We Accidentally Left Our Film Camera Behind at a Wedding. Here’s What Happened.

We bring film cameras to nearly every wedding we photograph, usually shooting a few rolls of 35mm alongside our digital coverage throughout the day. At Nicole and John’s late June wedding, we did exactly that: getting ready, their ceremony, cocktail hour, portraits, and the reception all made their way onto film. And then, at the end of the night, we realized we accidentally left one of our film cameras in the now-locked getting ready suite.

Thankfully, Nicole and John’s family found it. But before sending it back to us, they had a question: would we mind if they brought it to the afterparty and kept taking pictures?

Obviously, we said yes. So for the rest of the weekend, our camera got passed around between family and friends. They photographed late-night drinks and group selfies, people hanging around together, brunch the next morning, and plenty of moments we never would have seen otherwise. When we finally got the camera back and developed the film, the roll had turned into something we never could have planned.

The first part looked like our usual wedding film: the way we saw Nicole and John’s day while we were there photographing it. Then, suddenly, the perspective changed. The photos became a little messier and more unpredictable. There was more direct flash, blurry frames, funny expressions and compositions we never would have made ourselves. And we loved them.

There’s something especially fitting about all of this happening on film. Part of what we love about 35mm wedding photography is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Some of our favorite film photographs feel more like something pulled from an old family photo album than a polished wedding gallery. They preserve how being there actually felt. In this case, we got the literal family-photo-album version.

We spend a wedding day documenting everything we can, but eventually we pack up our cameras and go home while the people we photographed keep celebrating. This time, completely by accident, one of our cameras stayed behind.

And we got to see what happened next.

Discover more film content:

Film Gallery →

Newport Vineyards Wedding on 35mm Film

Hope and Mandy were married at Newport Vineyards in Middletown, Rhode Island, surrounded by acres of lush grapevines and their closest friends and family.

We photographed their day with our usual mix of digital and 35mm film, and we loved how their photos looked straight out of a 1990s family photo album. Unposed, chaotic, warm, joyful. They’re a great example of how we use film: rather than try to make everything look perfrect, we lean into the unpredictable way film captures a wedding as it happens. The result is nostalgic, honest, and full of life.

Here are a few of our favorite 35mm photographs from Hope and Mandy’s Newport Vineyards wedding.

The Real Difference Between Film and Digital Wedding Photography

Film wedding photography is everywhere right now. But if you’re planning a wedding and keep seeing photographers advertise “film + digital,” you might reasonably wonder what the difference actually is. Is it just the grain? The colors? Is one better than the other?

We photograph every wedding on both digital and film, and to us, the biggest difference isn’t simply how the finished photographs look. The cameras themselves change the way we photograph.

A Different Kind of Camera

Digital cameras record each photograph onto a memory card that can hold thousands of images. Film cameras work a little differently. We load a physical roll of film into one of our vintage cameras, advance it through the camera frame by frame, and have a limited number of exposures before it’s time to rewind the roll and load another.

There’s no screen to check the photograph afterward, and changing ISO isn’t as simple as adjusting a camera setting: the film itself determines the ISO. That means choosing what to load means thinking ahead about the light and where the day is headed. We carry multiple film cameras and rolls with us so we can switch between film stocks and digital as conditions change.

It’s a more hands-on way of working, from loading and rewinding rolls during the wedding to keeping track of what we’ve shot throughout the day. Film isn’t something we pull out for a handful of portraits; those cameras stay with us alongside our digital equipment, and we move between the two throughout the wedding.

Film Slows Everything Down

A roll of 35mm film gives us 36 frames. There’s no “spray and pray” - we can’t take ten versions of the same shot and choosing the best one later, and there’s no screen on the back of the camera to immediately check what we got. There will also be times that we have to stop and re-load a roll. That changes the rhythm a little.

With film, we have to wait and commit to the frame when it feels right. That doesn’t mean every film photograph is carefully composed or posed; in fact, some of our favorite rolls are full of chaotic dance floors and silly expressions. But there is an inherent limitation to the medium that makes every press of the shutter a little more deliberate. During busy wedding days, slowing down can be a challenging choice.

