Providence Athenaeum Weddings (Romantic City Library Venue)

History of Providence Athenaeum

The Providence Athenaeum is a historic library in Rhode Island established in 1836. It’s located in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence. The building itself is styled after Greek Revival.

Inside, it’s what you’d expect: you two will exchange your vows while surrounded by literary works. From the book lined Reading Room to eclectic Art Room, you and your guests will be talking about it for years to come.

Interesting facts for literary nerd couples:

1. H.P. Lovecraft used to live down the street from it. Of the many busts in the library, his is one of them. This is quite problematic, given that he was openly racist against black people as well as anti-Semitic.
2. Sarah Helen Whitman and Edgar Allan Poe ended their relationship in this building. This is somewhat ironic, given that the library also functions as a wedding venue (hence your reading this post in the first place).

Location and Parking

This Rhode Island wedding venue is located on the East Side of Providence on Benefit Street. It’s minutes away from the city’s downtown and a stone’s throw from the river.

If you’re a local couple, you’ll certainly feel honored to get married here in the heart of Rhode Island’s capital city. Best of all, some other great photo locations are nearby if you plan for them:

• RISD: Art, art, and more art
• Brown University: An Ivy League college campus
• Federal Hill: Great walkable side streets and quirks
• Rhode Island State House: An iconic building

Parking for a wedding in College Hill is a little tricky. The library itself doesn’t have a parking lot. For those of your guests who drive to your Providence Athenaeum wedding, their best bet is street parking. Benefit Street has plenty of it, though it’s competitive.

Accessibility

A large staircase greets you, allowing you to enter the main level of the building (i.e. where your ceremony will likely take place). In addition to this, however, are stair-free entrances on College and Benefit Streets.

Inside, moving between the three levels of library books can only reasonably be done on foot.

Important note: the facility doesn’t have an elevator (as far as I could find). This means that guests needing specific mobility accommodations may have to exit to outside, walk a short distance, and then enter through a different door.

Providence Athenaeum Venue Vibe and Features

This historic Providence library is an intimate- to medium-sized venue, accommodating up to about 100 guests. Actually, the cozy feel of The Athenaeum is well suited to events with fewer people, or even an elopement.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a Providence Athenaeum wedding, however, is this one factor: books. They are literally everywhere, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your event.

Here’s some info on the different sections of the library:

Art Room

Before the ceremony, the Art Room is a perfect place for you and your guests to relax and unwind. This room can accommodate something like 15 people.

There’s a great skylight above and a really cool, double-door window that opens up into the…

Main Level

On the main level is where your ceremony would likely take place. It’s beautiful here, whether you specifically appreciate the book backdrop or not.

As you exchange vows, the lighting is pretty good in this area. Of note, however, is that the space is narrow. This makes the seating arrangement very specific. Any wedding venue will have trade-offs though!

Guests can also be seated sparingly throughout the mezzanine book stacks (i.e. the same level as the Art Room). In total, a wedding ceremony on the main level of Providence Athenaeum can accommodate 200 guests (with standing room).

Reading Room

The Reading Room, located on the garden level of the Providence Athenaeum, offers a unique and unforgettable atmosphere for your wedding reception. The room is spacious and includes full catering facilities, making it an exceptional space for your celebration.

The maximum capacity of the Reading Room for a wedding ceremony or cocktail-style event is apparently 150 guests, while a seated dinner can accommodate up to about 90 guests.

With its book-lined walls and antique lighting, the Reading Room provides a magnificent setting for you and your guests to celebrate your union in style.

Providence Athenaeum Wedding Costs

Here are some Providence Athenaeum wedding costs as of summer 2024:

• For a ceremony and reception, the full-building rental fee is $6,500 for an eight-hour event (with a $1,000 discount between January to June)
• For just a wedding ceremony (two-and-a-half hours), the Reading Room can be reserved for $1250 and the main level for $2450
• For reception only (i.e. just the downstairs Reading Room), the rental fee is $3500 for a five-hour event (with a $1,000 discount available from January to June)

These fees include chairs and banquet tables. Interestingly, Providence Athenaeum members receiving a discount on their wedding booking. And if you’re not a member yet, you actually receive a complimentary one-year membership with your wedding booking.

Providence Athenaeum Wedding Photos

Here are some more photos from a wedding at Providence Athenaeum: