How to Elope on Block Island

How to Plan a Block Island Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Rhode Island Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Block Island is a small island located off the coast of Rhode Island, which makes it an ideal destination for elopements. Its natural beauty and unique charm create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples who want an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience. Check out this comprehensive guide on how to elope on Block Island.

Plan ahead

The first step to eloping on Block Island is to plan ahead. Block Island is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to make reservations as early as possible. Decide on your elopement date and make arrangements for travel and accommodations. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor’s Center for assistance in finding lodging and recommendations for wedding officiants, florists, and photographers.

Choose the perfect location

Block Island offers numerous picturesque locations for elopements. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and couples can choose from scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal cliffs. Popular elopement locations on the island include the Mohegan Bluffs, North Light, and the Southeast Lighthouse. You can also choose to have your elopement ceremony on one of the island's many beaches, such as Mansion Beach, Scotch Beach, or Charlestown Beach.

Obtain the necessary permits and licenses

To legally elope on Block Island, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Town Clerk's Office on the island. You can download the marriage license application form from the Town of New Shoreham's website or obtain a copy in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Both you and your partner will need to be present when applying for the license and provide identification and any necessary documentation. The Town Clerk's Office will issue the marriage license immediately upon completion of the application.

Hire a wedding officiant

Hiring a wedding officiant is an important step in eloping on Block Island. You can choose to have a religious or non-religious ceremony, and you can also select a traditional or personalized ceremony. Officiants are available on the island, and you can contact the Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor's Center for a list of recommended officiants. However, if you choose me as your elopement photographer, I also serve as an ordained officiant! This leads me to the next section…

Book a photographer

Block Island is a photographer's dream, and having a professional photographer to capture your elopement ceremony is a must. Be sure to book your photographer early to ensure availability on your chosen elopement date. I live on the mainland in RI and I love coming over to the island. I’m there for elopements several times per year.

Choose your attire

Eloping on Block Island provides couples with the freedom to choose their attire. You can choose to wear traditional wedding attire or opt for a more casual look. Keep in mind the island’s weather conditions when selecting your attire. If you plan on having your elopement ceremony on the beach, consider wearing comfortable and lightweight clothing.

Celebrate your elopement

After your elopement ceremony, celebrate your special day on Block Island. The island offers a range of activities for couples to enjoy, from romantic walks on the beach to biking tours and nature hikes. You can also have a romantic dinner at one of the island's many restaurants or celebrate with champagne at a local bar or lounge.

The Paperwork

Apply for a marriage license: Both you and your partner will need to appear in person at the town clerk's office in New Shoreham on Block Island to complete a marriage license application. You will need to bring government-issued identification and pay a fee. The license is valid for 90 days.

You also need to have witnesses present. Rhode Island requires that two witnesses be present at your wedding ceremony to sign the marriage license.

And finally, you need to file the marriage license. After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license, and you and your witnesses will also sign it. You must then return the license to the town clerk's office where you obtained it within 72 hours of the ceremony.

Where to Stay on Block Island

Block Island has a variety of lodging options that are perfect for elopements, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Here are some recommendations for where to stay on Block Island for an elopement:

1. The 1661 Inn: This charming inn is located in the heart of Old Harbor and offers elegant accommodations, as well as a variety of elopement packages.

2. The Atlantic Inn: This historic inn is located on a hill overlooking the ocean and offers stunning views, as well as luxurious accommodations and personalized service. They also offer elopement packages that can be tailored to your needs.

3. The Spring House Hotel: This elegant hotel has been a popular wedding venue for over 150 years and offers a variety of elopement packages that include accommodations, ceremony location, and more.

4. Block Island Beach House : This cozy beach house and offers comfortable accommodations and a peaceful setting, making it an ideal spot for an intimate elopement.

5. The Blue Dory Inn: This cozy inn is located in Old Harbor and offers comfortable accommodations, as well as elopement packages that include a ceremony location, flowers, and more.
   
   Of course, there are Airbnbs & VRBO’s on the island as well.
   The Ross House- Modern and coastal views for days!

   Saltbox- Stunning water views on the cliff.

Where to Elope on Block Island

Block Island, located off the coast of Rhode Island, is a beautiful destination for elopements with its stunning beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and charming town. Here are some recommendations for where to elope on Block Island:

1. Mohegan Bluffs: These stunning cliffs offer a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and are a popular spot for elopements. The location is easily accessible from town and provides a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.

2. Southeast Light: This historic lighthouse is perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean and makes for a romantic elopement location. The picturesque setting provides a unique and memorable backdrop for your wedding photos.

3. Mansion Beach: This secluded beach is located on the eastern side of the island and offers a tranquil and intimate setting for your elopement. The pristine beach and beautiful surroundings make it a popular choice for couples.

4. The Spring House Hotel: This elegant and historic hotel has been a popular wedding venue for over 150 years. The hotel offers a variety of elopement packages, including options for intimate ceremonies on their oceanfront lawn or in their beautiful gardens.

5. Clayhead Nature Trail: This scenic trail offers stunning views of the island's coastline and is a popular spot for outdoor elopements. The peaceful and serene setting makes it an ideal location for couples who love nature.

No matter where you choose to elope on Block Island, you are sure to have a beautiful and memorable experience.

Eloping on Block Island is a unique and romantic way to celebrate your love. The island’s natural beauty, coupled with its historic landmarks, make it an ideal destination for couples who want a special and intimate elopement experience. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can have a memorable and unforgettable elopement on Block Island.

New England Couple Elopes in Rhode Island

Hong & John’s Magnificent RI Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Rhode Island & BEYOND

Hong and John eloped in Rhode Island in stunning style. Their day was full of surprises, including an unforecasted downpour that started in the middle of their ceremony. They rolled with it and soaked up all the views, surprises, and their day turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.

They were supposed to elope the day before, but we checked in via phone and the forecast said pouring rain all day. Since I live in Rhode Island and I didn’t have anything booked the next day I was happy to not spend a day drenched and agreed. All started out dry the next day, but a couple minutes into their ceremony the rain began and didn’t let up until much later.

We met at a special spot in Lincoln Woods. I helped Hong change into her gown, and I set John up for the first look. She came floating down a sea of fall leaves and they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire. It was as adorable as their only guests, two stuffed hippos. I was dying because they brought stuffed hippos and they had no idea that as a kid I collected stuffed hippos and happen to be obsessed with the animals. How appropriate that I would be the one to photograph their day. We understood each other.

After the first look we began our adventure around the park stopping at some of my favorite spots. It certainly helped that Lincoln Woods was in its full on peak fall foliage time and the trees were bursting with color in every direction. We picked a ceremony site and just as they were walking up to it a fisherman set up camp on the location. They asked if they could borrow it for just a few minutes and he was very gracious and totally fine with waiting his turn, which was so nice.

They began to exchange their vows and first just a drop. Then another. And another. Before we knew if they were getting soaked, but neither cared and to be honest it was such a memorable experience. We packed up after the ceremony and stopped at the covered bridge before heading down to the coast.

We hiked out to the beach and the great thing about a rainy day is that no one is at the beach. They had it to themselves and we ended up hiking to a lighthouse. The ground was so saturated and the trail was muddy, but they were absolute troopers and got to see a really unique side of the RI coastline, which was amazing. We played with lanterns and twinkle lights and then headed out in the dark.

The next day Hong texted me a photo of how much sand she shook out of her dress. She was laughing and the whole thing was such a memorable experience she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“For our wedding, we wanted a unique experience and since we love the outdoors, we wanted an adventure photographer to capture the day. We loved working with Kat because she took the time to get to know us as a couple, and understand what our ‘ideal’ day would look like. She found some amazing locations based on the time of year (our wedding was in the Fall) and we are so glad we went with her recommendations as the scenery was spectacular on the day.

Kat was wonderful to work with, she kept us well informed, kept an eye on the weather, and advised us on what clothing and accessories we needed for our elopement day.On our planned wedding day, the weather was forecasted to be torrential rain and Kat was very flexible in agreeing to move everything back a day to avoid the downpour. We really appreciated her flexibility. We had such an amazing and fun time with Kat, and we loved every minute of it. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, she was very well prepared and was able to capture some very creative and artistic photos.

Kat really is a master of her craft and was so enjoyable to work with. The final set of photos were truly breathtaking and it was exactly what we had hoped for.

We highly recommend Kat for any bride looking to have a unique experience with photos which aren’t your traditional cookie cutter style shots.”

— Hong & John

Romantic Rhode Island Elopement

Skyla & Matt ELope in Charming Rhode Island

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Rhode Island & BEYOND

Skyla and Matt eloped in Rhode Island on a perfectly beautiful summer morning. When they reached out they wanted both rocky coastline and forest vibes, and I knew I had just the spots for them.

Skyla changed in the woods and I got Matt into position for the first look. We were racing the rising sun as Skyla walked to him. They watched the sunrise over the coast during their first look, and then we moved to a different spot for their ceremony while basking in the warm morning sun.

After their vows, we explored the nearby beach and ruins, and they told me all about the incredible road trip they were on. They are from Indiana and used their elopement as an opportunity to see New England. They were enjoying concerts, doing food tours, and seeing all the sites, and their elopement day was right in the middle of it all. I love when couples create an extended honeymoon out of their elopement. It makes the entire experience even more memorable and special.

Up next, we headed to a secluded forest location. A short drive and then a short hike later and we walked into an amphitheater of trees. This really is one of the most stunning locations in the state. It feels really special to walk down the aisle of trees when there is no one around and it really does feel like mother nature provides way cooler aisles than a church ever could.

Skyla and Matt busted out a “shot-ski” and enjoyed a drink. They had a mini celebration picnic and talked about what was up next on their trip. The entire morning felt like a dream, and at the end of it all they were married. They wanted a low-stress, beautiful, private, and intimate wedding experience and that is exactly what they got.

I love when people come from out of town to elope in Rhode Island, especially if they’ve never been here before. After the experience, the Ocean State is so meaningful to them, and they have a place that they can come back to again and again for their anniversary and remember the joy of the first time they were ever here.

Top 10 Places to Elope In Rhode Island

The Best Spots to Elope in RI

SWELL & STONE / Rhode Island Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Rhode Island is one of the premier places in the country for elopements. It is, after all, the Ocean State and has 400 miles of gorgeous coastline that includes cliffs, dunes, river rocks, and sandy open beaches. And while the coastline is a major attraction it also has beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers dotted with cute cabins if that’s more your style.

To be honest, my goal in life is to find a couple (or many!) who want to paddle to their own private island for their elopement. There are a ton of unoccupied islands in this state, just off the coast and in lakes and rivers. Many of them are simply a short paddle away. Have a boat? We can take that too! The point is, there are so many gorgeous spots open to exploration. So if you’re looking for seclusion and views, get in touch and let’s start planning your dream elopement. Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Check out these articles if you’re looking for Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, or Upstate NY

When planning an elopement, especially one in the summer months, it is always best to plan on a weekday. If you plan on having no guests, or just your immediate families, it is ultimately less expensive, plus easier to plan ceremonies with fewer crowds. Here are some of the best spots to elope in Rhode Island.

Where to Elope in RI?

1. Lighthouse(s) on Public Lands

   From Beavertail to Point Judith to North Light on Block Island, these spots are honestly one of the most picturesque spots in the state, and a great spot to catch the sunset. Castle Hill is another option, but it is on private land and requires booking services with Castle Hill Inn. This is also close to Fort Adams State Park, which has incredible views of the Newport bridge, and is a great spot to visit any time of year. The rocky coastline in this area provides for a lot of exploration and scenery unique to Rhode Island, including tide pools. Check out this gallery.

2. Wood River

   The Wood River runs through the Arcadia Management Area, which is where a bulk of the scenic spots on the river can be found. One of the coolest spots is just north of Alton Pond. In the summer there are copious blueberry and raspberry bushes and calm, beautiful waters. There are several AirBnB’s couples can rent along the river, and there are rope swings and docks dotted along the shoreline. The river is cocooned in a canopy of big trees, which opens into marches and lakes in the wider spots. So if you want to elope summer camp style, this is a great option.

3. Moonstone Beach

   This beach, located right next to Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, can be tough to visit in the summer due to seasonal parking restrictions and to protect the breeding environment of piping plovers. However, if you can time it right this is one of the most beautiful beaches to elope on, and it is secluded due to the lack of parking and all the restrictions. If you’d like to know more about eloping here, reach out and I can help you plan it to take advantage of the best time of year and the best time of day for light.

4. Napatree Point Conservation Area

   This point is one of the coolest places in the entire state. It’s a strip of land that juts out far into the Block Island Sound. It’s so narrow, you can walk back and forth from one side to the other, and there are incredible sand dunes and seagrasses that make for stunning photos. The point is long enough to find a little privacy the further out you walk. Parking can be a pain in the summer, but planning on a weekday elopement can help curtail that issue.

5. East Beach

   This is a wide beach with surprisingly clear waters and little infrastructure. There is over 3 miles of straight, undeveloped beachfront, a rare sight anywhere these days. An added bonus is that you can drive your 4x4 vehicle onto the sand, bring your dog, and even ride your horse on the beach outside of peak summer hours, naturally. In order to drive your vehicle on the beach (including camping vehicles), a Barrier Beach pass is needed. Find more information on the registration and use of 4x4 vehicles on the beach here.  

6. Block Island

   This spot is a favorite of Rhode Islanders and out-of-towners alike. From the incredible sunset views at North Light to the amazingly picturesque Mohegan Bluffs this island has all the makings of the perfect elopement adventure. There’s great food on the island, gorgeous accommodations, and taking the ferry over from the mainland is park of the fun! If you’re looking for a true island adventure elopement in Rhode Island, this is the spot for you! (NOTE: weekdays or planning very far in advance are a must for this spot. And secluded ceremony spots are even better before Memorial Day or after Labor Day). Check out this gallery.

7. Brenton Point State Park

   This park is in Newport, RI and perfectly situated to enjoy the sunset, and there are some more secluded spots tucked deep into the trails here. During the summer this becomes the premiere spot for kites of all shapes and sizes, so it’s windy, but all the kites add an aura of free-spirited ambiance. This also has 180-degree views of the water, and it’s located close to a few other spots on this list, so you could make a whole or half-day out of visiting several while fitting a ceremony in at your favorite spot.

8. Conimicut Point Park

   This park has a sand bar that extends into the Narragansett Bay at various distances depending on the tide. It’s close to Providence, so it makes for a nice half-day elopement and lovely views close to the city. There’s even a tiny chapel by the sea right next to the beach if you are looking to have a religious ceremony.

9. Second Beach (Sachuest Beach)

   While one of the most well-known beaches in the state located in Middletown, RI there is plenty of space to roam here. It is protected by sand dunes and sea grasses and it is right next to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, with Third Beach on the other side. This area has so many options for incredible photos that it is hard to beat. If magical beach walks are the stuff your elopement dreams are made of, this spot might be the one for you. Check out this gallery.

10. South shore Beach

    This beach backs up to a delightfully undeveloped piece of land that has two ponds on it. There also aren’t a bunch of mansions overlooking the water here, which makes the view nicer in my opinion. There are dirt roads to gorgeous overlooks, and lots of cool tucked aways spots that don’t see a lot of tourists. This area is just a little “out of the way” in the best possible way.
    

    Bonus- Lincoln Woods State Park

    Lincoln Woods is a state park just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. It has a gorgeous lake, with islands you can paddle to in the middle for your own private ceremony. There are also rocky cliffs and lush forests with a ton of trails and nice scenic spots. Check out this gallery.

Whether you’re from Rhode Island, New England, or somewhere else, Rhode Island is an incredible place to elope or have a small outdoor wedding. From epic rocky coastlines to lush forests and rivers, there are a lot of options to host the perfect outdoor elopement getaway. So if hiking down a wide-open beach, walking through sand dunes, or paddling to a private island sound like your idea of a great elopement day, get in touch. I don’t just take small outdoor wedding and elopement photos. I help you plan your perfect, adventurous day from beginning to end.

TRAVELING TO RHODE ISLAND

The Ocean State is a little convoluted when it comes to traveling around the state. The Narragansett Bay runs right up the middle, so although it’s a small state that should take less than an hour to drive across, it often takes longer due to needing to get on one of the many bridges. However, the bridges are one of the things that make this state so cool! I love shooting elopements at Fort Adams State Park because you can have a view of the iconic Newport Bridge in your ceremony. The 95 runs north to south making travel that direction easy, but you’ll want to venture off of it for the best views in the state.

WHERE TO STAY IN RHODE ISLAND

I always recommend checking VRBO when looking for places to stay and planning your elopement. Why do I recommend VRBO over Airbnb? Because Airbnb no longer allows any type of event to take place. If it’s just the two of you that’s not a problem, but if you want to have any friends or family over and just enjoy a simple dinner celebration together VRBO allows that. In fact, there’s a box that you can check labeled “events allowed” and VRBO only shows you places where you are allowed to host a few people for a dinner celebration. Again, Airbnb is a great option if you don’t plan to use it for a celebration. I especially like their unique stays which feature super cool places, like treehouses. Who doesn’t want to elope and stay in a treehouse? I know I do!

HOW DO YOU LEGALLY GET MARRIED IN RHODE ISLAND?

If both people live in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license at the city or town hall where either person lives. If only one person lives in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license from the city or town hall where the Rhode Islander lives. If neither person lives in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license from the clerk's office in the city or town where the marriage ceremony will be performed.

Both people must provide a valid photo identification and a certified birth certificate. Check with the clerk’s office  in the city or town hall where you will apply for a marriage license for any requirements about approved forms of identification, proof of birth, or proof of address. If either person was married or in a legal relationship before, the applicant(s) must provide a certified final divorce decree/dissolution or a certified death certificate for the former spouse. A legal relationship includes marriage, civil union, common law marriage, or registered domestic partnership. A certified copy of a vital record must have a raised State seal on it.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED IN RHODE ISLAND?

To obtain a marriage license, both parties must apply for the license in person at the city or town clerk’s office. The couple is required to complete the marriage worksheet and provide the required documentation. The clerk will then create the marriage license from the information provided. Both parties are required to sign both the worksheet and the marriage license in the presence of the city or town clerk. The fee for the marriage license is currently $24.00 payable to the city or town.

Rocky Coastline Elopement in Newport, RI | Rhode Island Elopement Packages

Victoria & Taylor’s Lovely Coastal Rhode Island Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Victoria and Taylor’s early winter rocky coastline elopement at Beavertail in Jamestown, Rhode Island felt more like summer with mid-60’s temps and a nice sunny day. It was super important to Victoria that she and Taylor not see each other before the ceremony- something that rarely happens anymore just because of logistics. So I made sure to pick a nice, secluded spot on the coastline where I could position Taylor for watching her walk down the hiking trail (the outdoor adventure elopement equivalent to an aisle) to their ceremony site. Things went off mostly without a hitch except for when I left Victoria and told her to give me a minute to get set up, she ended up giving me 5 minutes and I found out later that her dress had gotten stuck on a bush and she had to untangle herself before walking down! Such are the perils of eloping in the great outdoors.

Close friends were in attendance for their intimate ceremony, and their adorable pup, Zinnia. They celebrated the ceremony on the cliffs of Beavertail State Park and had a mini reception with baked goods and sandwiches right there as well. We explored the many views of Beavertail before heading over to the Chanler in Newport, RI, where they were staying that night. The grounds of the Chanler made for incredible photos before we headed out for Fort Adams to catch the sunset. Everything happened just in time, too. As I was driving home from their elopement a huge storm rolled through, which hurricane-force winds, and massive amounts of rainfall. Talk about threading the needle in terms of weather.

There were so many sweet moments during their day- from the vows to all the laughter. One of my favorite moments was when we were driving together to Fort Adams to catch the sunset, Victoria mentioned that this was literally the best day of her life and the perfect way for the two of them to celebrate it together. Everything had just gone so wonderfully, from the views to the vows, it was all she imagined and more! That’s always what we aim to do, and it is so wonderful to hear that, in the middle of their day, we absolutely nailed it.

When we were in the booking process Victoria told me she had planned and even mostly paid for a traditional wedding when they realized it wasn’t what they wanted. When she reached out I had a note on my website that I was already fully booked for the season, but something about the two of them (she made me cry on our initial phone call when she talked about working with special needs kids) made me realize that they were exactly the people I wanted to serve in this work that I do. And I’m so happy we were able to make their dreams come true.

As night fell and we headed back to the hotel where they had dinner planned that night, they had a few drinks with friends, we watched the storm roll in and cover up the stars and they relaxed content knowing that they had chosen the best possible way to get married catered perfectly for the two of them.

From the couple…

“Kat is an incredibly talented artist, wonderfully kind person, and all around magical human! When I first contacted her, I was in the throes of anxiety—I had planned and paid for a traditional wedding when I realized that wasn’t what I wanted. My now husband and I decided to elope, and after pouring over Google searches, landed on Swell and Stone. From the moment I saw her photographs, I knew we had to book her!! I contacted her and she got back to me so quickly, and was SO flexible—I gave her basically a 2 month timeline and she made it work for us!!

The day of my wedding, I was running late and she made me feel so at ease and not stressed at all! The whole day was so fun, and she found the MOST beautiful spots to take pictures that I see in wedding magazines and on the internet—I still can’t believe these are pictures of my wedding! She had our sneak peek ready in less than a week, and gave us the rest of our pictures (HUNDREDS!!) well before the agreed upon date.

Kat was incredibly flexible, professional, and open minded—she wanted to do whatever we wanted because it was our wedding, but also made sure to note things that would be preferable from a photography stand point. She is a lovely, warm, kind, and relaxed person, and I genuinely cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for wedding pictures that will make you think you are dreaming. She also included drone shots (so cool!!) and GIFs which are some of my favorites!”

— Victoria & Taylor

Rhode Island Small Outdoor Wedding at Lincoln Woods State Park | RI Wedding Photographer

Rachel & Ryan’s Stunning Intimate Wedding at RI State Park

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Rachel and Ryan’s small outdoor wedding at Lincoln Woods State Park in Rhode Island was the epitome of the perfect micro wedding. Not only did they have a stunningly beautiful and perfect day, but they chose the perfect time and place to celebrate their love as well. The leaves were still super green with hints of fall sneaking in, the weather was warm, and they shared a special and lovely sunset together. They did celebrate a DAY TWO portion of their wedding by hiking the highest peak in Vermont. But the Rhode Island section of their wedding was so lovely it deserved its own post.

Here’s the thing- so many couples ask me if it is possible to have the friends and family attend their wedding, but still have that special elopement experience that makes it feel like it’s all for them. And the answer is something along the lines of how Rachel & Ryan celebrated. They shared one special day with their friends and family and had a second day all to themselves for the purpose of sharing the adventure and creating new memories together. Their Rhode Island day was so freaking beautiful that I’m sure they would have been satisfied with that celebration, but the Vermont portion (where they planned their honeymoon) was their version of having their cake and eating it too. You can have everything you want for your day(s), sometimes it just takes a little creativity and vision.

Rachel got ready with her sisters and mom and then headed over to Lincoln Woods State Park to share a special and private first look with Ryan. We walked over to the ceremony site that they had picked out and set up earlier in the day. In fact, that’s what Ryan was doing while Rachel was getting ready. Friends and family arrived and the couple shared special vows, celebratory jigs, and lots of hugs. After the formal part of the ceremony was done we took portraits and then friends and family headed to the reception site while we caught the sunset at some of the most picturesque spots in the park. It was special to take some quiet moments after all the excitement of the day to sit and reflect with one another and just to enjoy the beauty of the place that surrounded them. We made one last stop at the iconic Lincoln Woods covered bridge before heading to the reception ourselves.

At the celebration, the couple enjoyed many toasts, a first dance, cake, and a lot more fun and celebration with family and friends in attendance. The perfect end to a perfect day of committing their lives to one another.

Tiverton Boathouse Small Outdoor Wedding | Rhode Island Wedding Packages

Maddie & Mike’s Tiverton, Rhode Island Small Outdoor Wedding

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Maddie and Mike’s small outdoor wedding at The Boathouse in Tiverton, RI was nothing short of magical even though they got married during a literal hurricane. I was super fortunate to shoot their elopement exactly a year before on Block Island, where we saw seals, ran around the dunes, up and down a million stairs, and ate cake under the stars.

This time was a little different. They had invited 25 of their closest friends and family to celebrate with them and planned their ceremony on the dock. But the weather had other plans, so last minute the ceremony was moved to the reception area. They still walked out on the dock in the pouring rain, and later in the night they even danced under an umbrella for a little bit.

The thing that made their wedding day so incredibly special is that not for a single second did they let the rain or the weather put a damper on their enthusiasm. Everyone in attendance had an unbelievable time and their love and joy radiated enough to warm everyone up.

The spot Maddie chose to get ready at with her mom and bridesmaids was adorable and right on the water. The ladies enjoyed their time with leisure and Mike’s day started with feeding and playing with their adorable bunnies, and then smoking a joint with his brother and dad. He came over to the spot Maddie was getting ready at a little bit later for the first look. From there we made our way to the ceremony site to assess what would be possible in the weather. Luckily, the staff at The Boathouse was extremely helpful and organized and already had both ceremony locations set up so the couple could easily choose either. It literally rained the entire day, non-stop. So while Maddie and Mike felt comfortable venturing into the rain for photos, they didn’t want to make their guests sit on soaking wet chairs under umbrellas for the ceremony.

Having been fortunate to experience both sets of vows I can say that the second was as sweet as the first, although this time Maddie cried more, and during their elopement, Mike had a harder time keeping it together. It was so sweet to see them support each other. I mean it when I say these two really are some of the most laid-back and happy, joyful people ever. Both of them have a smile perpetually glued to their faces and love having a good time. It was my privilege and honor to be chosen not once, but twice to tell the visual story of their day!

From the couple…

“We absolutely love the pictures!! Thank you for capturing our special day for us for the second time! We really could not be happier with how they came out. Thank you again, you made both days so enjoyable and stress-free for us!”

— Maddie & Mike

Splendid Sunrise Elopement in Narragansett Rhode Island

Rebecca & Sam Elope in Enchanting Rhode Island

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Rebecca and Sam were up before the sun and ready to elope in Narragansett, Rhode Island. They picked an area that had a special meaning to them, but they had actually not been to the exact spot of their elopement before I suggested it as a perfect, more secluded spot for their vows than the busy nearby beaches. They were very excited for the day and it was somewhat overcast as we hiked to the spot. But as the day started to lighten up the prospect of seeing the sunrise was getting better. They said their vows in the dawn hours, and just as they finished this big orange ball made its way above the horizon. Both the couple and their guests remarked how it had been such a long time since they’d seen the sunrise over the ocean, and what a special treat it was.

The area was mostly free of people expect a fisherman here and there. They enjoyed exploring the area and tide pools, and then we walked down the beach to some nearby ruins. A small crew was setting up their celebration picnic further down the beach, so they wrote their names in the sand and we flew the drone and watched the kite surfers dance on the waves. Another little walk down the beach lead us to their magical picnic celebration that looked like it had appeared out of thin air. Their favorite drinks, muffins, scones, and breakfast sandwiches were waiting for them, and while they celebrated, ate and drank, they enjoyed the sound of the waves, and the warm sun as it rose higher in the air. It was a particularly windy day, but they didn’t let any of that bother them. The let their hair and clothes blow in the wind and took each moment as it came.

On of the coolest things about having a custom picnic set up for you is that when you are done, you just walk away from it, and it magically gets cleaned up by the crew that is hiding across the street. I love that they operate like that. It makes it feel like you stumbled on their wonderful oasis and you can just frolic away again without a care and no responsibility, because after all, it is your wedding day. We took a different route back to the parking lot, and it was through lush greenery with super fragrant flowers. They made a joke acting like they were hitch hiking back to their car which was only a few hundred meters away, but I love that photo because it showcases how carefree and playful their day was.

We met up again later in the evening at a lighthouse and explored the grounds of Beavertail State Park. I have a few favorite spots there, so when we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of other sunset watchers I took them to my favorite rocky alcove to relax and take in the final moments of their elopement day. If I had to describe the themes of their day it would be: fun, relaxed, and magical. There were so many wonderful moments that as you see from the number of images below it was hard to choose favorites.

From the couple…

“Our day was captured so beautifully! Kat made the whole experience amazing, and helped bring our vision to life. I’d give her 10 stars if I could!”

— Rebecca & Sam

Colorful Rhode Island Small Outdoor Wedding at Beavertail State Park | RI Small Wedding Packages

Claire & Zack’s Beautiful Small Wedding at a RI State Park

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Claire and Zack’s small outdoor wedding at Beavertail State Park on the cliffy coast of Rhode Island was the stuff dreams are made of. Claire happens to be one of my good friends and when she reached out I knew her incredible boho style would shine in a gorgeous small wedding. She and Zack are also surfers who my husband and I have surfed with many times, so of course, they had to paddle out in their wedding gear!

Their day began with getting ready and the first look at Beavertail State Park. It’s the perfect spot to have an intimate, yet easily accessible outdoor wedding with unreal views. Seriously, this place has 5-star views for days and is one of the most serene spots in the Ocean State. They practiced their wedding song as the waves crashed nearby, and for the pair of surfers smelling the salty ocean air was exactly what they wanted on their day.

Soon friends and family began to arrive and the ceremony went by in a whirlwind. Speaking of wind, coastal RI is known for its breezy shores, so be prepared for a windblown look if you choose this spot for your special day! After the ceremony, we walked around the park to a couple of my other favorite spots and then we headed back to Claire’s mom and stepdad’s house for the celebration. They have an unbelievably beautiful back and side yard that was decorated to absolute perfection. Little details from Zack and Claire’s relationship were all over, and Claire’s mom is an expert gardener, so the whole thing had secret garden vibes. It could not have been more beautiful.

Toasts were made and tears shed. The couple shared a very special first dance as Claire’s stepdad sang to them. to me, their wedding was the perfect combination of friends and family putting unique and meaningful touches on the day while still maintaining an overall feel of beautiful and unique luxury that looks like it was completely professionally done.

The next day we hit the beach and they paddled out in their formalwear. The waves weren’t exactly cooperating and it was mostly windy and flat, but the images still turned out pretty cool and they had a great time. I love to recommend that even if you are having a small outdoor wedding with friends and family they either keep a part of the day or they schedule part of the day before or day after for adventurous photos with just the two of them. It’s important to include things that you love doing together on your wedding day(s), so carve out a time to make memories that are entirely your own and for just the two of you.

Picture Perfect Block Island Elopement

Ari & Dave’s Epic Block Island Elopement Adventure

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

When Ari and Dave gave me a call and started planning their Block Island elopement they were clear on a few things- They wanted to be married at the end of it, and they wanted to explore Block Island. Sometimes that’s all the info you need to plan the most magical elopement day, even if it rains on you. And magical is a great way to describe their day. The rain held off on our ferry ride over from the mainland, and it continued to hold off during their ceremony at Mohegan Bluffs. But it started sprinkling as we explored the beaches, no worries we had some lovely umbrellas in tow.

By the time we arrived at our sunset portion of the evening, it was pouring on us. We stood in the parking lot in the warm summer rain as the wind whipped around us. Ari tossed her umbrella aside and Dave gave her an “are we seriously doing this?” smile. We hiked out to the lighthouse and they were both soaked when we got there. They cut some cake, walked down to the water, played in the water and the rain, and some very cute onlookers joined us. Seals poked their heads up out of the water to see what was going on. There was not another person for miles and they watched the seals and enjoyed the peace and quiet and gentle rainfall that capped off an incredible and adventurous day full of everything they ever wanted and nothing they didn’t.

Earlier in the day at the beach, their vows induced a few tears of joy. This was a place they had been to before and one they would keep coming back to over the years. We saw lighthouses and beach volleyball courts. Fun fact: Ari was an amazing Division I collegiate volleyball player, so it was fun to get some shots of them on the sand volleyball court. Their day just goes to show that everything doesn’t have to go exactly according to plan and it can still be everything you ever hoped for and more. Sometimes welcoming the unexpected on your elopement day is the most rewarding thing you can do.

Throughout the day their love radiated through the landscape. They reminisced on their previous trips to the island and they were really looking forward to spending a few more days on it after their elopement. They embraced their feet in the sand, the rain on their faces, and at the end of it, all thought it was perfectly them, getting married in that way.

So, at the end of the day, don’t sweat the small stuff. Do welcome the rain on your face with arms wide open and at the end of the day you’ll be married and maybe see some seals too.