Digital Offers Flexibility

There’s a reason we haven't traded our digital cameras for a bag full of film. As said, weddings move quickly. Light changes constantly, people move from bright outdoor ceremonies into dark reception spaces, speeches happen unexpectedly, kids run across dance floors, and sometimes several things worth photographing are happening all at once.

Digital gives us the speed and flexibility to respond to every call. We can shoot quickly when a moment calls for it, work in extremely low light, and document a wedding thoroughly without worrying about how many frames remain on a roll. When someone wants us to take a quick portrait with their cousin, we don’t have to triple-check the light or fumble for a new roll of film while they wait. That’s why, for us, digital remains an essential part of documenting a wedding well.

Film is Delightfully Unpredictable

Film responds to light differently than a digital sensor, and each film stock has its own characteristics. There will be grain, shifts in color, occasional light leaks, missed focus, and other little imperfections that aren't necessarily things we'd try to reproduce in a digital photograph. That’s okay, we like that.

We aren't looking for film to give us a 35mm version of what our digital cameras already capture. Part of what we enjoy about shooting film is seeing how the medium interprets a scene, and sometimes that means being surprised when we develop a roll.

And sometimes, clients find real meaning in those little imperfections. Where we see an artistic light orb or a swooping bird, they see a long-lost family member saying hello.

The Development Process

Traditionally, digital images are offloaded from memory cards to an external or cloud device, like a hard drive, and then moved into an editing program for color correction, cropping, removing imperfections, etc. The final images are then exported back to the storage space and uploaded to the client’s gallery for viewing.

For film, most photographers will take their completed rolls to a commercial lab for development. They may pay $20-$50 per roll, depending on the type of film, and wait a few weeks for them to be returned, either via email (digital scans) or as negatives. Most photographers get emailed scans, and upload them to the client gallery just like digital.

For us, this is a part of the process that's a little different: our rolls don't get mailed off to a lab.

We develop our 35mm film by hand in our home. Once the negatives are developed, they're scanned and the finished photographs are incorporated into the wedding gallery. l It's a slower and much more hands-on process than importing a memory card, but we've been developing our own film for years. Being involved from the moment a roll goes into one of our cameras until the finished photograph is delivered is part of why we've continued shooting it.

Is Film Better than Digital?

We don't think so. They're different tools for different things, and that's exactly why we carry both.

Digital gives us reliability, speed, flexibility, and the ability to photograph everything a wedding day throws at us. Film asks us to work a little differently and gives us photographs we wouldn't necessarily make with a digital camera, but the vibes and nostalgia are unmatched. We don't want an entire wedding gallery to come from one at the expense of the other. We like seeing crisp digital photographs next to grainy 35mm frames and instant photographs you can hold in your hand.

For us, the real difference between film and digital is about what each allows us to bring to the same wedding.

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See more of our film wedding photography:

Film Gallery →

Belle Mer Wedding on Film →

Boston Weddings →

Rhode Island Weddings →

Hidden Gem Venue: Gooseberry Beach in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport has no shortage of iconic wedding venues, but if the mansions and traditional ballrooms aren’t quite your thing, Gooseberry Beach is one of our favorite alternatives.

Located along Ocean Drive, Gooseberry Beach has everything you’d want from a Newport wedding: ocean views, a private beach, and an incredible spot for sunset portraits, but with a much more relaxed, build-it-yourself feel.

A DIY Wedding Venue in Newport

One of the things that makes Gooseberry Beach so unique is that it’s truly a blank canvas. You bring in the catering, music, florals, rentals, and details, which gives you a rare opportunity to build your own venue in Newport. Keep in mind, that does mean a little more planning, especially around logistics, but it also gives you more freedom. This private beach club provides a simple coastal backdrop, and from there, the wedding design can be whatever you decide.

For this wedding, that meant a classic New England celebration with catering by McGrath Clambakes and music from Luke Renchan Entertainment. Julie Rose Beauty handled hair, and makeup services were provided by Mindfully Enhanced. A relative took care of florals and rentals.

