Weddings and Social Events
Salve Regina University offers select opportunities for wedding receptions and special gatherings in an unparalleled coastal setting.
Unforgettable Moments, Breathtaking Backdrops
Salve Regina University's historic campus offers three distinctive venues, each thoughtfully suited to different moments of your celebration. Rich in heritage, these spaces provide an elegant and meaningful setting for life's most memorable occasions.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, our campus features stunning architecture, sweeping oceanfront lawns and beautifully maintained gardens that create an enchanting atmosphere.
Wedding receptions and gatherings can be hosted in versatile indoor venues, including stately ballrooms. Many spaces showcase Gilded Age elegance and scenic coastal views, blending Newport's historic charm with modern amenities.
Our experienced events team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. We work closely with exceptional catering partners and trusted local vendors to ensure every detail is managed with care and professionalism.
Ochre Court
Designed by Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1892, Ochre Court was the summer home of the Goelet family. With its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, flagstone terraces and ornate interior, Ochre Court serves as both the University’s main administration building and one of the grand mansions of the 19th century. This architectural landmark offers timeless grandeur as the perfect venue for your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner.
Young Building
Set at the edge of campus along the famed Bellevue Avenue, the Young Building – home to the University's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy – is perfect for a smaller reception, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. There are options to book the entire building, which includes residential rooms, a boardroom and two elegant rooms that can be used lecture-style or for a gala dinner.
McAuley Hall
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem about Newport Vikings, "The Skeleton in Armor," inspired the architecture and decor of McAuley Hall. With spacious and sunny rooms, a large great hall and a terrace that opens to the lawn overlooking the famed Cliff Walk and our rose garden, McAuley is an ideal location for a smaller indoor affair or a beautifully tented outdoor event.
Designed for "I Do"
Let Salve be the setting for a wedding as beautiful, distinctive and enduring as your love story.
Catering Partners
To create seamless and unforgettable events, we partner with a curated selection of caterers known for exceptional quality and service. Couples hosting a wedding reception at Salve may choose from our three catering partners listed here. All other special events are exclusively catered by Flavours by Sodexo.
Pricing
| Venue | Rental fee | Discounted fee for Salve affiliations |
|---|---|---|
| Ochre Court | ||
| Friday or Saturday, May through October | $30,000 | $17,500 |
| Sunday through Thursday, May through October (excludes Sundays of holiday weekends) | $25,000 | $12,500 |
| Friday or Saturday, November through April | $25,000 | $12,500 |
| Sunday through Thursday, November through April (excludes Sundays of holiday weekends) | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Young Building (maximum 100 guests) | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| McAuley Hall | $15,000 | $10,000 |
Wedding Ceremonies
Adorned with exquisite John La Farge stained glass windows, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel's "in-the-round" seating is ideal for your wedding ceremony or private Mass. Catholic ceremonies may be reserved by alumni, full-time students, faculty and staff. Those with no current affiliation to Salve may also reserve a Catholic ceremony in the chapel, provided dates are available.
Kind Words From Our Happy Couples
The perfect venue
Vivian, July 2025
"From the moment we walked into the stunning halls at Ochre Court, we knew we had found the perfect venue for our gala event. Laura Van Scyoc was extremely helpful, encouraging and accommodating, offering suggestions and solutions along the way. The evening of our celebration went so smoothly. It was a stress-free day - which was unlike any other we have done. The staff went out of their way to guarantee that our event was special and memorable. Our guests were very pleased and well taken care of by all. We hope to return next summer!"
Perfect day
Caity, June 2025
"My communication with Laura from day one was truly remarkable. Obviously, I knew I loved the venue. However, there was so much about wedding planning that my husband and I needed guidance with. We had the opportunity to meet with Laura right away and tour Ochre Court through the lens of a wedding. She easily navigated our questions and asked us questions we didn't even know we didn't know (which she was extremely gracious about). With three more visits and countless emails leading all the way until the day of the wedding, Laura was extremely professional and timely with all responses. She understood our exact vision of the wedding and how to make it run perfectly. I felt confident leaving our dream day in her hands and I am so glad we did. Every single detail was truly magical. We cannot recommend Laura and Salve enough. Our wedding was perfect, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. I wish we could relive the day all over again!"
Best wedding ever
Mary, October 2024
"Our party was amazing, and I can’t thank you enough for your time and efforts to ensure that my daughter’s wedding reception was a beautiful, joyful event. For me, it was the perfect venue as it truly felt like ‘home.’ From cocktails on the terrace to dancing in the great hall, it was a fantastic night to remember filled with delicious food, friendly service and the most spectacular backdrop, Ochre Court. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making their wedding day such a success!"
Five stars isn't enough
Jenna, September 2024
"It was a pleasure working with Laura. 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 our event! We wish we could go back and replay. I definitely recommend having any type of event at Ochre Court."
Best venue ever
Adam, June 2024
"My wife and I had our wedding at Ochre Court over the summer. Three months later, our guests are still calling and texting us to say it was the best wedding they have ever attended and that Ochre Court was stunning. Laura and Johanna helped to make it such a special day for us. From the tables to the food to all the help with planning, it was such an amazing place for us to celebrate our marriage and enjoy the day with friends and family. It is the perfect wedding venue on the Cliff Walk with the classic Newport setting!"