museum means for you. Museum elopements are an incredible option for couples who want a beautiful space to wed that already has built-in character. Here are some things I think are pros to eloping in a museum and a few minor considerations for you and your day.
Pros of a museum elopement:
- Gorgeous architecture: You don’t need much decor because the space is already a vibe.
- Indoor backup: Perfect for unpredictable New England weather.
- Built-in history: Your ceremony setting tells a story all on its own.
Things to consider if you’re planning a museum elopement:
- Guest size is limited: These spaces aren’t built for 150-person parties, but if you’re eloping, you don’t need to worry about that anyway!
- Some museums have restrictions: You might not be able to bring food or drink inside, or you’ll need to use preferred vendors.
- You’ll likely need to plan the rest of the day around it: Like finding a separate dinner spot, organizing your timeline around your private museum reservation, etc.
- You may have other museum attendees around you: Lippitt House Museum is unique in that you can rent out the whole space for your elopement without a huge cost, but some other museums are much larger and would require a hefty price for a full museum buyout. Or you would just need to consider that other museum patrons may be around you (like they were when we took portraits in the RISD Museum).
If you’re looking for more about the logistics of eloping or wondering how to legally elope in Providence, I’ve got you—check out my full guide to how to elope in Providence for all the details.
Why Eloping at a Museum in a City Can Be the Best Choice
Elopements don’t have to happen on a mountaintop. Cities like Providence are actually amazing for couples who want a day that’s full of texture, energy, and little surprises. And BONUS – most museums are located within cities. With a city elopement, you can…
- Walk to all your photo spots
- Grab drinks or snacks between stops
- Incorporate museums, parks, record shops, bookstores—whatever fits your vibe
- Blend old and new—like historic venues with modern style
- Feel like you’re living your day, not just posing through it
Anna and James did exactly that. Their day was walkable, delicious, a little spooky, a lot joyful, and completely relaxed.
And because they spent the whole week in Providence, they turned their elopement into a mini honeymoon. They hit up bars, bookstores, and some more historic sites like the Providence athaneum. This city might be small, but she has so much to do, and these two soaked up every bit of it!
Need more info about eloping in a city? Check out my complete guide to urban elopements here!
Final Thoughts: Should You Plan a Museum Elopement?
If you’re looking for something offbeat, beautiful, and rooted in meaning, a museum elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s the Lippitt House Museum in Providence or another hidden gem in New England, these types of venues are ideal for couples who care about story, design, and intimacy.
And if you’re thinking about eloping in Providence? Do it. It’s the perfect city for couples who want a little edge, a little art, and a lot of soul.
Planning a Lippitt House Museum elopement or dreaming about a city elopement full of character and creativity? I’d love to help you build a day that feels like home—and capture it on film, digital, Polaroids, or all three. Let’s create something magical!
Ready to start planning? Reach out here or check out my guide to eloping in Providence to see what’s possible.