Why We Love Photographing Weddings at Gooseberry Beach

From a photography perspective, it’s hard to beat having the beach right outside the reception. There’s no need to leave the venue and spend a big chunk of cocktail hour traveling for portraits. We can sneak outside with our couples for a few minutes as the light changes, photograph along the beach and coastline, and then send them right back into the party.

And because Gooseberry Beach is a little removed from downtown Newport, the whole setting feels more laid-back than many of the city’s better-known venues. It still feels unmistakably Newport - just in a different way.

Is Gooseberry Beach Right for Your Wedding?

We especially recommend Gooseberry Beach to couples who want a coastal Newport wedding but aren’t looking for a historic mansion or Goat Island property. It’s a great choice if you like the idea of bringing in your own vendors, putting your own spin on the space, and having the ocean be a major part of the day.

It takes a little more imagination and elbow grease than walking into a fully-finished venue, but that’s also why it makes events here so special.

Vendors:

Venue: Gooseberry Beach Club
Photo: Atlas + Stone Photography
Music: Luke Renchan Entertainment
Catering: McGrath Clambakes
Hair: Julie Rose Beauty
Makeup: Mindfully Enhanced

Boston Seaport Engagement Session

When couples ask us for engagement session location recommendations in Boston, the Seaport is almost always near the top of our list. It's one of those places that offers a little bit of everything: waterfront views, modern architecture, quiet side streets, and plenty of room to wander without feeling like you're standing in the middle of a crowded tourist destination. Plus, it’s a ghost town on weekends.

What we love most about the Seaport is how it looks the same no matter the time of year. Whether you’re doing your session in June or November, the backdrop (for the most part) will be similar. This makes it easy for couples to schedule their sessions at their convenience instead of trying to cram it in during foliage season.

The Seaport is also a great option for couples who want a more modern Boston feel without sacrificing variety. Within a short walk, you can go from sleek city architecture to the waterfront, with plenty of interesting textures and open spaces in between. It gives us the flexibility to create a gallery that feels diverse while never having to rush from one location to the next.

If you're planning an engagement session in Boston and aren't sure where to start, the Seaport is a location we come back to time and time again. It's relaxed, versatile, and always photographs beautifully, especially when the focus stays on the two of you rather than the scenery around you.

Looking for more engagement session location inspiration? Check out our Best Engagement Session Locations in Massachusetts & Rhode Island blog post!

Belle Mer Wedding on 35mm

Nestled on the water in Newport, Rhode Island, Belle Mer offers a setting that's equal parts elegant and effortless. Between the sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, crisp white architecture, and shining coastal light, it's one of our favorite venues for creating memories on 35mm.

From the moment Brooke + Wyatt’s guests arrived overlooking the water to the last light pouring through the reception windows, their day had the kind of atmosphere that film captures so naturally. The soft colors, warm evening sun, and quiet in-between moments all take on a depth and character that's difficult to recreate any other way.

One of the best qualities of photographing weddings on 35mm is that it encourages us to slow down. Every frame is intentional, which naturally draws our attention to the moments that often become favorites years later: friends catching up over cocktails, a quiet pause before portraits, a swath of blue hydrangeas, or the golden light reflecting across the water as guests settle in for dinner. As a Belle Mer wedding photographer, we love how the venue transforms throughout the day. It's a setting that rewards patience and a documentary approach.

Photographing weddings on 35mm has become an important part of how we tell a story. Alongside digital coverage, film adds another layer of texture and nostalgia - the subtle grain and imperfect details that make an image feel less like a photograph and more like a memory.

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Vendors:

Venue + Catering: Belle Mer, Longwood Venues & Destinations

Photo: Atlas + Stone Photography

Hair: Nina Laflor with Nasitra & Co

Makeup: Emily Mcnulty Makeup

Florals: Botanica Wedding Floral

Hidden Gem Venue: Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island

Some wedding venues photograph beautifully from every corner, and Linden Place is one of them.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, this historic estate blends elegant Federal architecture, sculpture-filled rose gardens, and quintessential New England charm into a setting that feels both grand and surprisingly intimate. Originally built in 1810, the mansion and grounds have become one of Rhode Island's most distinctive wedding venues, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate surrounded by centuries of history while creating something entirely their own.

The last wedding we photographed here was a perfect example of why we love documenting celebrations at Linden Place. The day moved effortlessly from quiet moments inside the mansion to portraits throughout the gardens and courtyard before guests gathered for the evening reception. Every part of the property offered a different backdrop, making it easy to create a gallery that felt varied without needing to leave the venue.

As documentary photographers, we're always drawn to places that allow real moments to unfold naturally. Linden Place has that rare quality. Whether it's a couple sharing a quiet moment beneath the trees, guests mingling in the rose garden, or the warm light spilling across the front lawn during golden hour, the venue has a way of elevating the day without demanding attention for itself.

If you're planning a Rhode Island wedding and love historic architecture, lush gardens, and venues with genuine character, Linden Place should be at the top of your list. It's elegant without feeling stuffy, timeless without feeling too classic, and one of our favorite hidden gems in New England.

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Venue: Linden Place
Photo: Atlas + Stone Photography
Catering: Russell Morin Catering
Video: O’Brien Photo & Video
Portrait Booth: Nick Eaton | Life in Focus
Hair & Makeup: Marissa Mancini
Florals: A Bushel & A Peck Floral Design
Band: East Coast Soul

Why We Still Use 35mm and Instant Film

What keeps us reaching for vintage cameras in a digital age?

In a world where every phone takes crystal-clear photos, why use vintage or instant film?

Nearly every wedding we photograph includes at least one guest who notices an old camera hanging around Kevin’s neck and asks the same question: “Do you really use that thing?”

He does, and we’d argue that some moments are better captured with it. Digital is incredible: it’s accurate, fast, and easily edited. But film evokes a dreamy, warm nostalgia, the kind you find in boxes of old photographs and the crinkle-plastic albums next to your grandmother’s sofa. It’s soft and clear with authentic colors. It is, quite simply, exactly the type of vibe we’d want for our own wedding photos. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” eh?

Film also slows us down in the best way. It forces us to look for longer moments worth preserving - not just the quick, in-between reception candids that we all know and love, but the soft smiles during your ceremony, the echoed laughter across cocktail hour, or your wedding cake with exactly one slice cut out. Every exposure is intentional because, unlike digital, we only have a finite number of frames to work with. Film encourages our astute observation instead of the spray-and-pray overshooting of our early careers.

So why vintage cameras? There are plenty of modern film cameras to use. But we don’t keep up with the latest Leicas, we don’t use film cameras because they’re trendy. We use them to create photographs that remind us of the family albums we grew up flipping through. We hand-develop every roll for quality control, consistency, and the joy of being involved from beginning to end. The craftsmanship of film is incredible; while digital photography is inundated with AI culling and editing software, developing film remains a hands-on, undeniably human process.

This isn’t to say digital doesn’t have its place - it does! About 60% of our galleries are still photographed with digital cameras, mostly for the ease and safety of preserving important moments. It allows us to capture more fleeting moments or in lower-light situations. In our minds, film complements digital rather than replacing it, and using both allows us to deliver complete wedding galleries with the lowest liability.

We also love using instant film — Polaroid and Fuji Instax cameras are regular items on our gear list. Clients love them, guests love them, and it allows us to give tangible keepsakes to couples before we exit their event. We try to take these throughout the day and hand the stack off as we say goodbye, making a bittersweet moment a little easier.

Is film right for every couple? Maybe not, but if they appreciate craftsmanship, love the nostalgic imagery of decades past, or just want something different from purely digital galleries, then we think it’s a great fit! We don’t use film in our approach because it’s trendy or because we think it makes every photograph look better. We use it because some moments call to be captured in a way that feels a little different. Those soulful, emotional, organic moments. After more than 10 years behind the lens, film is still one of our favorite ways to preserve memories.

South Shore Wedding on 35mm Film

Diana + Victor’s wedding on private property in Hull, Massachusetts was the perfect mix of coastal and cool. The bride and groom opted to share a slice of pizza instead of cutting a cake, their friends and family pitched in to create custom decor and details, and most of their gallery was shot on 35mm film. We even handed off a few disposable cameras to the wedding party to see what they could do, and man, they delivered!

Venue: Private property in Hull, MA
Photo: Atlas + Stone Photography
Video: Mary Winn Visuals
Catering: Kasa (Malden, MA) and Nor’Easter Pizza Co (Kingston, MA)
Band: The Emergency Broadcast System
Hair: Teryn with One Zero Four Salon
Makeup: Lauren with Haley Joy Page
Bride’s dress: Tulle Bridal

Best Engagement Session Locations in Massachusetts + Rhode Island

One of the best parts of planning an engagement session is choosing a location that feels like you. Whether it's a windswept beach, a quiet forest trail, a charming downtown, or a historic estate, the right setting helps tell your story and creates photographs that feel authentic, timeless, and personal.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island are filled with incredible locations for engagement photos, offering everything from dramatic coastlines and rolling fields to city streets, gardens, and hidden natural spaces. No matter the season or your photography style, there's a backdrop that perfectly complements your relationship.

In this post, we've rounded up some of our favorite engagement session locations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help you find the perfect place for your photos, and maybe even discover a few hidden gems you hadn't considered.

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1. Borderland State Park in Easton, MA

This park is a photographer’s dream: old stone mansions, carriage houses, foliage tunnels, flower gardens, boxwood walls, and more. It’s a beautiful spot to take engagement photos when the grass is green and the flowers are in bloom (think May - September), especially if you’re into old architecture and history. Beware of its popularity, however — this park is exceedingly busy on warm weekend evenings, which means you’ll have to compete for the best photo locations. Your best bet is to visit on a weekday.

2. Brenton Point in Newport, RI

At the Western tip of Newport’s Ocean Drive is a windy place called Brenton Point. Famous for its summer kite festivals, Brenton Point is a gorgeous spot for cliffside portraits and lush greenery in the summertime. Its wide, expansive field also makes it a great place to bring dogs, with plenty of space to roam around safely. As mentioned, it can be a pretty windy location, so try to wear your hair up or braided (if windswept hair isn’t your thing) and avoid short, flowy skirts. There’s plenty of parking and spots to hide away for portraits, but it does get a little busy on summer weekends. It is Newport, after all.

3. Chase Farm in Lincoln, RI

We’re partial to this location for a few reasons: it’s very quintessential New England, it’s beautiful in the summer and fall, and it’s only about 12 minutes from our house. Chase Farm rarely gets visitors beyond the lone hiker or dogwalker, making this the perfect spot for a summer weekend or peak fall session. Its wide mowed fields, stone walls, and towering oak trees give portraits a rustic, romantic vibe. Make sure you bring bug spray!

4. Fan Pier in Boston, MA

You just can’t beat the views at Fan Pier in Boston. This is an excellent winter location, and we highly recommend going on a Sunday. The Seaport area is a ghost town on Sundays, especially during the winter, and the scenery doesn’t change regardless of the season. Parking can be annoying, so give yourselves extra time to get settled before your session.

5. Moore State Park in Paxton, MA

Look who’s back! It’s true, this spot has made our list twice because it’s just that good. If you’re looking for a tall wheat field with picturesque paths, an adjacent tree-lined pathway, a waterfall, a mill, and a bridge, here you go. Moore State Park in Paxton is beautiful engagement session location year-round. Bring some bug spray and prepare to share the space with other photographers + their clients, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting the perfect shots. One thing to note is that this location requires a permit and doesn’t allow weekend sessions as of March 2024.

6. Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, RI

Off-season clients rejoice: Narragansett Town Beach is completely deserted from October through April. Park where you want (but we suggest close to The Towers) and use the gazebo as a landmark for meeting up, then hit the beach for some beautiful coastal portraits. The water will be cold, but if you can stand to go in for a few moments, the photos will be incredible. We don’t recommend hitting up this spot during the summer unless it’s a sunrise session — it’s crawling with tourists and residents from 9am-8pm, and parking can be really tough.

7. Castle Island in Boston, MA

Avoid the tourists at the Public Garden and head to Castle Island for sunset views of the city (don’t mind the misnomer — no ferry needed). A windy but very pretty spot, Castle Island has tree-lined paved walkways, a rocky cliff face, and a viewing meadow dotted with benches aimed at the skyline. Bring a cozy blanket for a fall session — it can get chilly!

8. Bailey’s Point in Nahant, MA

On the North Shore of MA, a secret little spot called Bailey’s Point boasts skyline views of Boston and a cute seaside park. Set your GPS to Oceanview of Nahant and park in the public spots just before the Oceanview lot, then walk over to the park from there. Don’t try to park on resident-only streets — parking enforcement is ruthless. Bailey’s Point features a gazebo, a small park, hiking trails, rocky cliffs, and a gorgeous view of the Boston skyline. Since this spot isn’t very well known, it’s a good option for summer weekends, but be prepared to share the skyline spot with a few hikers (or even newlyweds from Oceanview).

9. Providence Pedestrian Bridge in Providence, RI

Can’t quite swing a sunset session? The Providence Pedestrian Bridge is blue hour heaven, with its footlights illuminating the walkways and an incredible view of the Providence skyline. Honestly, this is a great spot for any time of day, as the surrounding buildings and waterways help reflect direct sunlight. It’s a large bridge with different levels, so plan to spend a bit of time here. If you’re going during the summer, be patient with tourists, as it’s a popular sightseeing spot.

10. Town Neck Beach in Sandwich, MA

It wouldn't be a true Massachsuetts-area list without including at least one spot on Cape Cod. Town Neck Beach in Sandwich is easy to get to, even during the summer (but plan on extra drive time) since it’s not too far down the Cape. Like most Cape beaches, this spot features soft white sand, sea grass, driftwood, and rolling Atlantic waves. Go during the off season and get the whole beach to yourselves, or schedule a sunrise session during the summer.

Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of New England's most recognizable wedding venues, but beyond the coastal properties and well-known estates are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you're looking for a venue that feels a little less expected, read on. These lesser-known venues offer just as much beauty and character as their more famous counterparts, often with a more intimate atmosphere and greater flexibility to make the space your own.

Whether you're planning a chic Boston wedding or something a little more rural, this guide highlights some of Massachusetts' best hidden gem wedding venues that deserve a place on your shortlist.

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Hampshire House

Boston Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

For those who dreamed of getting married at the Boston Public Library but nearly had a heart attack when they saw the price, there is another option: Hampshire House. Located on the other side of the garden in the same building that houses Cheers, Hampshire House is a boutique hotel with an elegant, Belle-in-the-library vibe. Have your ceremony in the library, then step outside onto the Boston Public Garden for your formal photos. For a fun photo op, pop into Cheers on your way back in. Perfectly suited for smaller events, this venue is ideally located and sure to impress your guests.

The Barn on Bensons Pond

Middleborough Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Ocean Spray fans, anyone? This rustic venue is located on 40 acres of active cranberry bogs. Couples are granted access to the bog trails for their portraits, and guests enjoy an upscale rustic barn area for the cocktail hour and reception. While this venue is budget-friendly, the vibe is certainly elevated, with sturdy wooden farm tables and professional lighting throughout. Bonus: the bridal suite houses farm antiques, which make for some unique (and beautiful!) getting ready photos.

Inn on Boltwood

Amherst Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

The Inn on Boltwood is little known to those outside of the Umass Amherst and Amherst College communities. It’s a delightful little inn, located on the sprawling Amherst Common and with many unique features to meet your needs. Host your rehearsal dinner in the greenhouse , a glass-ceiling room lined with local wines and greenery and serviced by the downstairs farm-to-table restaurant. Have your first look on the private upper deck, a large space overlooking the grounds, then skip over to the common for portraits. Guests can stay in one of the many rooms available at the Inn instead of shuttling to another hotel. And if you dreamed of having your dog in the wedding, this hotel is pet-friendly, so your pup can take a nap in your suite while you party away.

Fan Pier Park

Boston Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

This is technically a wedding location, not a venue, but it’s perfect for your low key, stylish Boston wedding. Have your ceremony on the pier with an incredible view of the Boston skyline (standing room only), and then head over to one of Boston’s many restaurants for your reception. You can go as casual or as fancy as you want, depending on what you decide for dinner. A popular choice for this area is Bostonia Public House, which is perfect for foodies and Boston-lovers alike.

Harrington Farm

Princeton Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

This boutique farm venue is located on a quiet, winding road in Princeton. In the warmer months, the ceremony is hosted in the garden, which is beautifully landscaped with florals and greenery. Couples can enjoy the lawn, garden, and pond as photo backdrops while guests enjoy cocktail hour in a tented space. The reception is located in their atrium, a wood-accented room with high ceilings and an impressive dance floor. This venue is more budget-friendly than other similar venues and lets you decide how grand you want your celebration to be. One unique perk of this venue is the full-service coffee bar, available for an additional fee. Your guests can order artisanal coffee drinks like cappucinos and lattes in addition to the usual beer, wine, and liquor selection.

Cathleen Stone Island

(Formerly known as Thompson Island)

Boston Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Another hidden Boston gem on our list is Cathleen Stone Island, formerly known as Thompson Island, an island in the Boston harbor that hosts weddings and events. Ferries shuttle guests on and off the island, and there is a hotel on site for those who are staying. The Boston skyline views are incredible, and this venue offers a beachy vibe that most Boston locations cannot. This is an excellent choice for couples who are having a destination-esque Boston wedding, as the ride across the harbor is sure to impress your guests and get them excited for the night ahead.

Briar Barn Inn

Rowley Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Take a drive up the North Shore and you’ll come across the Briar Barn Inn, a quiet boutique hotel in Rowley that houses an amazing farm-to-table restaurant and airy, contemporary lodgings. The inn itself used to be a functional farm; one of the getting ready suites is located in an old silo. This is the perfect spot for those who love good food, bright and open spaces, and off-the-beaten-path locations.

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Enjoy this list? Check out Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Rhode Island!

Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Rhode Island

When most couples begin searching for a Rhode Island wedding venue, the same handful of iconic Newport locations tend to dominate every list. While those venues have earned their reputations, they're far from the only beautiful places to celebrate your wedding day.

Some of Rhode Island's most memorable venues are the ones that fly just under the radar, like the historic estates tucked away on quiet streets, the charming waterfront properties without the crowds, the intimate gardens, and the unique spaces that feel personal rather than predictable. These hidden gems often offer incredible character, exceptional service, and a setting that allows your wedding to feel distinctly your own.

Whether you're dreaming of a coastal celebration, a historic mansion, a rustic estate, or something a little unexpected, this post highlights some of Rhode Island's best under-the-radar wedding venues that deserve a spot on your shortlist.

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Hope Events on Main

Pawtucket Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

This budget-friendly venue is located on Main Street in Pawtucket, with plenty of off-street parking for guests. The vibes are vintage industrial, with exposed brick walls, polished cement floors and vintage accents like an old bank vault. Clients are given creative control of the venue and can execute any type of design they desire, with many choosing draping, greenery, and candles to accent the space. Perhaps the best part is the cocktail hour space: a functional candlepin bowling alley with a bar where guests can drink and play while you take formal photos. Your friends and family will be talking about your wedding for years to come!

Shelter Harbor Inn

Westerly Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Shelter Harbor Inn is a quiet little abode in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is the definition of “New England eclectic,” with contemporary decor and waterfront views. Shelter Harbor Inn boasts 22 rooms for your guests in addition to private cottages, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway experience for your guests, this is a fantastic (and affordable!) option. There’s an adorable wooden swing for photos, twinkling bistro lighting throughout the venue, and a farmhouse restaurant available for catering. Another plus: the guest minimum is only 25 people.

Newport Vineyards

Newport Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Looking for a Newport wedding venue without the luxury prices? Check no further than the Newport Vineyards. Located on the other side of Aquidneck Island, this technically-Middletown venue is the perfect mix of modern and countryside (not rustic!). Your guests can enjoy local wine on the patio while you stroll the acres of grapevines for photos, and the reception space is beautifully modern with lots of glass, wood, and iron accents. It’s also one of the only Newport-area venues with ample parking. If you love good views, food, and wine, this spot should definitely be on your list.

