How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Portraits at The Elms
Kyle + Sarah
The Elms - Newport, RI
If you've ever dreamed of wedding portraits that feel elegant, timeless, and luxurious, The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island is hard to beat. With its grand architecture, sweeping staircases, manicured gardens, and classic Gilded Age charm, it's one of our favorite locations for wedding portraits.
Kyle and Sarah made the perfect choice by taking a little time after their church ceremony to head to The Elms before celebrating with family and friends at Newport Harbor Island Resort. Their portraits are a perfect example of how a well-planned stop at this iconic Newport estate can elevate an entire wedding gallery.
Here are a few tips for planning your own wedding portraits at The Elms.
1. Build Portrait Time Into Your Timeline
The biggest key to beautiful portraits is giving yourself enough time to enjoy them. Rather than squeezing photos into a rushed schedule, plan for 30–45 minutes at The Elms so you can explore multiple locations without feeling hurried. Having extra time also allows for more natural moments between the two of you, often the images couples end up loving the most.
2. Take Advantage of the Grounds
One of the best things about The Elms is how many different looks you can achieve without traveling anywhere else.
In just one portrait session, you can photograph:
The grand front entrance
Elegant marble staircases
Formal gardens
Tree-lined pathways
Historic stone architecture
Each backdrop creates a completely different feel, giving your wedding gallery incredible variety while staying in one beautiful location.
3. Let the Venue Do the Work
The Elms doesn't need much to create stunning photographs. Its timeless architecture and beautifully maintained grounds naturally frame every image, allowing your portraits to feel refined without needing elaborate posing or décor. Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable when the setting is this beautiful.
4. Trust the Process
Some of the best wedding portraits happen when you simply enjoy being together. Walk through the gardens, take in the scenery, laugh with one another, and let your photographer guide you through the experience. Those authentic interactions are what transform beautiful portraits into meaningful memories.
5. End with a Gallery You'll Love for Years
Your wedding day moves quickly, but your portraits are something you'll return to for decades. Choosing a location like The Elms gives you photographs that feel just as elegant years from now as they do today.
Kyle and Sarah's portraits perfectly showcase why this Newport landmark continues to be one of our favorite places for wedding photography. If you're planning a wedding in Newport, or simply looking for a breathtaking location for your portraits, The Elms is always a choice you'll be glad you made.
Package: The Adventurer
Vendors:
Venue: Newport Harbor Island Resort
First Look Location: The Elms
Planner: TMW Productions- Kes Crowley
Catering: Newport Harbor Island Resort
Florist: Gloria's Blooms
Hair: Alexandra Wilson
Makeup: Dana Leigh Glam
Music: DJ Demand
