Owned by the Newport Preservation Society, Rosecliff is a one of the most luxurious, elegant, beautiful reception venues in Newport. Originally owned by the Nevada silver heiress Theresa Oelrichs, this “summer cottage” was modeled after the French palace at Versailles. Completed in 1902, this house has been the stage for some of the best social gatherings at the turn of the centuy. This gorgeous mansion has been the set for movies including The Great Gatsby, True Lies, Armistad, and 27 Dresses.  Coming up the gravel drive, visitors feel like the’ve entered a fairy tale. If you want a venue that makes you feel like a princess, stop looking. This is it.

The Details: This venue screams black tie or graceful garden party. Either way, you’re guaranted a win. The Rosecliff ballroom can accommodate up to 180 guests for a seated dinner with dance area. Additional seating is available in the adjacent salon.  The ceiling of the ballroom is painted to look like a summer sky. The interior of the mansion is all white, making it perfect for a wedding of any color scheme. Cocktails can be served on the outdoor, covered terrace, with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Couples who host their reception here are free to use the gardens for pictures. Brides can also use one of the bedrooms upstairs as a room to get ready in. The famous heart stair case is a prime spot for bridal party pictures.

You would be hard pressed to find a venue with more grandeur here in Newport, or anywhere else.  The only property owned by the Preservation Society that can be use for weddings, Rosecliff is in high demand. Often booked out for years, If this is something you have your heart set on, I’d suggest making a call as soon as possible. Though certainly not the cheapest venue you could find, it is certainly one of the most beautiful.

Personal Connection: In 1986 my parents celebrated their wedding with a grand white tie reception at Rosecliff. 29 years later, their pictures are still timeless and beautiful; like something out of a fairy tale. As a child, I spent hours looking at the pictures and imagining what it was like. Pretending I could hear the chamber orchestra playing graceful waltz music from the corner, watching people in fancy long dresses and tux’s moving around the dance floor, sipping a bubbly on the terrace overlooking the ocean: it was everything a little girl could dream of. 23 years later, Rosecliff is till the most beautiful venue I have ever seen. Rosecliff was, is, and will always been, the place of my dreams.

Things to think about: The Preservation Society requires that couples work within a set list of vendors for catering needs.

For more Rosecliff inspiration, follow the Newport Preservation Society on Pinterest.