Ashley and John’s romantic Glen Manor House summer wedding in Portsmouth, RI was a photographer’s dream! This venue has all of the vibes of a French chateau overlooking the Sakonnet River. Ashley’s theme of glitter and gold paired seamlessly with the sun drenched light throughout the day. Ashley and John’s smiles were nonstop, and this wedding looked like something out of an Anthropologie catalogue!

Scroll down to see all of our favorites from this historic estate wedding in Portsmouth, Rhode Island…

More about this Glen Manor House Summer Wedding in Portsmouth:

Obviously one of our favorite things to document at a wedding are those unscripted moments, but Ashley’s dress OMG THIS DRESS was a close second. Made by designer Lindee Daniel, Ashley discovered this dress in Newport at the Love Bird Bride boutique. With layers of organic cotton and raw silk, Ashley looked like she walked straight out of a fairytale. We are sad to update this post with the news that Lindee isn’t designing dresses any more, but she has shifted her focus to humanitarian efforts and we couldn’t be more inspired by her! Check out her website for more info on her current work – Lindee Daniel.

After photographing weddings in New England for over ten years, we’ve developed a list of “favorite things” that a venue can offer. The Glen Manor House has nearly all of them. The outdoor ceremony space is set in a vibrant english garden, where guests are treated to scenic views of the water while the couple reads their vows. A very large bridal suite on site (with HUGE windows… think tons of natural light!) makes getting ready so much more relaxing. We also loved the indoor reception space where guests could enjoy dinner and dancing in a climate controlled environment!

Cost of a Glen Manor House wedding:

One thing that every couple has to consider when planning a wedding is budget. The Glen Manor House offers a very competitive rental price compared to other coastal RI wedding venues. If you are planning on getting married on a Saturday from May through October, the Glen Manor House is $12,000 to rent. That includes up to five hours of time from the start of the ceremony to the end of the reception. This venue only schedules one wedding per day, so you can arrive early to prep and decorate as you wish. Linens and chairs are available to rent as well, and the Glen Manor House works exclusively with the Russell Morin Catering so that’s one less thing you have to research!

The Glen Manor House allows up to 200 guests on the wedding day. You can have an intimate garden ceremony with dinner on the covered patio for smaller events, or you can host an all out party. There is plenty of room at this venue for both small and large weddings!

Hotels near Glen Manor House:

The Glen Manor House wedding venue feels so secluded and private, and yet it’s just a few miles from some of the best hotels and Airbnb’s for guest accommodations! The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina is a more traditional lodging space for guests, and is just eight miles from the venue. This hotel, surrounded by cobblestone streets with views of breathtaking yachts, has an indoor pool and a luxurious spa. A more upscale hotel nearby is Forty 1° North which offers posh suites, private cottages, a restaurant and a hip bar.

For guests who are wanting more of a historic lodging experience, check out the Hydrangea House. This ten-bedroom bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Newport on Bellevue Avenue, where the Vanderbilts once resided! Although their website boasts long distance calling and Ipod hookups, this could be the perfect overnight space for guests with a more refined taste (or who still use Ipods).

One of our personal favorite lodging choices while in town for weddings is AirBnbs. We love having our own space (our own kitchen!), and getting to know the real neighborhoods of an area. While most of the hotels and fancy B&B’s are in Newport, there are a few great Airbnb choices less than five minutes from the Glen Manor House. This adorable oceanfront cottage would be the perfect choice for a family or couple attending a wedding at the Glen Manor House. Here’s a great budget friendly Portsmouth, RI suite with three bedrooms and amazing reviews.

History of the Glen Manor House:

So many weddings venues in New England have such a rich history. I’m always fascinated to learn more about these historic estate venues. While there has been some speculation about ghosts at Glen Manor House, I haven’t found anything that substantiates that claim! The original property was purchased in 1882 by the Taylor family and operated as the “Glen Farm” until the house was built. The Taylors, whose wealth came from mining, banking and railroads, primarily lived in New York City. After years of summering in Newport, they discovered they preferred the country life in Portsmouth. In 1923, they completed the Glen Manor House. The magnificent landscaping around the home was designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers.

The home remained in the Taylor family until 1959. It was then sold to the Sisters of Sacred Heart who operated it as a boarding school. In 1972, the Glen Manor House was sold to the Town of Portsmouth. It is still owned today by the citizens of Portsmouth; operated by a resident manager, volunteers and an organization called the Glen Manor House Authority.

Thanks to the following vendors who contributed to Ashley and John’s big day:

Venue – Glen Manor House

Catering – Russell Morin Fine Catering

Hair stylist – Jennie Kay Beauty

Bride’s dress – Lindee Daniel (via Love Bird Bridal)

Bride’s hair accessory – Twigs & Honey

Groom’s suit – Vera Wang

Band – Eight to the Bar

Flower girls outfits – Tutus Chic Boutique

Sequin tablecloths – La Tavola Linen