VENUE REVIEW // Belle Mer, Newport, RI
If there's one venue in New England that genuinely excites me every single time with no hurdles and no “what if’s”, it's Belle Mer in Newport, RI. It’s a Goat Island OG, overlooking the harbor and the iconic Newport Bridge.
Belle Mer is always special to me because it’s where the idea of FREEBIRD was born when I was a guest at my cousin’s Belle Mer wedding. Over ten years later, here we are! And every time I get to go back I’m always in a reflective and appreciative state.
GETTING READY AT BELLE MER
I think any photographer will tell you how incredible the Island House “getting ready” suite is at Belle Mer. It has high ceilings, white paint, LOADS of natural light and a ton of open space makes for the perfect backdrop for dress shots, detail photos, etc.
Below, a few photos from Jackie + Zach’s late May wedding at Belle Mer’s Island House:
FORMAL PHOTOS AT BELLE MER
Although ideal but not always possible, golden hour OR a cloudy day will always be your best bet for photos on-site just based on lighting alone. At Belle Mer, there’s very little shade on Island House side and no shade at all on Water Salon side. Both sides do however offer a pretty wide variety of backdrops all within a tight location (which makes it so easy and enjoyable). This is especially good when weather (wind specifically) plays into day-of decisions because pretty much every angle and view is a good one.
Below, a few formal photos below from Micaela + Dave’s late August wedding at Belle Mer:
CEREMONIES AT BELLE MER
I mean… That iconic white wall paired with the crushed white shell aisle, sea grass and harbor views?! And then the meticulous green grass to almost “luxe” everything up? I personally think it’s the best waterfront ceremony spot Newport has.
Below photos from Jen + Jordan’s mid-August wedding at Belle Mer:
COCKTAIL HOUR + RECEPTION AT BELLE MER
Cocktail hour at Belle Mer is one of my favorite times to shoot. Guests spread out across the grounds, the light is usually at its best, guests (and you!) are more relaxed, doing lots of grins and grabs, drinks are flowing… it’s the perfect warm-up for your reception.
I use cocktail hour to work the crowd for candids or group shots, capture the details of your reception space before guests spill in, finish any family formals and sometimes sneak the two of you away for a few more portraits.
When it comes to the reception space on either side, the light and airy aesthetic speaks to my shooting and editing style to a T. Both rooms give you a very neutral, blank slate to work with so from wedding to wedding (just based on flowers, color, table layouts, etc.) it looks different every time.
The toasts, first dance, parent dances, open dance floor— Belle Mer's spaces are large enough that I can work freely without ever feeling cramped or in guests' way. That matters more than people realize.
IN CLOSING…
If you're planning a wedding at Belle Mer and you want a photographer who knows this venue — who's been there on sunny days and stormy ones, who knows where the light falls and where to pivot when it doesn't — I would love to be part of your day.
I'm a Boston-based wedding photographer who knows when to step in when needed, and step back when moments are naturally unfolding. Newport holds a deeply personal place in my work, and I'd be honored to come back for yours.
[Let's connect →] https://www.wearefreebird.com/contact