SPRING HOUSE HOTEL WEDDING
SPRING HOUSE HOTEL, BLOCK ISLAND, RI:
a guide to getting married on block island
Block Island is such a unique little place to get married and requires some smart planning. A wedding on Block Island means bringing most everything onto the island for your wedding – from guests, to decorations, to florals and other vendors. But because of that, it creates a truly special experience that feels secluded and intimate. The island consists of one town, New Shoreham and is just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, only 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, with around 1,000 locals and a ton more visitors during the summer. The island is full of photo-worthy views, like the iconic Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Light lighthouse. With no traffic lights and over 40% of the land preserved for nature, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor lovers and for people who value an elevated wedding experience. It is also such a perfect spot to elope! Lastly, once your wedding is over you now have the little island to explore and enjoy before returning home. It’s such a sweet little getaway!
Sophia and Phil had their wedding weekend at the Spring House Hotel on Block Island last spring. It was my first time photographing a wedding on Block Island and I learned so much from the travel to and from, as well as things to consider when getting married on Block Island. They had me cover their welcome dinner and then their full wedding the following day. It was such a useful position to be in to get to know the family and closest loved ones ahead of the chaos of wedding day. So let’s get into it!
Photos from their welcome party at The National Hotel and some portraits of the couple on the nearby beach before the sunset.
Getting to Block Island
Ferry: The most common way to get to Block Island is by ferry. Ferries run regularly from Point Judith in Rhode Island, which is about a 30-minute ride. There are also ferries from New London, Connecticut. Guests will need to plan their ferry ride in advance, especially during busy wedding seasons. I remember setting a calendar alert sometime in January for their May wedding to assure I get in the moment tickets become available. Definitely try to reserve tickets early to ensure a spot, especially if you’re traveling on a popular weekend such as Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, etc.
Air Travel: For a quicker, more expensive and more scenic route, guests can fly directly to Block Island’s small airport from Westerly, Rhode Island or Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a short flight, but it’s worth noting that the island’s airport has limited capacity, so this option may be best for a select few guests or those looking for a unique travel experience.
Getting Around the Island
Ferry and Plane Options: Once you arrive on the island, taxis and ride-share services are available to take guests to their accommodations or the wedding venue. However, it’s a small island, so transportation options can be limited, especially during peak wedding season.
Biking/Scooters: For a more leisurely and fun way to explore the island, many guests choose to rent bikes or scooters (we rented one scooter which came in handy but if we were there not on business I would opt for biking). There are plenty of bike and scooter rental shops, and it’s a great way to get around Block Island at a relaxed pace while enjoying the scenery. I personally love to opt for biking (especially is my husband joins me for the trip) because it not only gets your body moving, but you are truly able to take in the views around you away from the busy hub.
Walking: Given Block Island’s compact size, many locations, including some wedding venues, are within walking distance of the main town or ferry terminal. Guests should prepare for some walking—comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Where to Stay:
When attending a wedding at The Spring House Hotel on Block Island, Rhode Island, guests have a few options for where to stay! Starting with the most obvious, a room at the Spring House Hotel.
The Spring House Hotel (on-site)
The Spring House Hotel itself offers rooms for guests who want to stay close to the wedding festivities.
Vibe: Historic and charming
Block Island Beach House
Located not far from the Spring House, the Block Island Beach House offers a relaxed, coastal vibe. It’s a great choice for guests who prefer a more modern feel with easy access to the beach and island attractions.
Vibe: Casual, coastal, and modern
The Island Home Inn
The Island Home Inn is just a short distance from the Spring House, making it a convenient and comfortable option for wedding guests who want a charming place to stay.
Vibe: Charming, relaxed, and boutique
The National Hotel
The National Hotel is located in the heart of Old Harbor where the ferries land, providing a central location just a 12 minute walk to the Spring House Hotel making it easy for guests to explore the island when they’re not attending wedding festivities.
Vibe: Elegant, centrally located and historic
Bed & Breakfasts
Block Island has several lovely bed and breakfasts scattered around the island like Sands Hotel and The Rose Cottage. These are perfect for those looking for a more personal, homey experience.
Vibe: Cozy, intimate, and personal
Airbnb & Rentals
There are numerous Airbnb and vacation rentals on Block Island, offering everything from private homes to quaint cottages. Renting through Airbnb is a great option for guests looking for a more private or group-oriented space, especially if they’re staying for multiple nights or looking to share accommodations with other guests. This is the option my husband and I opted for as I wanted some distance from the main hub of the island so we could explore other areas more easily.
Vibe: Varied, flexible, and local
Sophia and Phil married on the front lawn of the Spring House Hotel with the water behind them. Luckily it was only *slightly* foggy which added a film effect to the backdrop of their photos.
They took their group portraits out front. Something to keep in mind is the time of day for portraits! If the sun is high above you (versus somewhere along the horizon) then it will make for harsh light and shadows. It’s best to keep the sun behind you at that point to avoid any squinting or funky shadows.
Their portraits were also on the front lawn! It’s convenient when the location has open land available for use during portraits because you move around freely and get some creative, fun shots all while the couple feels relaxed.
They moved onto cocktail hour on the front porch of the hotel, providing vast wide angle views of the island and water below.
Their reception was held in the outside tented patio while guests found their tables. Salads were preset and the couple listened as their closest loved ones gave toasts.
Their wedding celebrations really began after toasts and dinner when the couple and their guests moved into the front space for cocktails and dancing. The transition into a new space made the shift feel intentional and gave guests the space to cuddle in booths, share drinks at the bar and dance the night away.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Hi! I’m Britt! I am a wedding photographer based in Connecticut and will travel anywhere. I specialize in film-inspired wedding photography and documenting weddings. I AM inspired by vintage photoS of lovers, PLAYFUL LIGHT, 90s fashion, photojournalism and music.
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