Providence

As the saying goes: If the quickest way to your heart is through your stomach, fill your wedding with great food (or at least, that’s our mantra). And at downtown Providence’s Plant City—a mini metropolis of plant-based restaurants, from a pizza joint to a Mexican cantina—that’s an easy thing to do. All seven of its eateries serve up dishes so tasty, you won’t miss the meat (think: jackfruit tacos, walnut-mushroom bolognese, and practically every type of veggie-and-grain bowl you can imagine). Brick walls, high ceilings, and mod-industrial décor make this spot a natural stunner for elopers in search of chic, urban vibes. And for those looking to celebrate with a small group, Plant City’s event venue, The Annex, is a peerless choice. A fully equipped bar and flexible dining area can fit up to 50 standing and 28 seated; custom catering can, of course, be arranged via any of the food hall’s standout spots. Submit an inquiry at least one week in advance to receive a quote. 

One of the most glorious things about Rhode Island is its proliferation of coastline: Almost all of its prominent towns border water, and Providence is no exception. For a quintessential New England ceremony setting, drive a half-hour south along the Providence River to the town of Warwick, and pull over at Conimicut Point. This narrow peninsula juts out dramatically into Narragansett Bay, and at low tide, connects with a sandy spit stretching farther into the water (traverse it at your own risk). From the beachy shoreline and grassy field of the park, you’ll have views of the Conimicut Light, a postcard-perfect lighthouse that appears doubly dramatic when the sunset casts it in silhouette. If you’re gathering a small group of loved ones, or looking for something a bit more formal, arrange for a ceremony at the next-door Chapel by the Sea, a quaint church with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows designed to let in the breeze drifting off the bay. To schedule a virtual consultation or inquire about rates, call 401-739-1620.

A prized address at the heart of Providence’s downtown historic district—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—gives boutique Hotel Providence its ritzy reputation. And its elegant, upscale furnishings and luxe amenities (e.g. room service, concierge, nightly turndown) make any stay as sumptuous an experience as you’d expect. Weddings here used to be restricted to things of great size, with all the accompanying fuss and fanfare, but recently, the hotel launched a microwedding package: You get all the accoutrements of a typical HP affair, but with a guest list that tops out at 10, and at a fraction of the traditional price. For $500, the package includes a ceremony on the rooftop tented terrace (along with an officiant to perform it), a champagne toast, and an overnight suite for the couple where a whirlpool tub awaits. Reach out to Kate Heemsoth at kheemsoth@hotelprovidence.com to schedule a tour or reserve your microwedding.

Despite the fact that Lincoln Woods State Park is a quick 15-minute drive north of downtown Providence, locals often label it a hidden gem. Trek its tree-lined 2.5-mile loop around Olney Pond, and it’s easy to see why: Sprawling forests punctuated by climbable boulders, ample picnic tables, and fireplaces make it a park equally suited for rest as it is for recreation. (If you’re an active duo, turn your elopement into a full-day affair, and you’ll find opportunities for everything from kayaking and fishing to snowmobiling, mountain-biking, and even horseback riding.) What really sets it apart from other area parks, however, is its two glistening, swimmable freshwater beaches. Tie the knot with your toes in the sand, and a canopy of trees for a natural backdrop, then take a load off, and satisfy the post-wedding munchies with a picnic at a beachside table. (To reserve one of the larger picnic zones for a group, you’ll need to reach out to the park’s regional manager Anthony Paive at anthony.paiva@dem.ri.gov.)

Bookish elopers, take note: The Providence Athenæum is a bibliophile’s heaven on Earth. This independent library dating back almost two centuries houses a vast array of books arranged in floor-to-ceiling stacks lining cozy alcoves. Interspersed between nooks and propped on pedestals are historical sculptures and stately busts, adding to the quaint, Euro-like ambiance. Reserve it after hours, and exchange vows in a quiet spot between bookcases, or retreat to the garden-level Reading Room to do the honors beneath rows of string lights. Or, head to the mezzanine-level Art Room to bask in the beauty of the Athenæum’s collection of oil paintings, and pose for portraits with a backdrop of the entire library below. For parties of 10 or fewer, the elopement fee is $500, which allows access to any of the above spaces for up to two hours.

If you thought eloping at city hall was too obvious or ordinary a choice, let Providence’s municipal masterpiece change your mind. The result of a design competition in the 1870s, the five-story, block-long building drips with architectural magnificence: Colored-marble corridors, wood wainscoting, and polished granite columns adorn the main level, while a grand staircase with brass handrails rises upward, showered in natural light from a large skylight above. You can reserve the building on a weekend for 4 hours for a $125 fee, plus an additional $250 to cover security costs. Though the staircase and surrounding landings are stunning spots for “I do’s,” you can also choose to host your ceremony in the Alderman Chambers, where chairs can be arranged for up to 60 guests. In this case, you’d also need to provide an insurance certificate at least 1 week prior; contact Jesenia Fajardo at jfajardo@providenceri.gov for further details.

You won’t have to leave the city of Providence to find yourself immersed in 435 acres of green space. Roger Williams Park, named after the city’s founder, is an urban oasis where you can just as easily spend an afternoon lost in the quaint rose or Japanese garden as you could wandering its zigzagging trails or paddling its rivers in a romantic swan boat. Perhaps the most idyllic spot in the park for couples’ photos is the aptly named Lovers’ Retreat, a covered bridge next to the Casino that has the benefit of Roosevelt Lake for a rippling backdrop. As for tying the knot, you’ll want to do it at the stunning Temple to Music, a Parthenon-esque structure constructed of Vermont marble in 1924. Its elevated platform and striking columns make it a regal setting for “I dos,” while the extensive manicured lawn surrounding it ensures privacy and quietness. Because permit requirements vary, it’s best to contact Heather Manning at 401-680-7240 for information about applicable fees.