Film wedding photographs of a bride and groom in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Film Wedding Photos in Bristol RI | Blithewold Mansion

Photographing Magdalen & Tyler’s Blithewold wedding on both film & digital was a joy creatively.

After more than a decade of photographing weddings and personal work on digital cameras, I found myself being pulled back to film. There’s something about the softness, grain, and timelessness of film that digital can’t quite replicate. Especially in a setting as charming as the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI.

So when Magdalen reached out and said she wanted her wedding photographed on film, I was all in.

Exploring HISTORICAL PLACES IN DOWNTOWN Bristol for BRIDE AND GROOM Portraits

After a the ceremony at St. Mary’s Parish, Magdalen and Tyler hopped in a vintage Mustang convertible. Easily one of the cooler getaway cars I’ve seen.

We headed into downtown Bristol to make the most of the town’s charm before the reception at Blithewold Mansion.

Our first stop was Linden Place, a historical 200-year-old mansion with gorgeous white columns. It’s right in the heart of Bristol and gives off that old New England elegance. It was the perfect spot for mix of film and digital portraits.

From there, we walked across the street to the Colt School, a hidden gem for portraits. Even though it was a bright sunny day, we used the marble building facade as a giant reflector and were able to get some great shots here. Most of the portraits here were on film and the light couldn’t have been better.

Finally we made our way to Blithewold Mansion, where the real celebration was about to begin. But first, we carved out a little time for portraits in the shaded gardens next to the mansion.

  • film photograph taken on kodak portra 400 of a bride and groom kissing reflected in the rearview mirror of a vintage mustang behind the linden place mansion in bristol rhode island
  • Film wedding photographs of a bride and groom in Bristol, Rhode Island.
  • bristol ri film wedding photographer at linden place

WHERE WE WERE

BRISTOL PORTRAIT SPOTS

1

Linden Place

500 Hope St
Bristol, RI

A wedding venue in its own right, Linden Place offered a great backdrop for pictures on a sunny summer day.

2

Colt School

570 Hope St
Bristol, RI

With classical elements and a symmetrical design, this is great spot for portraits at any time of the day.

3

Blithewold Manor

5101 Ferry Rd
Bristol, RI

With classical elements and a symmetrical design, this is great spot for portraits at any time of the day.

COCKTAILS & RECEPTION

BLITHEWOLD mansion

Kodak Portra 400 was my film of choice for this summer wedding. It was the perfect film for chasing that soft romantic light around Blithewold Manor. The gardens, the bay, and that beautiful summer twilight all came alive on film.

FILM portraits at blithewold

Sunset dancing fun on 35mm film

Nothing quite matches the character of film. The grain, depth, and colors have a natural quality that digital filters just can’t duplicate.

THE CAKE CAPTURED ON FILM

LOVE THE SOFT CONTRAST ON FILM

Golden-hour Bridal portraits taken on Kodak Portra 400 film

You did such an INCREDIBLE job!

MAGDALEN & TYLER

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Highlights

While shooting this wedding on film was a blast, I used my regular digital setup for this wedding as well. Here are some of our favorites from this summer wedding at the Blithewold mansion.

More about this Timeless Waterfront Estate in Bristol, RI

Blithewold Manor, Gardens, and Arboretum offers one of the most stunning waterfront wedding settings in New England. Once the summer estate of the Van Wickle family, the mansion has hosted joyful gatherings for over a century. From its famous 1914 marriage of Marjorie Van Wickle to George Lyon, to today’s celebrations that unfold across 33 acres of gardens, lawns, and Narragansett Bay shoreline.

Each season brings its own character here. Spring blooms frame the manor in color, summer sunsets spill across the Great Lawn, and autumn brings a golden glow to the arboretum’s trees. The North Garden, the terraces, and the turn-of-the-century mansion provide a gracious backdrop for cocktail hour, while the estate’s 40’ x 100’ wedding tent and newly built pavilion overlook the sweeping bay views for, cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

Blithewold Wedding Cost

*updated 2026 rates

  • Fridays (May–Oct) – $13,500
  • Saturdays/Holiday Sundays (May & Oct) – $13,795
  • Saturdays/Holiday Sundays (June–Sept) – $17,295
  • Non-holiday Sundays & Weekdays – $8,495
  • Ceremony Fee – $2,350
  • Security Guard – $750 (mandatory)

Quick Facts for Couples Considering Blithewold

  • Exclusivity — Only one wedding per day; full access to mansion and grounds
  • Capacity — Up to 180 guests under the included tent (extensions available)
  • Event Time — 5-hour rental, with optional 30-min extension on Fridays/Saturdays
  • Season — Best known for May–October weddings, but open year-round for ceremonies
  • Catering — Exclusive partnership with Blackstone Caterers

SEE MORE RHODE ISLAND WEDDINGS ON OUR BLOG

Vendor Credits From This Wedding

Blithewold Manor photographed on film during a summer wedding.

Blithewold

Vendors who contributed to Magdalen & Tyler’s wedding.

https://www.blithewold.org