By Mariah Ashley

Welcome to Castle Hill!

This is such an exciting time of year, there are so many newly engaged couples touring venues and choosing the location for the wedding of their dreams! The only problem with that is… it’s February in New England. Yikes! The trees are bare, the wind is howling, and the snow is falling. Unless you have a really good imagination, it might be difficult to picture the venues in all their fair weather glory.

So, I thought it might be helpful to take a little photo tour of each venue to illustrate just how lovely they can be.

I thought we’d start with Castle Hill Inn, one of our very favorite Newport Wedding Venues. I’ve scoured six years of Snap archives to put together this retrospective. Poor yourself a lemonade, kick off your flip flops and enjoy these Castle Hill Wedding Photos from 2010-2015!

Getting Ready at Castle Hill

Castle Hill offers many options for your stay. My personal favorite… the beach cottages. They are perfectly and nautically appointed. They have fabulous window light, a light airy feeling, and a “can’t be beat” view of the ocean. Wake up on your wedding day to the sound of waves crashing on the shore? Yes please.

Trish photographs the men getting ready. The chalet rooms {pictured top left} are cozy and comfortable. Another favorite spot for the men is the bar in the Inn. It’s got a masculine feeling with it’s dark wood and sailboat accents. It’s also got a great mirror for getting that bow tie just right. For the men, the best part of this location is sharing a toast {after they’ve gotten the bow tie straight} of course.

Our top three hidden nooks at Castle Hill for a portrait once the bride is dressed: The back deck of the chalet {left}, the hallway in between the two chalet rooms {middle}, and the porch at the Inn {right}.

First Looks

Castle Hill is a vast property, so the question is … where to do the First Look? We like to choose a spot that is first, private and second, shaded. A wooded path {top left and top center}, the chalet {top right}, or the garden {bottom row} are all perfect locations for a private, romantic moment with your beloved… and us of course.

The Beach at Castle Hill

If you can make time for a little trip down to the beach it’s well worth the effort. Not that it’s that much effort, the Castle Hill staff will drive us down there in the golf cart- fun! This little beach has beautiful white sand and also stunning rocks to perch on. It’s just as pretty on a sunny day as an overcast one here.

The Wooded Path

After we’re done at the beach, a stroll up the driveway is in order. This is one of my favorite areas of Castle Hill and it’s shade is perfect for portraits, not to mention it’s a little cooler than the beach! Taking a walk also gives you a little alone time to savor as a couple in an otherwise really busy day!

The Lighthouse at Castle Hill

Take a left about halfway up the driveway and you can follow a path to this gorgeous spot at the lighthouse. The golf cart is the best way to get there, as the path is too hilly to navigate in high heels. It can be a windy spot, but if conditions are right, there are many beautiful angles here on the cliff. The rocks with the lighthouse in the background is a classic, but if you spin the other way you can also photograph the Inn in the background.

The Lawn at Castle Hill

Probably the reason you fell in love with Castle Hill when you first saw it. The lawn is stunning no matter the time of year, but truly shines in summer. Adirondack chairs, sailboats, and signature Castle Hill cocktails make it quintessential Castle Hill. If you don’t have the time for the beach or the adventurous spirit for the lighthouse, the lawn is chock full of photo opportunities and we can work every one of them!

Grace Kelly Beach

This is a hidden gem nestled behind some shrubs in an unassuming corner of the lawn, most people don’t even notice it! We love this location for a up close and personal view of the coastline, plus it’s got a cool name doesn’t it?

The Garden

The garden at Castle Hill is a photographer’s best friend. We shoot many of our formal Castle Hill wedding photos in this spot. It’s lovely and the light is perfect for portraits. The ideal scenario for family and bridal party portraits is open shade {check, the garden is surrounded by trees}, a dark background {to make the subjects pop}, and pretty textures and interesting elements {check and check}.

The Ceremony

This is where the iconic Castle Hill water view really shines. Though we’ve worked at Castle Hill countless times, I never cease to be delighted by the sailboats passing by as our couples are saying their vows. Other favorite moments, the bride waiting in the chalet to process across the lawn, the ketubah signing in the chalet, and of course my very favorite… the bride and the groom making their way back down the aisle as husband and wife!

Cocktails and Reception at Castle Hill

I can’t imagine a more perfect setting that truly brings the outdoors in. I feel so lucky to have spent so many summer evenings on the lawn at Castle Hill and inside the tent listening to amazing bands and having a lovely meal. Castle Hill feels like home to the Snap Girls, a very posh, very elegant home, but nonetheless home!

Sunset

You can rest assured that while you eat your salad, Trish and I are keeping an eye on that sunset. As soon as it’s optimum, we are going to pull you outside for a shot like these. Not every evening produces a sky like this, but for sure I have seen some breathtaking sunsets at Castle Hill, fingers crossed you’ll get an evening like this too!

Thanks for taking the tour!

I know we are in the depths of dreary winter weather, but I hope this Castle Hill wedding photos tour has gotten you excited for warmer days and for your own wedding. Or, if you’ve yet to choose a venue I hope it’s helped you envision what it’s like to have your wedding at Castle Hill.

Cheers to the upcoming wedding season and many evenings spent at Castle Hill!