Named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the Providence Athenæum provides a spectacular and unique atmosphere for your celebration.

Take your vows surrounded by thousands of books, while your guests witness your commitment from two levels of the library. Create unforgettable photographs as you wander freely throughout the historic building, then gather in the book-lined Reading Room for a cocktail-style, stationed, or seated dinner and celebrations.

Rental fee: $6,500 ($1,000 discount offered January – June)
Full building rentals are not available in July and August.

Locations: All three library floors, including mezzanine-level for ceremony & photographs; recently restored Art Room as a wedding party suite; courtyard access (weather permitting)

Time frame: 6 active event hours (plus 3 hours of vendor setup & breakdown). Additional hours can be reserved at a rate of $500/hr.

Capacity: Ceremony seating for 65; 90 with standing room.
80 guests for seated dinner with room for dancing; 100 for cocktail-style reception

Included furniture: 100 wooden garden chairs, three 8’ wooden banquet tables, antique library furnishings

The garden-level Reading Room transforms into a one-of-a-kind space for your celebration. Host your ceremony, sit down to an elegant banquet-style seated meal, or mix and mingle for a festive cocktail party.

Rental fee: $3,500 ($1,000 discount offered January – June)

Locations: Lower level Reading Room; courtyard access (weather permitting); Main Level and mezzanine access for couple photographs only

Time frame: 4 active event hours (plus 2 hours of vendor setup & breakdown). Additional hours can be reserved at a rate of $500/hr.

Capacity: 80 guests for ceremony or seated dinner with room for dancing; 100 for cocktail-style reception

Included furniture: 100 wooden garden chairs, three 8’ wooden banquet tables, antique library furnishings

The stunning mezzanine-level Art Room can be reserved as a bridal or wedding party suite for an additional fee. Please inquire for more details.

Plan an intimate ceremony with your choice of backdrop: the recently restored mezzanine-level Art Room, full of oil paintings and a picturesque view over the entire library; the breathtaking Main Level; or the garden-level Reading Room, illuminated by bistro lights and lined with books. This rental option accommodates a ceremony and photography throughout the building.

Rental fee: $1,500

Locations: Art Room, Main Hall, or Reading Room for ceremony; full building access for photographs

Time frame: 2 hours, including library/vendor set-up and break-down. Must take place outside of library hours.

Capacity: 15 or fewer people, including couple and vendors

Included furniture: 15 wooden garden chairs, antique library furnishings