Beautiful Weddings at Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, RI

An Iconic Setting for Unforgettable Celebrations by the Sea

Perched on the edge of Newport’s storied coastline, Rosecliff Mansion is more than just a wedding venue. It is a setting of iconic romance, European-inspired architecture, and timeless splendor. Modeled after the Grand Trianon of Versailles, this gilded-age estate offers couples a rare opportunity to celebrate their wedding in one of America’s most breathtaking and historically significant properties.

Set on 18 manicured acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Rosecliff is a dream realized for couples seeking a celebration steeped in elegance. The view from the terrace is nothing short of cinematic: rolling gardens, crashing waves, and a golden horizon that turns every photo into fine art.

Inside, guests are welcomed into a world of opulence. Marble floors gleam beneath soaring ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers. The grand ballroom, one of the mansion’s crown jewels, offers a stunning space for dinner and dancing. Expansive windows flood the room with natural light and frame sweeping ocean views. This is where elegance meets energy. Where toasts echo under domed ceilings. Where memories feel larger than life.

Beyond the ballroom, couples can host an open-air ceremony or cocktail hour on the mansion’s terrace, where every angle is designed for awe. The lush gardens provide a storybook backdrop for portraits, while the architecture itself becomes a statement of taste and intention.

The staff at Rosecliff is known for delivering exceptional hospitality with discretion and grace. From planning to execution, they ensure every detail is handled with precision, allowing you to remain fully present throughout the experience. Custom wedding packages allow for flexibility without compromise, from seasonal signature cocktails to tailored timelines that reflect your vision.

Perhaps most important: Rosecliff hosts only one wedding per evening, offering complete exclusivity. When you book Rosecliff, the estate becomes entirely yours. It is a private chapter of Newport’s history written just for you.

And Newport itself is the perfect complement. With its seaside charm, cobblestone streets, and yacht-club elegance, your guests will enjoy a weekend as unforgettable as the wedding itself.

In every way, Rosecliff Mansion is a celebration of beauty, love, and legacy. It is where grand entrances are made, once-in-a-lifetime vows are spoken, and the kind of memories that live forever are created.

History and Features of Rosecliff Mansion

Rosecliff Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a stunning example of French Baroque Revival architecture. Built in 1902 as the summer residence of Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, the mansion was designed by renowned architect Stanford White and inspired by the Grand Trianon, a baroque pavilion in the great park of Versailles. The estate’s rich history is reflected in its opulent decor, intricate craftsmanship, and expansive, meticulously maintained grounds.

Highlights of Rosecliff’s storied past include hosting legendary soirées and welcoming celebrated guests. Among its most iconic moments are the fairy-tale dinner and the famed evening featuring magician Harry Houdini. These unforgettable events helped establish Rosecliff as one of the most sought-after venues for high society gatherings. Today, the mansion continues to host luxurious celebrations, offering couples a romantic and historically significant setting to mark the most important day of their lives.
A photo of The Rosecliff Ballroom set up for a wedding.

Planning a Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion

Planning a wedding at Rosecliff Mansion is a unique and exciting experience. With its stunning architecture, beautifully manicured grounds, and breathtaking ocean views, the mansion offers a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. The venue’s experienced staff and trusted partners, including a dedicated caterer who provides a refined and personalized dining experience, work closely with couples to bring their vision to life and ensure every detail is flawlessly executed.

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Rosecliff Mansion can accommodate a wide range of wedding styles and guest counts. The mansion’s elegant decor and exceptional service make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a wedding that feels truly elevated. From the ceremony setting to the dining room, every element of your day will be handled with care and precision, ensuring that your wedding at Rosecliff Mansion is nothing short of magical.

The Wedding Experience in Rhode Island

A wedding in Rhode Island, especially at the illustrious Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, is an experience unlike any other. Steeped in rich history and inspired by the grand baroque pavilion of the Grand Trianon in the park of Versailles, Rosecliff Mansion offers couples a romantic and sophisticated setting that brings their wedding dreams to life. The mansion’s architecture, with its sweeping staircases, ornate details, and timeless design, transports guests back to the Gilded Age, when lavish celebrations and high society gatherings defined Newport’s social calendar.

What sets Rosecliff Mansion apart is its seamless blend of classic elegance and modern creativity. Leading event designers such as Infinite Events have demonstrated how the mansion’s historic backdrop can be paired with bold, contemporary design elements, resulting in weddings that feel both iconic and refreshingly original. Whether you imagine a formal ballroom reception or an intimate garden ceremony, Rosecliff offers versatile spaces that can be styled to reflect your personal vision.

From the moment you arrive, the romantic ambiance and sweeping ocean views create a setting that feels both grand and deeply personal. The mansion’s baroque architecture, manicured gardens, and exquisite ballroom provide endless opportunities for breathtaking photography and unforgettable moments. In every corner of the estate, Rosecliff captures the essence of Newport’s storied past while offering a canvas for creating your own legacy.

For couples seeking a venue that combines historic grandeur, natural beauty, and the flexibility to bring any creative vision to life, Rosecliff Mansion stands as one of Rhode Island’s most extraordinary wedding destinations.

