Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Weddings | Largest New England Venue?

History of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Located along the Pawtuxet River in Cranston, Rhode Island, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet began in 1872 as a modest collection of recreational and and party facilities. The name comes from Thomas H. Rhodes, who was part of a textile magnate family.

In 1915, a fire destroyed much of the complex. But the current ballroom building was built and opened just a few months later. Starting in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the current venue management undertook a worthwhile remodeling project at the venue. This turned Rhodes on the Pawtuxet into the beautiful wedding venue that it is now.

Venue Vibe and Features

Basically, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is a huge banquet or reception hall wedding venue. What sets it apart from other venues in this category, however, is its historic aesthetic. This event venue was basically created for swing and traditional pop era performances (think Gatsby vibes like The Society Room of Hartford, if that helps you picture things).

Fitting with the classical, old-school vibe of this wedding venue, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet actually has a star-studded list of past visitors and performers: Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett to name a few.

While I haven’t been able to verify this independently, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is likely one of the biggest wedding venues in all of New England. I’m basing this on indoor square footage (10,000+ square feet) and guest count capacity (700 people with a dancefloor).

Here are some more details of the property:

Inside Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

The first area past the entrance is a 1900-square foot cocktail hour space.

It’s “shallow” from front to back at about 25 feet or so, but it’s also very wide at about 70 feet. It has a huge bar and a beautiful mural of Narragansett Bay that’s about 100 years old.

Skipping the ballroom for a moment, also on the first floor is a small getting-ready room where one partner and their side of the wedding party can handle finishing touches before the wedding festivities kick off.

The Mezzanine

Upstairs on the second floor is a very impressive mezzanine layout. Here, there’s a second getting-ready space as well as multiple and open spaces for activities. If you’re planning a Rhodes on the Pawtuxet wedding day with multiple activities requiring separation (such as a Jewish Tisch), this aspect of the venue is ideal.

Lastly, the mezzanine also includes these interesting box seats, one set on the left and another on the right. Naturally, these look down into the ballroom. They definitely could add a unique touch to your wedding at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet if you found a way to use them.

The Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Wedding Ballroom

Now for the main attraction of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. After cocktail hour, you’ll welcome your guests into the ballroom. This is a versatile space consisting of three areas (named Rhodes, Canoe, and River) with movable dividers. With its 21-foot high ceilings and 10,000 square feet of hardwood floors, the ballroom is ideal for large wedding celebrations.

The stage at the front end of the ballroom adds a certain grandeur, perfect for speeches and/or your wedding DJ. This would be especially awesome if you have a band at your wedding.

Opposite the stage, at the back end of the ballroom, is a huge, wooden American flag with lights all over it. This is…an interesting touch, especially if you’re into history.

This end of the ballroom is particularly picturesque, so it’s a natural bet to place your sweetheart table under the flag, facing the stage. (While this piece appears to be removable, I have no idea if that’s actually the case.)

Rhode Island’s Biggest Wedding Venue?

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is Rhode Island’s largest wedding venue by allowed guest count. I’m quite confident in my research! At about 150 feet by 70 feet, Rhodes has the grandest of grand ballrooms in the state, if not all of New England.

You’ll definitely want to focus on your reception festivities if you’re considering a Rhodes on the Pawtuxet wedding. The large indoor space guarantees plenty of room for dancing, dinner, and other reception party activities on your special day.

Another bonus: all of this space would be beneficial if you’re having an indoor wedding ceremony at Rhodes.

The Grounds

The grounds of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet are very charming and practical. A large parking lot ensures guests can easily find a spot (trust me, this helps). The venue’s understated exterior belies the elegance inside, offering a private and intimate location for your wedding.

Your Rhodes on the Pawtuxet wedding ceremony would take place on a tasteful, flat lawn at the front of the property. Out back, you have another small lawn that provides access to the Pawtuxet River. There’s also a small footbridge and walking path.

My favorite aspect of Rhodes’ exterior is probably right outside front the main doors. Here, there’s an awesome sculpture of Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance. This artwork is definitely a head-turner for your guests as they arrive.

From a wedding photographer’s perspective, the outside of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet will definitely do! But as always, I recommend considering other nearby locations for formal portraits on your wedding day.

Photo Locations Near Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Conveniently, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is located in the east part of Cranston. Therefore, it’s pretty convenient to jump on route 1A and drive to Providence.

I’m a wedding photographer who’s all about considering your photo options. So, here are some photo locations in the city that you might consider on your wedding day for portraits:

• Rhode Island State House
• Federal Hill
• College Hill (home to Providence Athenaeum)

And in Cranston itself, a few options are Pawtuxet Oxboes Park, Stillhouse Cove, and Salter Grove Memorial Park (full disclosure: I haven’t personally checked out any of these).

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Wedding Costs

Here are some financial details on having a wedding at Rhodes, as of 2024:

• Depending on the day of the week and the season, the venue fee ranges from $1500 to $3500 (the latter for a Saturday between March and October, as well as December)
• There are four wedding packages (organized mainly by food service options) ranging from about $90/person to $125/person
• A generous six hours of venue time is included for a reception-only booking, or six-and-a-half hours if your ceremony will also take place at Rhodes
• Additional hours for your Rhodes on the Pawtuxet wedding can be booked at about $250/hour
• Each booking includes the use of standard venue furniture and linens, which can be upgraded for additional costs
• In addition to the venue fee, a 21% house fee is applied to the total cost (as well as tax, of course).

If you’re looking to up the fun or fancy factors, notable add-ons include a coat attendant, top-shelf alcohol, and a full-service ice cream bar. Expectedly, there are tight rules on items like sparklers or fog machines due to the historic architecture of the building.

Reception and Food Service

The wedding reception and culinary food experience at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet is provided by Ralph’s Catering. Your food customization options are super extensive, all the way down to ordering premium salads or specifying the type of pasta sauce.

Interestingly enough, a fee of $2500 will allow you to bring in an outside caterer (it’s not clear if this applies to food trucks, i.e. food service providers who wouldn’t actually need to go inside).

Hotels Near Rhodes on the Pawtuxet

Again, the closeness to Providence is great for ensuring a comfortable stay for your friends and family during your wedding at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. A quick map search will show you plenty of hotel options in the area.

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Wedding Photos

Here are even more photos of this awesome venue: