University Events and Conference Services

The Office of University Events and Conference Services at Salve Regina University supports the institution’s academic mission by overseeing the thoughtful use of campus spaces for conferences, educational programs and select private events. Located on our oceanside campus in Newport, Rhode Island, we provide planning resources that reflect the University’s values of hospitality, scholarship and community.

Our settings include Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, a dignified space for Catholic ceremonies; the 19th-century Ochre Court, which serves as the University’s main administration building and offers a historic backdrop for milestone celebrations; and the Young Building, home to the Pell Center, ideal for academic gatherings, retreats and intimate receptions.

Our venues are primarily reserved for academic use. While our venues occasionally host weddings, private functions and conferences, academic activities remain our foremost priority. We offer only a limited number of weddings and special events each year, scheduled on a limited basis and selected to complement Salve's mission and enduring character. We welcome you to reach out for availability and discover how our unique setting can make your occasion unforgettable.
 

Weddings and Special Events at Salve

Celebrate in historic surroundings

Salve offers a limited number of opportunities each year for wedding receptions and special gatherings within its distinctive campus settings. The campus features three distinctive venues for every part of your celebration. Each is deeply tied to the University's history and coastal setting, providing elegant and meaningful spaces for life’s special moments.

Five stars isn't enough to quantify our experience. It was a breathtaking view, a beautiful flow during our event and delicious food. Our guests are still talking about it! I definitely recommend having any type of event at Ochre Court.

Jenna M.

Ochre Court

Set along Newport’s renowned Cliff Walk, Ochre Court serves as the University’s main administration building and is one of the grand mansions of the 19th century. This architectural landmark offers sweeping ocean views and timeless grandeur for select receptions and private events.

Wedding receptions are scheduled year-round, based on venue availability. Due to our primary academic mission, we host only a select number of weddings and events annually. We encourage you to inquire early to secure your date and experience the timeless elegance of our setting. Fees include use of the building for a five-hour reception, tables, chairs, setup and breakdown, and wedding planning support leading up to and during the reception.

Wedding rental fees for Ochre Court

• Rental: $30,000
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $17,500

Young Building 

Located on Bellevue Avenue, the Young Building—home to the University’s Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy—offers an elegant and intimate setting ideal for rehearsal dinners, small weddings and special celebrations.

Wedding rental fees for Young Building (maximum 100 guests)

• Rental: $15,000
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $10,000

McAuley Hall

Formerly the Vinland estate, McAuley Hall is a stunning Gilded Age mansion of red sandstone overlooking the Cliff Walk, complete with a scenic terrace and expansive lawn—perfect for receptions, rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches.

Wedding rental fees for McAuley Hall

• Rental: $15,000
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $10,000

Non-Wedding Event Rentals and Additional Spaces

The rental rates listed below apply to non-wedding events such as conferences, receptions, rehearsals and other private or organizational gatherings. While we showcase three primary venues—Ochre Court, Young Building and McAuley Hall—we encourage you to contact us for availability and pricing of other distinctive campus spaces including lecture halls, the art gallery, Casino Theatre, Megley Theatre and more.

In keeping with Salve’s educational and community mission, all event requests are reviewed to ensure they align with the University’s values and preserve the academic integrity of our environment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, disability or handicap.

Special event rental fees for Ochre Court

• Rental: $10,000
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $7,500

Special event rental fees for Young Building

• Rental: $7,500
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $5,000

Special event rental fees for McAuley Hall

• Rental: $7,500
• Salve affiliation discounted rental: $5,000

Photo Sessions at Ochre Court

Known as one of Newport’s most striking 19th-century mansions, Ochre Court provides a beautiful setting for professional photography. Sessions may take place both inside and outside by advance reservation, allowing guests to capture the University’s historic elegance in a personal way.

Wedding photos, engagement photos and family photos may be taken both inside and outside of Ochre Court for a total of one hour. Photo sessions may be booked one month in advance of the requested date. Photo sessions are scheduled based on availability, Monday through Friday after 5 p.m. or any time Saturday or Sunday. Photo sessions are expected to complement the character and mission of the University.

Photography fees

• Photo session fee: $500
• Salve affiliation discounted fee: $400

Salve Regina University Affiliations

Affiliations include:

• Salve graduates and their children
• Current full-time faculty and staff, and their children
• Current members of the University Board of Trustees and their children
• Nonprofit organizations with a standing relationship or partnership with the University

Event requests must be for personal use and consistent with the character and mission of Salve Regina University. As a tax-exempt institution, Salve does not permit the use of its facilities for political campaign meetings or events that could jeopardize its 501(c)(3) status.