Catherine and Sean leaving their reception as wedding guests applaud them

Catharine & Sean's wedding at Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, RI

It’s clear that Catharine and Sean spared no detail in creating their elegant, Gatsby-inspired wedding celebration. From the exquisite venue to the thoughtfully chosen color palette and lush floral arrangements, every element was carefully curated to evoke a sense of timeless romance. Enchanting blooms adorned both the ceremony and reception spaces, enhancing the ambiance with softness and sophistication.

A photo of the bride being escorted down the aisle by her father in the Salon Room.The ceremony took place in the mansion’s salon, where sunlight streamed through the windows and bathed the room in a warm, natural glow. Guests looked on with emotion as Catharine made her entrance, her presence met with a wave of joyful anticipation. Earlier in the day, she shared a quiet, intimate moment during bridal preparations as her hair and makeup were expertly styled, capturing the emotion and excitement of what was to come.

As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to an unforgettable celebration filled with warmth, music, and joy. The dance floor came alive as Boston Premier performed, delivering a high-energy soundtrack that had everyone on their feet. Catharine and Sean, along with their guests, danced the night away, enjoying decadent desserts and moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.

The couple’s parents played a heartfelt role throughout the day, offering support and sharing in the joy of the occasion. A celebratory toast with champagne captured the spirit of the evening, while the grand finale, a streamer-lined exit leading to the couple’s private car, was the perfect ending to a magical day.

We were truly honored to be part of such a remarkable celebration, and it was a joy to help bring Catharine and Sean’s vision to life.

The father of the bride walking his daughter down the aisle
The bride and groom leaving their ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion
The bride and groom dancing to their first dance song performed by Boston Premier
Wedding guests singing and dancing to the music of Boston Premier
A dance floor overflowing with guests dancing to a great Boston wedding band
The Mother and aunt of the bride dancing to one of their favorite songs.
the crowd sings along with the band at the wedding
The guitarist from the band is playing a solo on the dance floor while the bride and groom cheer.
A couple is swing dancing to the music of Boston Premier

Catharine and Sean hired Boston Premier to entertain their family and friends, seeking a Boston wedding band that would travel down to rhode Island and wow their guests with unforgettable music and energy. They chose our 9-piece band to bring their vision to life, and it proved to be the perfect fit for their celebration. We couldn’t have been more honored to work with such a wonderful couple and to be part of their extraordinary day.

5-star Rating of excellence

Catharine and Sean's Revue

If you're in need of a truly outstanding band for your upcoming wedding, look no further. Boston Premier is, simply put, the absolute best. We hired their nine-piece band for our wedding in Newport, and it was one of the single best vendor decisions we made. My husband and I had to postpone our original wedding date due to Covid and were in a stressful position regarding vendor changes and shifts. Ceasar could not have made things easier for us. Kind and understanding from the start, he helped us every step of the way to ensure that our day was everything we wanted and more. He and the band members are true professionals who are not only incredibly talented, but understand how to read the room and keep the dance floor packed all night long. In addition, we had some special requests for songs (big band swing music no less), which they happily learned and played spectacularly. Their energy and performance set the tone for the whole evening and our guests had no shortage of compliments regarding how amazing they were. Thank you is not enough to express our appreciation for how special this band helped to make our day!

Photography: Melissa Stimpson

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Kitty and Henry's Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion

On December 29, 2023, we were absolutely thrilled to be a part of Kitty and Henry’s stunning affair at the breathtaking Rosecliff Mansion! This wonderful couple, all the way from the Big Apple, pulled out all the stops and treated their loved ones to a wedding of a lifetime at this glamorous venue. The Salon adjacent to the main ballroom provided additional dinner seating, accommodating up to 90 guests. We had an absolute blast celebrating with them and let me tell you, the dance floor? It was on fire all night long! From heart-pounding beats to non-stop laughter, the energy was electric! The heart-shaped staircase and picturesque architecture of Rosecliff created perfect frames for wedding portraits, making it an ideal location for both intimate and grand celebrations. Take a look at the video below that captured the contagious joy that filled their unforgettable event!

Conclusion and Recommendation

As a band that has had the honor of performing at Rosecliff Mansion, we can confidently say it is one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in all of New England. Set against the backdrop of Newport’s iconic coastline, Rosecliff effortlessly combines historic grandeur, sweeping ocean views, and timeless architecture to create a setting that feels perfectly suited for unforgettable celebrations.

From the moment we arrive to set up, we are reminded that this is no ordinary venue. The ballroom is a masterpiece of design, acoustically rich, visually stunning, and ideal for a full night of dancing. Ceremonies held in the salon or on the terrace feel intimate yet elevated, and the surrounding gardens offer some of the most picturesque photo opportunities we have seen.

Whether you are planning a romantic, candlelit gathering or a high-energy, black-tie celebration, Rosecliff has the space, the charm, and the elegance to make it extraordinary. The on-site staff, planners, and vendor teams we have worked alongside here are among the best in the industry. They bring every detail together with precision and professionalism, making the entire experience seamless for both couples and their guests.

If you are searching for a venue that delivers on every level, Rosecliff Mansion should be at the top of your list. As performers, we have seen firsthand how this space enhances not just the event, but the energy, emotion, and impact of the entire evening.

We consider it a privilege every time we are invited to be part of a Rosecliff wedding. It is a venue that brings out the best in everyone and sets the stage for moments you will remember forever.

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