Named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the Providence Athenæum provides a spectacular and unique atmosphere for your celebration. From intimate elopements to extraordinary photographs, romantic ceremonies to lively receptions, the library creates an unforgettable backdrop of thousands of books, stunning architecture, and Providence history.

The nearly 200-year-old Athenæum is a venue like no other. Take your vows surrounded by tens of thousands of books, while your guests witness your love and commitment from two levels of the library. Create unforgettable photographs as you wander freely throughout the building, then gather in the book-lined Reading Room for a cocktail-style, stationed, or seated dinner and celebrations.

You and your partner will receive a one-year membership to the Athenæum as a special gift from the library.

Rental fee: $5,500 (all proceeds directly support the library)
Locations: full building; mezzanine-level for ceremony & photography; recently restored Art Room as a wedding party suite; courtyard access (weather permitting)
Timeframe: 9 hours, including library/vendor set-up and break-down. Additional hours can be reserved at a rate of $500/hr.
Capacity: up to 100 guests, with ceremony seating on the Main Level and mezzanine for 65
Included furniture: 100 wooden garden chairs, additional library furnishings

The garden-level Reading Room transforms into an incredible space for your celebration. Your guests can witness your ceremony, sit down to an elegant banquet-style seated meal, or mix and mingle for a festive cocktail party. The room’s layout and furnishings will be customized to your needs.

You and your partner will receive a one-year membership to the Athenæum as a special gift from the library.

Rental fee: $2,500 (all proceeds directly support the library)
Locations: Reading Room; adjacent “Bound” conference room; courtyard access (weather permitting); Main Level and mezzanine access for couple photography only
Timeframe: 6 hours, including library/vendor set-up and break-down. Additional hours can be reserved at a rate of $500/hr.
Capacity: up to 100 guests, depending on your needs
Included furniture: 100 wooden garden chairs, additional 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 your intimate elopement 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, hung with string lights and lined with books.

You and your partner will receive a one-year membership to the Athenæum as a special gift from the library.

Rental fee: $1,000 (all proceeds directly support the library)
Locations: Art Room, Main Hall, or Reading Room for ceremony; full building access for photography
Timeframe: 2 hours, including library/vendor set-up and break-down. Must take place outside of library hours.
Capacity: 10 or fewer people, including couple and vendors
Included furniture: 10 wooden garden chairs, additional library furnishings