Providence Pedestrian Bridge

Providence Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

This is technically a wedding location, not a venue, but it’s perfect for your low key, chic Providence wedding. Get married on the bridge over the Providence river for those gorgeous skyline views, and then pop over to one of Providence’s many amazing restaurants for your reception. The bridge offers a corner overlook with seating for up to 50 people and standing room for many more. There is no permit required, so find an officiant and you’re good to go! Since parking is limited, we recommend shuttling your guests from a hotel to the bridge for the ceremony. Photo op: there are often food trucks and ice cream stands on either end of the bridge, which would make a super cute photo before you head out!

The Landing

Newport Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

The Landing, located on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, is a restaurant famed for its seafood and commanding views of the Newport Harbor. And up the stairs, there is a secret wedding venue that is sure to impress your guests. This sunny spot is a large, airy room with floor-to-ceiling windows on every wall, upscale bistro lighting, and long farmer’s tables. There is a large balcony for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour as well as a private dock for couples’ portraits. If you’re looking for a waterfront venue in Newport without the Goat Island prices, definitely take a peek at The Landing.

Meehan Overlook

Providence Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

This venue in Providence, RI is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant. Your guests will be surprised by the waterfront views and green space tucked away from the city, and ceremony spot gets incredible lighting for photos. The reception space has a large stone fireplace, perfect for a winter wedding floral installation and cozy photos. The best part: since it’s attached to a public park, the venue is managed by the State of Rhode Island and therefore is far less expensive than similar privately-owned venues.

Linden Place

Bristol Wedding Venue

Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography

Are you a history buff? New England is full of historic estates, and Linden Place stands out. Located in downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, this venue features a beautiful sculpture garden, roses, and fall foliage. Get ready in one of the historic bedrooms, have a first look in the greenhouse, and exchange vows in the rose garden. The reception takes place in a barn-style building next to the house, which looks lovely when decorated with lots of candles and florals of your choice. There is an inn across the street for easy guest lodging, too. Overall, this is an excellent historic venue option without the Newport mansion price tag.

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Enjoy this list? Check out Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Massachusetts!

Top 5 Providence Wedding Photographers

It might seem wild for a wedding photographer to blog about other photographers, but we couldn’t help but notice that this is a topic with shockingly little information. Most of these lists aren’t created by real people — think of the AI-generated Bark and Thumbtack lists you get while Googling — and pay-to-play sites like The Knot and Zola. And while we would love every potential client to flock to us, we know that we’re not every single couple’s cup of tea, and it’s always worth exploring other styles.

Here are the companies that we refer out the most often in the Providence area, in no particular order:

1. Atlas + Stone Photography

(You didn’t think we’d leave ourselves off this list, did you?)

Atlas + Stone is a husband and wife team with a documentary, film-forward style. They use an expert mix of candids and gentle posing to bring out your natural chemistry, and they are a calm and organized presence on your wedding day. They love to use vintage 35mm cameras and instant film to evoke the nostalgic style of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You can only find this team in New England and New York.

2. Kirsten Capron Photography

Kirsten is exceedingly sweet and thoughtful, and her photos reflect this wholeheartedly. Based in Warwick RI, she is known for her moody, romantic photography, and she does an incredible job with portraits. As a former florist, Kirsten has a sharp eye for details, and she is especially well known for her decor photos. You can find Kirsten in Rhode Island and beyond.

3. Ox & Anchor Photography

Amanda Blais, the photographer behind Ox & Anchor Photography, is a relaxed, kind presence on your wedding day. She has a clean, sharp editing style, with vibrant colors and fun posing. She also has an incredible eye for details, leaving no corner of a wedding uncovered. She often second shoots for Atlas + Stone, and she’s one of our favorite people to work with.

4. Caroline Giuliano Photography

Caroline is a highly creative photographer with a romantic, documentary style. She draws inspiration from old movies, love letters, and the architecture of her favorite places, cultivating galleries that are emotional and beautifully composed. Based in the Salem, MA area, Caroline serves Boston, greater New England, and beyond.

5. Danyel DeBoise Photography

Bold, bright, and unapologetically herself, Danyel is a wedding and boudoir photographer in the Providence area. Her style is vibrant and colorful, and she brings fun to every session and wedding she shoots. Danyel’s studio is based in Pawtucket RI, and she works all over the Rhode Island coast.

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For more information about any of these photographers, tap their photos to head to their websites.