Planning a Newport wedding and searching for that perfect balance of coastal charm and sophisticated elegance? Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue, might just be the answer to your venue dreams. With sweeping waterfront views, lush lawns, and an effortlessly luxurious atmosphere, it’s no wonder this iconic space tops the list for couples planning a glamorous seaside celebration. But with so many stunning venues in Newport, how do you know if Belle Mer is the right fit for your wedding vision?

As the founder and lead planner of Verve Event Co., I specialize in helping couples plan highly personalized, design-forward weddings throughout New England and beyond. From the very first venue walkthrough to the final send-off, I guide my clients through every decision with clarity and confidence. After years of working with couples at every stage of the planning process, I know exactly what to look for when evaluating whether a venue fits your vision, budget, and guest experience.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Belle Mer, from its distinct venue spaces to the design opportunities it offers, so you can decide if it’s the right match for your wedding day. Whether you’re envisioning a tented coastal affair or a modern indoor reception with a view, consider this your go-to guide for planning a wedding at one of Newport’s most sought-after venues.

 

Photo from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

 

Why Choose Belle Mer for Your Wedding

With panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the iconic Newport Bridge, Belle Mer offers one of the most scenic and elegant waterfront views in all of Rhode Island. Its modern, white-on-white aesthetic provides a light, airy canvas that effortlessly complements any color palette or design style, from classic coastal to modern romantic. The venue's flexible layout includes options like the Water Salon and Island House, allowing you to tailor your event to your guest count and overall vision without sacrificing intimacy or impact.

What truly sets Belle Mer apart is its seamless blend of indoor luxury and outdoor charm. Expansive lawns, a breezy oceanfront terrace, and sleek architectural details come together to create an experience that feels both elevated and effortless. For couples dreaming of a Newport wedding with stunning water views, flawless flow, and picture-perfect photo ops around every corner, Belle Mer offers the best of all worlds.

 

Photo from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

 

Venue Spaces at Belle Mer

One of the reasons Belle Mer stands out among Newport wedding venues is its flexible selection of event spaces, each offering its own distinct charm. Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom celebration or a sunset ceremony on the lawn, Belle Mer offers multiple locations that can be customized to suit your guest count, aesthetic, and flow of events. Let’s take a closer look at the venue spaces and what makes each one special.

 

Photos from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

The Water Salon + Lawn

This versatile indoor-outdoor pairing is the largest space at Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue, and it offers the best of both worlds—refined elegance and breezy waterfront charm. The Water Salon’s all-white interiors and floor-to-ceiling glass doors create a stunning, light-filled atmosphere for dinner and dancing, while the adjacent lawn is perfect for romantic ceremonies, sunset cocktail hours, and lawn games under the stars.

Capacity Highlights:

• Up to 500 guests for dinner and dancing

• Seamless indoor-outdoor flow

• Oceanfront lawn ideal for ceremonies and receptions

   

Photos from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

The Island House + Lawn

Tucked away from the main building, the Island House offers a more intimate experience with a laid-back yet luxurious coastal feel. This space is perfect for smaller celebrations, with breathtaking views of the Newport Bridge and iconic Vanderbilt Light post creating a dreamy setting for ceremonies or cocktail hours. The lawn adds an open-air element that’s just steps away down a charming shell path lined with fountains.

Capacity Highlights:

• Up to 180 guests for dinner and dancing

• Private, coastal setting with iconic views

• Perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate receptions

 

From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, Belle Mer’s layout allows you to design a day that flows beautifully from one space to the next. Now that we’ve covered the venue options, let’s talk about how you can make each of these spaces your own through thoughtful, elevated design.

 

Design Possibilities at Belle Mer

Belle Mer A Longwood Venue is truly a blank canvas in the best way possible. With its minimalist architecture, oceanfront views, and luxurious finishes, it allows you to create a wedding design that feels personal, impactful, and elevated. Whether your vision leans modern, romantic, or boldly artistic, this venue can support it all.

Here are a few ways to bring your aesthetic to life:

• Lean into the clean palette with bold florals, striking rentals, or a dramatic color scheme.

• Design with the view in mind. The water and Newport Bridge become natural focal points, so you don’t need to over-style to make an impression.

• Add softness with texture. Think sheer draping, layered linens, or floral installations that dance in the ocean breeze.

• Play with symmetry. The modern lines of the Water Salon and Island House pair beautifully with thoughtful, balanced design elements.

• Transform the lawn. From elevated ceremony seating to statement aisle runners, the Lawn gives you room to get creative without losing intimacy.

Belle Mer gives you the flexibility to let your aesthetic shine while offering enough structure to support even the most complex event design. And once your design vision is in place, don’t forget about how your layout brings it all to life. From ceremony seating to reception flow, your floorplan plays a major role in the guest experience. For tips on how to maximize your space, check out this episode of Ask the Planner Podcast for wedding floorplan best practices.

 

Photo from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

Planning Tips for a Belle Mer Wedding

While Belle Mer’s clean design and open layout are part of its charm, it also requires thoughtful planning to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Embrace the Light, But Plan for Shade
   The venue’s open lawn and oceanside setting make for dreamy golden-hour portraits, but be sure to plan for shade or sun cover during daytime ceremonies or cocktail hours, especially in warmer months.

2. Think Through Guest Flow
   With multiple event spaces available, be intentional about how your guests will move from one part of the celebration to the next. Use signage, escort cards, or a welcome drink station to guide them effortlessly.

3. Use the Venue’s Clean Slate to Your Advantage
   Because Belle Mer has such a minimalist aesthetic, your decor and floral choices will shine. Choose focal points like a dramatic ceremony arch or statement escort display to elevate the space.

4. Account for Coastal Weather
   The oceanfront setting is stunning, but breezy conditions are common. Make sure your florist and rental teams are prepared with proper anchoring and backup plans just in case.

5. Work with a Planner Who Understands the Layout
   With its multiple indoor-outdoor options and unique layout, Belle Mer truly benefits from a planner who can help you maximize the space and ensure a seamless timeline.

Planning a wedding at Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue is all about embracing its coastal charm while ensuring each detail is executed with care. With thoughtful design, seamless guest flow, and an eye on the logistics that make your day feel effortless, this venue has the potential to host a truly unforgettable event.

 

Photo from Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

 

Work with Verve Event Co. to Bring Your Coastal Wedding to Life

Designing a wedding at Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about crafting an experience that feels like you. At Verve Event Co., we specialize in weddings that are both elevated and deeply personal, rooted in thoughtful details and seamless planning. From managing logistics and timelines to building a vendor team that matches your style and priorities, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re drawn to the idea of hosting a coastal wedding with a sophisticated, modern twist, we’d love to help bring that vision to life. Whether you're just starting your venue search or already picturing how you’ll walk down the aisle at Belle Mer, reach out today to start planning your day with Verve Event Co.

Still looking for your dream wedding venue? Make sure to check out my complete list of the best venues in New England. And for more real wedding inspiration, design ideas, and behind-the-scenes planning tips, join me over on Instagram!