PHOTOGRAPHER VENUE REVIEW // Regatta Place Newport
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love me a tented wedding. Where Belle Mer (its Goat Island neighbor) is visually different in that it’s manicured grounds and harbor views, Regatta Place is working Newport marina vibes; open air, boats and yachts coming and going… The venue itself is ON a dock after all. It’s polished but with a relaxed, nautical edge that feels elevated but approachable. And if you're standing at the entrance looking straight ahead? Downtown Newport is right there at your 12 o'clock.
WEDDING PORTRAITS AT REGATTA PLACE
Small wedding party? If we’re permitted dock access, stay on-site! It's stunning. But know that there’s no real rain plan.
Larger group? Or weather conscience? Let's plan ahead and use what Newport has to offer nearby. With a few conversations, we can plan to start the day off-site for photos. I’ve had a bride buy a two-hour photography permit for one of the many historic mansions nearby. For another bride, I scouted out a few spots on one of Newport’s most beautiful streets and we worked the side walks there. Depending on time of day, you could even do the beach. It just requires a little extra planning, but from a photography standpoint? WELL worth it.
Golden hour couple’s portraits? Stealing you two away for 5-10min. on the docks for portraits? A must. It’s intimate, it’s beautiful, and it might be the only 5-10min. you guys have had alone with each other all day.
Below, Katie + Frank had hurricane remnants forecasted for their wedding day, so we ended up getting a permit for a mansion nearby and did our photos outside (but in a covered area) there.
WEDDING CEREMONIES AT REGATTA PLACE
It’s tight by design… you ARE on a dock after all. The crown of the ceremony tent is striped tan and white, which shoots beautifully on camera — warm, luxe and textured. They also roll out a white wedding aisle runner, which really elevates the whole vibe with that long, narrow ceremony chair layout. Because of the angle of the ceremony dock, backlighting is also never an issue here (which is a big bonus when shooting waterfront). The tent also has clear side flaps that can be rolled down in windy, cold or rainy weather. (We had to use them for Katie + Frank’s wedding ceremony, first three photos seen below.)
RECEPTIONS AT REGATTA PLACE
The off-white tent and wood floors give you a perfect neutral base — a blank canvas that lets your florals, lighting, and decor do exactly what you designed them to do. You’re surrounded by yachts, boats and views of Downtown Newport, making for some incredible incidental backdrops. During the reception, I’ve seen the cocktail hour area (which is draped with string lights) used for late-night bites, more mingling, a secondary bar, open lounge seating, etc. It creates this really beautiful secondary space that extends the night. And also— us girls love string lights.
Below I’m leaving two different weddings so you can see how much lighting and colors impact the overall look and feel of the space.
IN CLOSING…
If you're planning a wedding at Regatta Place and want a photographer who thinks ahead — knows the venue, lighting and little nuances — I'd love to hear from you!
I'm a Boston-based wedding photographer who shoots about 15 weddings per year. Newport holds a special place in my story and I always jump at the chance to get back there.
[Let's connect →] https://www.wearefreebird.com/contact