A Block Island wedding.
A ferry-access Rhode Island island with bluff and beach ceremonies and tight lodging inventory.
A Block Island wedding is a small-island Rhode Island celebration reached by ferry from Point Judith and, seasonally, from other ports. Ceremonies anchor at Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse, and beachfront and inn properties in and around Old Harbor. Ferry planning for both guests and vendors, limited island lodging, and coastal weather contingencies drive the timeline, and most couples book 12 to 18 months out.
Weddings in Block Island.
What a Block Island wedding costs.
Ranges below are estimates. Actual quotes vary by season, day of week, guest count, venue, and services selected.
Block Island trends above the Rhode Island state average once ferry logistics, limited island lodging, and full-property buyouts are factored in. Peak-season inn and hotel rates are premium and book far ahead.
Seasons in Block Island.
Late May through early October is the operating season. July and August are peak. September offers milder weather, easier ferry logistics, and slightly better availability.
Planning around the weather.
Ocean-moderated summers with highs in the upper 70s F and near-constant sea breezes. Early-summer fog is common. Late-summer and early-fall storms can disrupt ferry schedules; build a weather contingency into the plan.
Travel, lodging & getting around.
- Block Island StateBID· approx. on island drive
- Westerly State (New England Airlines to BID)WST· approx. about 10 minutes to Westerly terminal drive
- T. F. Green InternationalPVD· approx. about 45 minutes to Point Judith ferry drive
Reached by high-speed and traditional ferry from Point Judith (Narragansett), with seasonal service from Newport, Fall River, MA, and New London, CT. New England Airlines runs scheduled flights from Westerly (WST) to Block Island State (BID).
The island is compact and largely explored by bicycle, moped, or taxi. Cars can travel on the traditional ferry with advance reservations, which are often full months out, but are generally unnecessary for wedding weekends.
Lodging is dominated by historic Victorian hotels and inns concentrated around Old Harbor, plus smaller inns and vacation rentals. Total island inventory is limited; large weddings typically buy out full properties or coordinate blocks across several inns.
On-island parking is limited. Guests arriving without cars use taxis, bicycles, or shuttles. Guests bringing cars need advance ferry reservations and should plan for tight on-property parking.
Block Island marriage license basics.
Rhode Island marriage licenses are issued by the town or city clerk. If neither party lives in Rhode Island, apply in the town where the ceremony will take place: on Block Island that is the New Shoreham Town Clerk. There is no state-mandated waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days. Confirm current fees, timing, and validity directly with the clerk before you travel. See our /marriage-license guide for full Rhode Island detail.
Requirements may change. Verify current information with the issuing government office.
Things to do in Block Island.
Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Light, Crescent Beach, Rodman's Hollow, Clay Head Trail, North Light, and cycling the Block Island Greenway.
Planning a Block Island wedding: FAQ
How do guests actually get to Block Island?
By ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett year round, with seasonal routes from Newport, Fall River, MA, and New London, CT. New England Airlines runs scheduled short-hop flights from Westerly (WST) to Block Island State (BID).
When should we book a Block Island wedding?
Plan on 12 to 18 months out. Total island lodging inventory is limited, so peak-season Saturdays and full-property buyouts book first.
What kinds of venues does Block Island offer?
Historic Victorian hotels and inns concentrated around Old Harbor, plus tented private and coastal properties and simple ceremony sites at Mohegan Bluffs and the Southeast Lighthouse Overlook.
How does island pricing work?
Block Island trends above the Rhode Island state average once ferry logistics, limited lodging, and full-property buyouts are factored in. Peak-season inn and hotel rates are premium.
What is the best time of year?
Late May through early October is the operating season. July and August are peak. September pairs milder weather with easier ferry logistics and slightly better availability.
What about weather risk?
Early-summer fog is common. Late-summer and early-fall storms can disrupt ferry schedules, so a real weather and ferry contingency is part of the plan.
Do vendors need special logistics?
Yes. Vendors that do not live on the island need ferry reservations for people and equipment, and vehicle spots often sell out months ahead. Confirm the ferry plan with every vendor early.
Should guests bring their cars?
Generally no. The island is compact and moves by bicycle, moped, and taxi. Vehicles require advance ferry reservations that are often full, and on-property parking is tight.
Where do guests stay?
Historic Victorian hotels and inns around Old Harbor plus smaller inns and rentals across the island. Large weddings often buy out full properties or coordinate blocks across several inns.
What can guests do outside the wedding?
Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Light, Crescent Beach, Rodman's Hollow, Clay Head Trail, North Light, and cycling the Block Island Greenway.
How does the Rhode Island marriage license work on Block Island?
If neither party lives in Rhode Island, apply at the New Shoreham Town Clerk since the ceremony is on the island. There is no waiting period; the license is valid for 90 days. Confirm current fees and timing directly with the clerk.
Can we hold the ceremony on the bluffs or a public beach?
Public land on Block Island, including town beaches and state-managed sites, has its own rules. Confirm requirements with the Town of New Shoreham and Rhode Island DEM before finalizing a public-land ceremony.
Block Island regional data sources
Cost context on this page references The Knot's national Real Weddings Study; season and weather guidance references NOAA; Rhode Island marriage license details reference the official state authority.
- Source: The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study · The Knot
- Source: National Weather Service forecasts (NOAA) · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Source: Rhode Island Department of Health: Marriage Licenses · Rhode Island Department of Health
- Rhode Island Department of Health: Marriage LicensesRhode Island Department of Health(verified 2026-07-11)
- Town of New Shoreham (Block Island)Town of New Shoreham, RI(verified 2026-07-11)
- Block Island FerryInterstate Navigation Co.(verified 2026-07-11)
- Block Island Tourism CouncilBlock Island Tourism Council(verified 2026-07-11)
Last reviewed 2026-07-11. This page is updated as conditions change.